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Avoid These Common Towing Mistakes

Towing can be a tricky task, even for experienced drivers. From securing the load to choosing the right vehicle and equipment, there are many factors to consider when towing. Unfortunately, many people make common towing mistakes that can result in accidents, damage to the vehicle or trailer, or even injury or death. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common towing mistakes and how to avoid them.

Overloading the Vehicle or Trailer

One of the most common towing mistakes is overloading the vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause the vehicle to handle poorly, increase stopping distances, and put excessive stress on the brakes, tires, and suspension. In addition, overloading can result in fines or legal problems if the weight exceeds the legal limit.

To avoid overloading, always check the vehicle and trailer’s maximum weight capacity and ensure that the weight of the load does not exceed it. Use a weight distribution hitch and sway control system if necessary to improve stability and handling.

Incorrectly Securing the Load

Another common towing mistake is incorrectly securing the load. A poorly secured load can shift or even fall off the vehicle or trailer, causing accidents, injuries, or damage to other vehicles or property. Always ensure that the load is properly tied down and secured with the right type of straps or chains and that it does not exceed the vehicle or trailer’s weight limit. Additionally, ensure you have correctly installed your trailer hitch.

Using the wrong type of vehicle or equipment

Using the wrong type of vehicle or equipment for towing is a common mistake that can have serious consequences. For example, towing a heavy trailer with a small car or using a ball hitch instead of a weight distribution hitch can lead to poor handling, reduced braking, and an increased risk of accidents. To avoid this mistake, always choose the right hitch and equipment for the job. Consult the owner’s manual or a professional mechanic to determine the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity and select the appropriate hitch, brakes, and tires for the trailer.

Ignoring safety precautions

Finally, ignoring safety precautions is a common towing mistake that can have severe consequences. Towing involves significant risks, such as the risk of jackknifing, swaying, or losing control of the vehicle or trailer. Failing to follow safety precautions such as using safety chains, checking brakes and lights, or adjusting mirrors and seats can increase the risk of accidents, injuries, or damage.

To avoid this mistake, always follow safety precautions when towing. Read the owner’s manual or consult a professional mechanic for specific instructions on how to use the vehicle and equipment safely. Also, be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding towing, such as speed limits and lane restrictions.

Towing can be a safe and efficient way to transport goods or equipment if done correctly. However, common towing mistakes can lead to accidents, injuries, or damage to property. By avoiding overloading, correctly securing the load, using the right type of vehicle and equipment, and following safety precautions, you can minimize the risk and ensure a safe and successful towing experience.

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GEN-Y Hitch Limited Lifetime Warranty

This Limited Lifetime Warranty covers defects in the materials or workmanship of All GEN-Y manufactured products and is limited to the repair or replacement of the product by GEN-Y Hitch. The decision as to whether the solution is replacement or repair shall be at GEN-Y Hitch’s sole determination. This Limited Lifetime Warranty is provided only to the original purchaser and applies only to the original installation.

TORSION-FLEX Hitches

All rubber components for TORSION-FLEX Hitches are assured for 5 years from the date the unit was purchased.

Click HERE to purchase a TORSION-FLEX Lifetime Warranty  

This Limited Lifetime Warranty Warranty is expressly IN LIEU of any other express warranty and is further IN LIEU of any implied warranty, including, but not limited to, any implied WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE except as may otherwise be required by applicable Federal or State law at the time the hitch was manufactured.

This Limited Lifetime Warranty does not cover the following:

  • normal wear and tear 
  • the finish on the product  →  wear around the shank of the hitch, the ball mount & the pintle saddle is inevitable and should be expected with normal use of the hitch due to metal on metal contact from trailer couplers / lunette rings
  • replacement of the product by any person or entity other than GEN-Y Hitch
  • any consequential or incidental damages including, but not limited to: commercial loss, loss of time, loss or damage to personal property, lodging, meals or other related travel costs or any other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of the product, the inability to use the product or for any other reasonable delay in performance under this Lifetime Warranty
  • service or labor charges for:
    • installing the product 
    • removing the product
    • returning the product to GEN-Y Hitch or replacing the product by anyone other than GEN-Y Hitch
    • damages caused by abuse, neglect, misuse, misapplication, overloading or improper installation, improper maintenance, repair, negligence or acts of God
    • alteration of the product in any way other than by GEN-Y Hitch
    • failure to utilize the product in compliance with it’s User Manual
    • failure of any product to which the GEN-Y product was attached

GEN-Y Hitch shall not be held responsible for any or all “compatible parts or products” being used or being utilized for towing with or around a GEN-Y Hitch product. GEN-Y Hitch products shall never be altered in any circumstance or for any reason and will void any warranties if done so.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Limited Lifetime Warranty gives you specific legals right, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. The laws applicable to any litigation, dispute, mediation, arbitration, or any claim whatsoever arising from the sale, purchase, or use of the product shall be the laws of the State of Indiana, without regard to rules pertaining to conflicts of law. The exclusive jurisdiction for deciding any claims, demands or causes of action relating in any way, from the sale, purchase, or use of the product shall be with the courts of the Circuit or Superior Courts of Elkhart County, Indiana.

Changes in the Design of and/or Improvements to GEN-Y Hitch products and substitution of parts or components

GEN-Y Hitch reserves the unrestricted right at any time and from time to time to make changes in the design of and/or improvements upon GEN-Y Hitch products without thereby imposing any obligation upon itself to make corresponding changes or improvements in or upon GEN-Y Hitch products already manufactured. GEN-Y Hitch further reserves the right to substitute parts or components of substantially equal quality in any warranty service required by the operation of this Limited Warranty.

If your GEN-Y product was involved in an accident, do not continue to tow with it. There may be structural damage to the hitch that you cannot see that could result in product failure