Pulling a trailer, whether it is large or small, requires a regular review of the equipment. Oftentimes, we utilize trailers to help us in the performance of our work. Depending on what you are towing, the connection to your vehicle may vary. For example, a ball and coupler hitch is used on a wide variety of tow vehicles and trailer combinations. However, a load-distributing hitch is used for heavier models trailers such as utility trailers. Load-distributing hitches use special equipment to distribute the tongue load to all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer to help stabilize the tow vehicle. Here are some items you should know and inspect when towing a trailer.
- Receiver: Hitch platform fitted to the tow vehicle.
- Ball Mount: A removable steel component that fits into the receiver. The hitch ball and spring bars (only on load- distributing hitches) are attached to it.
- Sway Control: A device designed to lessen the pivoting motion between the tow vehicle and trailer when a ball-type hitch is used.
- Coupler: The ball socket at the front of the trailer A-frame that receives the hitch ball.
- Spring Bars: Load-leveling bars used to distribute hitch weight among all axles of the tow vehicle and the trailer in a load-distributing ball-type hitch.
Inspections should include the hitch and signals, as well as some extra safety and clearance precautions to ensure a secure drive. When towing a trailer make sure to inspect the following:
- Proper Tongue Weight
Set tongue weight to 10 – 15 percent of the trailer’s total weight for good stability. If the tow vehicle doesn’t have enough rear suspension spring rate to accept this, get an equalizing hitch. The equalizing hitch will transfer some of the tongue weight forward to the front axle.
- Safety Chains
Cross the safety chains under the hitch side-to-side, in an X pattern. If, for whatever reason, the hitch comes adrift, the trailer tongue will drop onto the chains instead of onto the ground and that will maximize your control and minimize the damage to you and your rig in the event of a disconnect. Bonus: With the chains crossed, you can turn in a tighter circle without the chains binding.
- Tire Pressure
Check the tire pressures of the trailer and tow vehicle often. Run the tires at their maximum recommended pressure. They’ll run cooler, and you’ll consume less gas.
- Re-inspect
Whenever you make a stop while under-tow, do a walk-around inspection of the hitch, wiring, and tires. Be sure the trailer harness connector and breakaway cable are still connected. Check the nut on the bottom of the hitch ball, and make sure that the hitch pin and its hairpin are still holding the drawbar on. Check the tire and brake drum and wheel-bearing temperatures. A noncontact infrared thermometer gun is useful, and will keep your hands clean, but just using the palm of your hand is fine. If one tire or bearing is noticeably hotter, you’ve got a problem.
- Brakes
As you start your tow trip, check electric brake function as soon as you can by sliding the brake controller lever over an inch or so. You should be able to feel the trailer brakes actuate.
- Battery Charge
Trailers with electrical-operated brakes have a breakaway switch and a small 12-volt battery to actuate the trailer brakes if the hitch accidentally comes apart. Check the state of charge of that battery regularly. Many trailers have no provision for charging this battery, so it has to be charged manually. Add a diode to charge it from the trailer’s 12-volt circuit which will charge the battery a little every time you touch the brakes.
Many states require trailers to drive in the slower right hand lanes; check your state’s Driver Handbook for details. Remember, trailers require extra stopping room. Towing also requires forethought when changing lanes, making turns, and backing up. In general, you should be aware of where you are driving with a trailer, and avoid a situation where you might be stuck, or have to back up a long way.
Before driving follow this pre-safety checklist:
- Check and correct the tire pressure on both the tow vehicle and trailer
- Make sure the wheel lug nuts/bolts on the tow vehicle and trailer are tightened to the correct torque.
- Ensure the hitch, couple, draw bar and other equipment that connect the trailer and tow vehicle are properly secured and adjusted.
- Check that the wiring is properly connect – not touching the road but loose enough to make turns without disconnecting or damaging the wires.
- Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
- Verify the brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer are operating correctly.
- Check that all items are securely fastened on and in the trailer.
- Be sure that the trailer jack, tongue support, and any attached stabilizers are raised and locked in place.
- Check load distribution to make sure the tow vehicle and trailer are properly balanced front to back and side to side.
- Check side and rear-view mirrors to make sure you have good visibility.
- Ensure you have wheel chocks and jack stands.
By performing these initial inspections, and pre-safety checks, this will help ensure your safety while towing, and the safety of others around you.