The Zeep Melbourne International kicks off this week at Werribee Park Precinct. General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) has marked the occasion by releasing a list of tips for trailering tips for the horse community.
Published in full below, the tips include making sure horse owners don’t exceed the gross vehicle mass requirements of their cars, monitoring and mitigating potential tripping hazards in their horse floats, and a host of driving tips.
The tips correspond with GMSV’s recently launched updated Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado is a popular pick-up among the horse fraternity due to its impressive 4.5-tonne towing capacity.
Some of the Silverado’s biggest updates concern its tech. The latest model comes with trailer sway control, hill start assist, auto grade braking, and (in LTZ models) up to 15 different camera angles for the driver to scroll through.
Among these angles is the Silverado’s unique ability to ‘see through’ trailers via Invisible Mode.
“The Chevrolet Silverado is the epitome of what a tow vehicle should be, as it offers impressive levels of horsepower and outstanding towing ability of up to 4.5-tonnes,” said GMSV general manager of marketing, customer experience and communications, Jodie Lennon.
“One of the most innovative accessory features available is the ‘transparent trailer’ view, which through the use of camera technology quite literally makes your trailer disappear.
“Irrespective of how big the item is that you are towing, it allows the driver to virtually ‘see through’ a compatible trailer.”
Lennon notes that she is a horse owner herself, and has plenty of first-hand experience of trailering horse floats.
“I have found having a list is the best way to cover off all the important things well before you drive out the gate. It can be all too easy to rush and forget one or two things, so taking the time to double check can save a lot of angst in the event of anything going wrong,” Lennon added.
“A checklist is a great starting point, but as with any time you’re on the road – be prepared for the unexpected and be ready for anything.”
GMSV Safe Towing Suggestions
Pre-Tow Checklist and On the Road
Key recommendations which could make up part of a checklist include:
● Ensure you are complying with local rules and regulations with regards to trailer operation, such as not exceeding gross vehicle mass requirements
● Check tyre tread and air pressures as well as the hitch connection itself
● After connecting your trailer to the correctly sized tow ball, attach the safety chain and electrical connection – then check to see the indicator and brake lights are working correctly
● Always carry a spare wheel with the correct tyre jack and wheel changing equipment
● With specific regards to a horse float, check the trailer flooring and that mats are firmly located in place to prevent tripping hazards
Once you’re on the road, remember the following:
● Due to the extra combined mass of your vehicle and the horse float or trailer, increase your following distance and allow more space between you and other vehicles as you will need extra space to come to a stop
● Conversely, you will also need to factor more space to accelerate, so look for bigger gaps before rejoining the traffic
● When driving, take corners a little wider than normal to allow for your longer load and to avoid hitting things on the inside of the curve
Of course, remember to always read and follow the vehicle and trailer manufacturers’ guidance and instructions before connecting your trailer and taking to the roads.
