Hard work demands careful preperation

Summer may be tailing off, the mornings are cooler but there are still some holiday weekends left before the winter arrives.
With relatively stable weather many are still plotting a few final weekend adventures. But those who are towing might be advised to take a look around their gear before hitting the road.
A moment examining the condition of wheels and tyres, a maintenance morning in the man-cave changing oils and filters, perhaps installing a throttle controller or upgrading the ECU to suit the torque demands of towing a decent payload.
Take a look also at the tow vehicle’s ratings and its GVM rating in particular. Is it safe for the tow job planned? Are there upgrades that will give the vehicle a buffer against the demands of this work?
If the battery isn’t cranking the engine over with its usual enthusiasm, go get it tested before heading out. These are not things to leave to chance or to ‘when we get back’.
Did it get hot last time it towed? Then definitely change the engine and trans fluids, maybe the radiator coolant too. Oil works by cooling as much as by lubricating; and ‘antifreeze’ reduces flash-heating in the cooling system, and is important to keep the water pump in good nick.
Those tyres that have taken the 4WD around town all year – are they suitable for the tough work? Do they have plenty of tread? Is it time to consider a more robust LT tyre perhaps? If the chosen venue for that last summer-ending epic adventure is off tarmac and the tyres are a bit down on tread, perhaps it’s a good time to get a more aggressive tread pattern on a tyre with the right load rating for the job.
Remember, too: when tyre treads are worn down, the tyre is more prone to a puncture. Not fun when there’s a caravan or boat on the towbar and an overheated grumpy family in the vehicle.