April 16, 2016

Before driving, make sure your vehicle maintenance and trailer maintenance are current. This is very important because towing puts additional stress on the tow vehicle.

• Check and correct tire pressure on the tow vehicle and trailer, including the spare tire.
• 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.
• Make sure the safety chains are properly criss-crossed and connected, not touching the road but with enough slack to make turns.
• 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.
• Ensure the breakaway system lanyard is connected to the tow vehicle but not to the safety chains or ball mount.
• 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.

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