As always, safety first! As you prepare for your journey with a trailer in tow, ensuring safety is paramount. Let's take a look at the recommended tasks you should perform before each tow:
- Ball Size Matches Coupler: Verify that the coupler size matches the ball size on the tow vehicle to prevent instability. If you have a 2" coupler on your trailer, utilize a 2" ball. It is also important to use a drop hitch to make the trailer as level as possible when carrying a load.
- Ball & Mounting Rating: Confirm that the ball and mounting rating exceed the weight of the trailer + cargo and ensure the trailer remains level when loaded.
- Hitch Connection: Ensure the hitch is secure and the trailer is properly connected to the towing vehicle.
- Check Pins: Check that all retaining pins, like the hitch pin, latch lock pin, and coupler pins are installed and locked for the hitch, ball assembly, and coupler.
- Breakaway Test: If the trailer has brakes, ensure the breakaway cable is secured to the tow vehicle. To test the breakaway is operating the trailer brakes, disconnect the plug (temporarily) from the tow vehicle, pull the plunger on the breakaway device and attempt to move the trailer forward. If the breakaway is working properly the trailer brakes should apply the tires won't rotate. If the brakeaway doesn't apply the trailer brakes, you may need to replace the small 12V battery in the brakeaway box that is typically mounted on the tongue near the breakaway plunger device. Once the test is complete, push the breakaway cable plunger back into the device, and reconnect your plug back into the tow vehicle.
- Brake Controller: If the trailer has brakes, test the brake controller and test the brakes to ensure efficient braking performance.
- Plug Connection: Check you have properly connected your 4-way, 5-way, or 7-way plug between your trailer and your tow-vehicle. If your plug wire is long, be sure to allow for flexibility on making turns but not low enough to drag or snag the wire on the ground.
- Lights & Signals: Check all brake lights, running lights, and turn signals to ensure visibility and compliance with road regulations.
- Tire Condition: Inspect tires for wear, cracks, and inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended PSI to prevent blowouts and maintain stability.
- Load Security: Inspect straps for fraying or tearing, and ensure the weight is distributed toward the front of the trailer for optimal stability during transit.
- Tighten Wheel Lug Nuts: Torque lug nuts to the manufacturer's recommended specifications to prevent wheel detachment during travel.
- Safety Chains: Cross safety chains underneath the hitch and ensure they are attached to the vehicle, not dragging on the ground, to prevent runaway trailers in case of a disconnection.
- Spare Tire: Check that the spare tire is inflated and accessible, and ensure you have a jack and lug wrench in case of emergencies on the road.
In addition to these safety tasks, we recommend the following trailer tips:
- Trailers need serviced every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
- Trailers weighing over 3,000 lbs need brakes and a brake controller
- Trailers in North Carolina require DMV registration, title, and tags
- Permanent multi-year tags pay for themselves in 2 years, but are non-transferrable
- Load your trailer with 60% of the load in the front half of the trailer
- Tag along trailers have 10-15% tongue weight, gooseneck trailers have 20-25%
- Max payload of your trailer is the difference between the GVWR and the trailer weight
- North Carolina has the 2nd highest trailer theft in the nation, always secure your trailers
By meticulously following this comprehensive trailer safety checklist, you can minimize risks and ensure a secure and worry-free journey. By prioritizing safety, you'll be better equipped to enjoy a smooth and enjoyable trip with peace of mind. Safe travels!
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