Pre-Departure
Safety
Checklist
Before
driving,
make sure
your vehicle
and trailer
maintenance
is current.
This is very
important
because
towing puts
additional
stress on
the tow
vehicle.
(Review the
next section
of the
brochure for
an overview
of
maintenance
requirements.)
-
Check
and
correct
tire
pressure
on the
tow
vehicle
and
trailer.
-
Make
sure the
wheel
lug
nuts/bolts
on the
tow
vehicle
and
trailer
are
tightened
to the
correct
torque.
-
Be sure
the
hitch,
coupler,
draw
bar, and
other
equipment
that
connect
the
trailer
and the
tow
vehicle
are
properly
secured
and
adjusted.
-
Check
that the
wiring
is
properly
connected—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
that 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
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.
-
Check
routes
and
restrictions
on
bridges
and
tunnels.
-
Make
sure you
have
wheel
chocks
and jack
stands.
Introduction
-
Selecting a
Tow Vehicle
-
If You
Already Have
a Tow
Vehicle
-
Connecting
Your Trailer
To Your Tow
Vehicle
-
Tire Safety
-
Loading and
Weight
Distribution
-
State and
Local
Requirements
for Towing
-
Pre-departure
Safety
Checklist
-
Safety Tips
For Driving
With a
Trailer
-
Maintenance
-
Resources
-
Main Page |
