Use, don’t lose, what you’re hauling

U-Haul’s Marco Garcia Trailering Demonstrator

Ford Driving Skills for Life is pleased to team up with U-Haul to share the importance of safe trailering, an issue of extreme importance to teens as they head off to college and start their adult lives.

“It’s important that drivers understand the need to load a trailer correctly, with more weight loaded heavier in the front,” U-Haul community education program manager Lindsay Pobieglo stated. “By educating students on this practice at an early age, U-Haul aims to make the next generation of drivers advocates for responsible loading and towing – ensuring our roads are safer for all.”

U-Haul’s Marco Garcia Trailering Demonstrator (MGTD) will be part of the 2019 Ford DSFL Global Tour. This dynamic visual aid and teaching tool features a running treadmill with a one-tenth-scaled car; a weight-toting bar attached to the car, representing a trailer; and a wheel for attendees to steer the car.

When small weights are placed on the bar (representing the trailer) according to the 60-40 rule – with 60 percent of the cargo weight toward the front of the trailer, in front of the axle – the wheel can be turned abruptly and the trailer remains in line behind the car. When loaded incorrectly with more weight in the back of the trailer, the MGTD shows that the same abrupt turns can cause the trailer to fishtail, whipping dangerously and creating the potential for a catastrophic towing scenario.

“By teaching them at a young age, we are hoping they will bring these important safety guidelines with them as they begin their journey. We also hope that those familiar with safe trailering will be careful on the road when they may encounter other drivers not towing safely and leave extra space between their car and the trailer,” creator of the MGTD Marco Garcia stated.

To learn more about safe trailering, visit https://www.uhaul.com/Videos/Safety/Safe-Trailering-Part-1/ or attend a Ford DSFL hands-on clinic near you.