February 2011 Safety Tip

Trailer Towing

Pre-trip inspection:

• Tires
  • Make sure the tire pressure is correct
  • Always check the PSI when your tires are cold
  • Make sure tires size matches what the manufacture recommends
• Lights
  • Check your lights; make sure they are all working
• Trailer brakes
  • Check the wire harness for wear marks or any cracks or tears
  • Check to make sure your trailer brakes are working properly
    • If your trailer has electric brakes make sure all components are in working order
  • You should check the break away system, battery and brake controller in the
• Hitch
  • Check that their are no cracks or wear marks
  • Make sure the ball size matches hitch size and it is secure to the tow vehicle
• Safety Chains
  • Make sure that their are no wear spots
  • Make the safety chains have the proper weight rating for your trailer
  • Make sure you attach them in a cross pattern and hook them to the tow vehicle
• Cargo
  • Make sure that the cargo is secure and positioned on the trailer so that your tow vehicle pulls properly.
• Too much weight on the tongue will cause the tow vehicle rear to sag and effect your steering.
• Too much weight on the back end of the trailer can cause the trailer to sway while being towed.
  
• Missing the pre-trip inspection could lead to various problems:
  • An inadequate tow vehicle or towing hitch for the trailer in tow
  • Failure to maintain proper tire PSI
  • Absence of brakes on the trailer
  • Lights not working