#1 Rated Trailer Dealer in the Carolinas!

Pre-Trip Towing Inspection Checklist

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!

About the Author

Hi, I’m Johnny Shelton with NC Trailers, the #1 rated trailer dealer in the Carolinas. With over 300 trailers in stock, we’ve proudly served contractors, adventure seekers, and everyone in between since 1996. Having sold and serviced over 10,000 trailers, we’re grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. We’re committed to using our experience to help you succeed in all your trailer and towing needs. Let’s thrive together!

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First Last N.
12:41 13 Apr 25
Nctrailers Team are awesome !!! Sam the sales representative was very helpful on the phone and when I should up on site. Shanice with my contract. Tammy explaining each process during the DMV registration and paperwork. Ryan was very patient in the pouring rain preparing and getting me connected to the truck and doing the safety checks 5 times to make sure no issues. Thanks nctrailers of Thomasville for professionalism and attention to detail. I definitely be seeing you guys in a few months for a car trailer .
Desiree B.
18:02 12 Apr 25
Had the pleasure of buying our first trailer for our new business from them this weekend. And let me say I can’t say enough about this company. From the first call with Donna, till we drove off the lot hooked up, they were absolutely amazing! Their inventory is intensive yes, but the customer service is extraordinary! Our purchase experience start with a transfer to Zach who was welcoming and extremely knowledgeable! Shancie took care of the financing and made everything so easy and simple, and Tammy was fast with our paperwork! Noah and Ryan went above and beyond for the install and hookup of all the accessories we choose! These folks are the best around and hire the most wonderful crew! Highly recommend them for any trailer purchase or service needs!
Mitch O.
12:47 12 Apr 25
I would like to take a minute and recognize several people at NC trailers. From the start it was Zach & Sam in sales which went above and beyond the process of helping me pick the correct trailer and helping me complete all necessary paperwork when I was literally 1800 miles away driving down the road.Shanice in financing made financing the trailer simple and quick, and behind the scenes Tammy in tag/title department was doing her magic so it all came together as one cohesive unit the day of picking the trailer up.Speaking of picking up the trailer, Ryan & Noah truly went above and beyond expectations working in the pouring rain, while not compromising standards of making sure everything went smoothly and that I was hooked up correctly while taking the time to fully go over every aspect of the trailer and how to hook and unhook the trailer.Tyler in Service & Parts was very helpful with information regarding the Gooseneck hitch for my next trailer.Thank you to each Team member of NC trailers. I HIGHLY recommend this company to anyone needing a trailer.So, if you need any type of trailer, accessory or even a repair, NC trailers should be your First and only stop. They truly make you feel like Family and the trailers are rated top in the Industry and priced very reasonably.Head on over to NC trailers and get your trailer today. Tell them Mitch with a “M” not a “B” sent you, and you should receive an extra smile or two.
Anthony T.
21:34 10 Apr 25
Awesome place to do business!
Shaun O.
04:19 09 Apr 25
I have to say I had great experience with the staff at NCtrailers in Thomasville, NC. The staff up there were amazing. I had the pleasure of being David’s first sale for his new career dealing in this type of equipment. He has had many years in sales and it shows but he decided to venture into a new atmosphere of sales. Working through the contract side of things Shanice was very thorough and was able to give me all the details I needed. She was so inviting and made you feel comfortable through would could be a stressful process.Tammy was a sweetheart with the tag and title paper work and talked me through all the necessary links and info I would need to setup the last little bit of info.Ryan and Noah had me all hooked up and ready to go and even took the time to help me find a short in my connection on my truck so I would be comfortable knowing all the lights and everything worked properly on the new trailer.All in all I had a great experience with the entire staff from parts to sales to service. I will most definitely be recommending them to anyone I know for their trailer needs.Now wish me luck on my lawn care company venture.Lawn Legends LLC.
Conard B.
14:22 07 Mar 25
The staff was very helpful and motivated I went back and forth with two trailers figuring prices and add ons they were very patient and provide me with two different layouts for two different prices. I finally made my decision. I would highly recommend for your next trailer go too NC trailer sales.
Keith B.
02:54 07 Feb 25
After searching many sites, I settled on calling NC Trailers of Thomasville, NC. Zach was very helpful over the phone answering my questions. After I decided on a trailer I drove 3 1/2 hours to arrive at their location only 30 minutes before they closed. They didn’t mind my late arrival or staying to complete the sale. I changed my mind on the trailer I wanted and Shaun was very quick to redo all the paperwork for the sale. Noah was also helpful in going over the trailer with me and answering questions I had. And thank you Tammy for saving me a trip to NCDMV, at NC Trailers they can do your DMV registration and you leave with tags already installed. The trailer pulled smoothly all the home.
Jenny D
00:33 11 Dec 24
Tyler at NC trailers was knowledgeable, helpful & communicated well. Tyler made getting the replacement part I needed hassle free. Thanks again!
Stephen J.
18:46 09 Dec 24
What a great place to purchase a trailer!! Such a huge inventory and very competitive pricing. My sales representative was Zach and he really went over the top to satisfy what I wanted. Shaun handled my contract and was super efficient as with Tammy, who handled my DMV paperwork. Many thumbs up to this great group!!Thanks so very much!!
Frederick H.
10:06 07 Dec 24
Bought a Landscaping trailer from them 5 years ago. Great trailer! They service and have parts in stock! Went and seen Tyler for parts the other day and he's very knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend these guys to anyone! Dec 2024 Update: This is my second review. Lol. I some new HD axles installed on a trailer back in the spring and they are holding up GREAT! Thanks Tyler again for your sales work and Wes for an amazing flawless install! Great knowledgeable crew here!
Stephanie N James R
03:44 07 Dec 24
This company was great! Zach showed us great options, and helped us pick the perfect trailer for our needs. Shawn explained all of the extra packages we could add to it, and finalized the contract. Tammy did a great job at making sure we had our title, tag,and registration taken care of. And, Ryan and Noah got us hooked up and ready to go. Because they have an on-site parts and service department they were able to install the needed brake controller the our truck wasn't equipped with. Wonderful place. Will definitely recommend!
william C.
20:34 27 Nov 24
This is my second Trailer I bought from NC Trailers. Everyone that helped me went above and beyond with their service.Sales- ShancieFinance- ShawnDMV/paperwork- TammyHookup-Ryan & Noah.Their Service department helped me out a week later too.

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