Four Smart Tips to Help Independent Truckers Tow Heavy Machinery
If you are an independent contractor in the towing business, you probably know a few tricks about connecting your truck to a trailer in order to transport heavy, tall, and wide machinery. This machinery includes boilers, forklifts, and transformers among others. However, if you are a first-timer, you will need to know a few tricks of the trade to ensure your safety and reduce losses. Here are some smart tips for towing heavy cargo and machinery transport for new independent truckers.
Know the Maximum Load -- Both the truck and the trailer have a maximum amount of weight that they can withstand, save for a little leeway. However, when you exceed the manufacturer's recommended tonnage, then you run the risk of damaging your truck or losing the cargo. You will also be risking your life and those of other motorists. In general, overloading is bad for business in terms of costs of repairs and replacement of damaged parts. If there is too much load for one trip, do the right thing and make another trip instead of trying to fit all the cargo on the trailer. Also, remember that a heavier cargo requires more fuel to haul than a light load.
Understand the Hitch -- For those not familiar with a hitch, it is the metal part that joins the trailer to your truck. As a driver, you will have to familiarize yourself with all the nuances of the hitch, including its threshold and rating. You should bear in mind the size of your hitch. At no point should you attempt to connect a trailer to a hitch that is of different size because you risk destroying the cargo and the truck.
Observe Basic Rules on the Road -- Most independent truck drivers know that clients are looking for expedited deliveries to their preferred locations. However, this does not imply that the drivers should break all traffic rules to beat the deadline. When you become too aggressive on the road, you may find yourself unable to control the vehicle. Always keep a safe distance to allow you to brake slowly so that the cargo does not jolt loose. Also, know that when transporting heavy machinery, the trailer's inertia may render the truck unable to make a sudden stop. Swerving can also cause the load to sway sideways; thus, destabilising the trailer.
Brake Controllers Improve Towing Performance -- With new trailers, braking has been made easy because they come equipped with technology to link to the truck's braking mechanism. Conversely, for older trucks, you will have to invest in high-performance brake controllers, which match the output of the trailer brake to the truck's deceleration. Have a professional make appropriate adjustments on the controllers for enhanced performance.
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