Tips for Trouble Free Towing

From Jim Walczak
Your Guide to 4-Wheel Drive / Offroading.

Checklist: What To Do Before You Tow

Here are some do-it-yourself instructions for how to install a trailer hitch on your vehicle, and a great video on how to tow a trailer. Every time you hitch up, it's a good idea to run through this basic checklist first:
The hitch.
Is the hitch ball tight? Is the hitch coupler locked? Are the trailer safety chains securely hooked to the tow vehicle?

Tires.

Check the trailer tires to make sure they're properly inflated. Recommended pressures are indicated on the tire sidewalls. Also be sure the tow vehicles tires are properly inflated. If its a heavy trailer, try adding extra pressure to the tow vehicles rear tires

Wheel bearings.

Never take trailer wheel bearings for granted, a total failure, which will cause the wheel to stop turning, can cause an accident. Check the bearings at least once a year, before you head out on your first excursion. Get one side of the trailer up on a jack, grab a wheel with both hands, and see if there's any play in the bearing. Then turn the wheel, using ears and fingers to detect any scratchiness in the rotation.

Trailer lights.

Are they all working? Turn signals? Side marker lights? Brake lights?

Secure the load.

Make sure your trailer's load is tied down so it can't move. If you're using tie-down straps the kind with winch-type cinches are best be sure to re-tighten after a few miles. They'll stretch a bit with use, particularly when they're new.

Trailer brakes.

If there's a hydraulic fluid reservoir, is it topped up? Are the brakes working?

The Hitch Factory has another great Pre-trip Checklist.