by Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I see a lot of motorists pulling campers and trailers that don’t have experience or simply don’t know what they are doing. I see some crashes that I suspect are due to this. Can you talk about pulling campers and trailers?

Answer: If you pull a camper or trailer with your vehicle, you must maintain at least 500 feet of following distance from other vehicles.

When loaded, 10 to 15 percent of the trailer’s weight should be balanced on the hitch between the trailer and vehicle. When correctly loaded, the trailer’s floor should be level. After the first few miles, stop and check the hitch, tires, lights and load. Repeat this process at all rest stops.

Travel at a slower speed. Many trailers have smaller wheels that turn faster than your car wheels, causing heat buildup that can lead to trailer wheel bearing failure.

Remember that the brakes on your vehicle were probably not designed to handle heavy trailer loads. A sudden stop at high speed could flip both the trailer and the car.

Speed up carefully, using a lower gear if necessary. Maintain enough following distance to prevent the need for sudden stops. When passing other vehicles, remember the additional length of your trailer and be aware that your ability to accelerate is reduced.

Wind and rain will affect your ability to handle and control a vehicle pulling extra weight. When towing a trailer or camper in wet or windy conditions, slow down more than you would normally do in such weather.

Allow plenty of room for turns. Long trailers will swing closer to the edge of the road than your vehicle.

Pay extra attention to your vehicle’s cooling system when towing extra weight. Your engine will overheat more easily in warm weather, at high speeds and in hilly areas.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)