What should you do if you encounter a steep hill while towing?

When towing a heavy trailer and encountering a steep hill, shifting to a lower gear is crucial because it allows the vehicle to maintain engine power and control. This provides the necessary torque to climb the incline safely without straining the engine or risking overheating. Lower gears increase the engine's RPMs, ensuring that you have adequate power to propel both the vehicle and the trailer up the hill.

Using a lower gear also enhances your control over the vehicle, making it easier to manage speed, especially if you start to lose traction or face unexpected changes in gradient. It prevents the transmission from constantly shifting between gears, which can cause stress on the vehicle's engine and transmission system.

In contrast, trying to speed up to maintain momentum could lead to losing control or even a rollover, especially if the incline is steep. Constantly engaging the trailer brakes can also lead to brake overheating or decrease their effectiveness. Finally, steering sharply to prevent rolling backward is unnecessary; good gear selection and controlled braking will provide the stability needed on inclines. Thus, shifting to a lower gear is the most effective and safest option when handling steep hills while towing.