Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/309330
44 w e s t w o r l d A l b e r t A | s u m m e r 2 0 1 4 ashley cooper/alamy/all canada photos 1. MIND YOUR TOWING CAPACITY It's listed in your vehicle owner's manual – don't exceed it. 2. GET THE RIGHT GEAR You'll need the correct class of hitch for your load, plus safety chains, a lighting harness and rear-view mirrors that allow you to see around the trailer. Safety chains should be crossed underneath the hitch to form a cradle, says Rick Lang of AMA Driver Education: "If the hitch fails, the tongue of the trailer will drop into the cradle instead of right down onto the ground." e trailer must have its own brakes if its weight exceeds 910 kg fully loaded, or if the gross trailer weight is more than half that allowed for the trailer model. 3. FLASH YOUR LIGHTS Test your trailer's running, brake and signal lights every time you hook it up, and whenever you make a pit stop. 4. STRAP 'ER DOWN TIGHT Secure your load with more than one strap, crossing one from side to side and one front to back. 5. TAKE IT SLOW ON THE ROAD Stay right, unless you're passing. Pull over periodically and check the trailer's wheel hubs for overheat- ing, which may be a sign that the bearings need grease. 6. TURN EXTRA-WIDE Your turning radius will be about double what it is without the trailer attached. 7. STEER SMART When backing up, turn the wheel in the opposite direction that you want the trailer to go. Also remember that "small movements of the wheel will create a larger movement in the trailer," says Lang, "especially with smaller trailers, which can jackknife quickly." W Test your Insurance IQ Q I mainly ride my ATV on my farm, but sometimes I go on the road. Does it need a plate? IQ Yes, if you ride your ATV on public roads, you must have a licence plate. Remember, if you take an ATV (quad, dirt bike, dune buggy or motor scooter) off of your property and onto a public road, you also require auto insurance. Q My son's friend wants to take our ATV for a spin on a public road. What happens if he hurts himself? Could I be liable? IQ If your son's friend injures himself while operating your ATV on a public road, your auto insurance protects you, just as when someone borrows your car. Register your ATV at AMA. Call 1-866-989-6370 or visit any centre. Customized plates available. ATVs Tow and Go Revved about hitching up the ol' trailer and hauling your ATV to the nearest trail or dune? Keep these towing tips top of mind: Get out and Play Quadding on the Athabasca sand Dunes About 200 kilometres from Fort McMurray looms the province's largest sandbox: the Athabasca Sand Dunes. Surrounded by forests, lakes and marshes, these immense waves of sand reach heights of 12 metres. Most of the area is protected, but the Richardson River Sand Dune complex is open to ATVs, dune buggies and other off-road vehicles. In fact, this is the only way to access the dunes. From Fort McMurray, drive approximately 100 km to the staging area. From there, ride along a 90-km sand trail to the dunes. –Shauna Rudd p39-47ToysOfSummer.indd 44 14-04-29 9:32 AM