Pre-Tow Trailer Checklist

About ten minutes before every tow. Print this page, or tap the boxes on your phone as you go.

At the front

• Ball size matches the couplerThe size is stamped on both the ball and the coupler.
• Coupler fully seated, latch closed, pinned or lockedLift the tongue a little with the jack. If the coupler pops off, it wasn't seated.
• Hitch pin and clip in place
• Safety chains crossed under the tongueEnough slack to turn, not so much that they drag. Hooks closed.
• Breakaway cable on the tow vehicle (if the trailer has brakes)Not on the safety chains.

Lights and brakes

• Plug fully seatedWiring off the ground, with slack for turns.
• Running lights, brake lights, and both turn signals workHave a helper look, or check the reflection in a window.
• Brake controller shows a connection (if the trailer has brakes)Roll forward slowly and squeeze the manual lever. You should feel the trailer pull back.

Tires and wheels

• Tire pressure set while coldUse the pressure on the tire sidewall or the trailer's sticker.
• No cracks, bulges, or worn spots
• All lug nuts present and tight-looking

The load

• About 60 percent of the weight in front of the axles
• Load centered left to right
• Strapped down at four points or moreLoose items like rakes, gas cans, and buckets tied down or put away.
• Ramps or rear gate up and pinned or latched
• Tongue jack all the way up, wheel chocks removed

Before you pull out

• Mirrors adjusted to see down both sides of the trailer
• One last walk all the way around

After the first few miles

• Pull over somewhere safe and recheckStraps, coupler, and tire and hub temperatures. A hub much hotter than the others deserves a closer look.

Orion Trailer Rental & Sales, Lake Orion, MI. oriontrailer.com

Want the reasons behind each step? Read The 10-Minute Pre-Trip Trailer Checklist, or see more towing safety tips. Looking for a trailer? See our Rental Fleet. Call or message for rates.