Towing and Trailer Safety

Here is a concise guide to towing a trailer down the highway in the safest manner you can. Use these guideline recommendations as you see fit, and feel free to print them out.
Print These Pages For Check Lists - DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT IT!

FOR THE TRAILER/TRIP
Spare Tire Tire Iron Flares Flashlight Knife for Cutting Ropes in an Emergency Spare Fuses if Applicable WD-40 or other Lubricant Standard First Aid Kit for Yourself	Jack 3 Emergency Triangles Chocks Electrical Tape and Duct Tape Spare Bulbs Fire Extinguisher Insect Spray (Bees & Wasps) Red Flag (For Antenna if Stranded)
FOR THE TOW VEHICLE
Registration for the Vehicle and Trailer Jumper Cables Spare Belts & Hoses Cellular Phone or CB Radio Work Gloves	Proof of Insurance Tool Kit, Including Wiring Materials Tow Chain Road Atlas Cash & Credit Card
Other:______________________________________________________ Other:______________________________________________________ Other:______________________________________________________ Other:______________________________________________________

BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT.....
use the following checklist to make sure your trip will be a safe one:

Do not let anyone that is unfamiliar with your trailer hook it up for you!
Inspect the tires and all fluid levels on the tow vehicle to ensure it will safely tow the trailer.
Check the ball on bumper hitch or on gooseneck plate for tightness, security and proper fit.
Grease inside of ball coupling periodically for lubrication.
Check coupler on trailer to make sure it is locked into closed position on the ball.
Connect and check your safety chains or cables. Always cross your safety chains.(see illustration below)
Plug in the electrical connector on the trailer to the tow vehicle.
Check the electrical connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle and that the coupler is securely locked onto the tow vehicle.
Check operation of all lights and the brake system. Some trailers have a "ball ground" if your not successful getting your lights on & you have double checked that you are properly plugged in, then try moving your vehicle back & forth 20-30 feet to establish a good ground.
Inspect tires for proper inflation, adequate tread, and even wear.
Check that the spare tire is the correct size and properly inflated.
A typical tandem axle trailer will have 9-15% of it's total weight on the tongue (if loaded properly) and the trailer should be level when fully loaded.
Check that all lug nuts are tight.
Inspect the floor for weak spots.
Inspect security and strength of all tie rings and trailer ties.
After you're all hooked up, pull forward and tap the brakes while watching your load. Check for any movement and check for any slack in the tie down straps.

DRIVING TIPS

Do not be intimidated by your trailer! It just takes a little common sense & some extra caution.
Always allow proper stopping and turning distance. Stop and turn very slowly & smoothly.
Use your own judgment for speed on good roads & highways.
When traveling loaded on bumpy roads or uneven surfaces: Reduce speed, avoid sudden jerks in the wheel and avoid swaying.
Watch all of your mirrors frequently. Know who is around you at all times. When passing others, watch your mirrors, look over your shoulder, and pull into passing lane smoothly.
When refueling check out the trailer for lighting, rims for grease or lube oozing out (could be a hub bearing going out, brake sticking, etc), tire temp and if the rig is secured well.
Top heavy loads can cause trailer "dive" under hard braking, possibly reducing steering and braking control.
Have a planned route with exit numbers, it's easy to get confused when towing, watching the road, looking for the right exit and watching your trailer !! There are a lot of web sites to get step by step directions. It sounds trivial, but it helps a lot, especially when the navigator is sleeping !!
Most of all use COMMON SENSE !

MAINTENANCE TIPS

Always make sure tires are inflated to proper pressure and lug nuts are tight! Pressure requirements are stated on the side of the tire.
Have respect for your trailer. Wash it . If you want to keep a nice shine & minimize rust on steel, then you need to keep it up.
Never cover your trailer with a tarp touching the roof. This procedure traps condensation and will do more harm than good.
Try to park your trailer in the shade if possible, but not under any trees with sap or dead branches.
Make sure your axle bearings are always lubed. Check after the first 150 miles of use. It is recommended that you check the grease about every 1000 miles and have them re-packed every 8,000 miles or every spring under normal usage.
Keep all hinges lubricated. Carry a can of WD-40. It works miracles.
Your trailer will provide a much greater trade or resale value, and retain its looks if you maintain it like you would your vehicle.

More Useful reading can be found at the DOT: Here's their guide

Crossing the chains allows maximum travel with the shortest chain length, you don't want the tongue to hit the road if the coupler comes loose.