Pre Tow Checklist

Provided by www.trailertraining.cymru

Pre Tow Check List

Approach trailer assessing it as you do so for general condition.

Look at parking brake, physically check it is applied & gently push trailer to test if it is working.

Check hitch height & compare to cars towball height, look for 2” of clearance.

Check hitch paying attention to, wiring, brake away cable or secondary coupling & general condition.

DO NOT TOUCH THE JOCKEY WHEEL RELEASE

Proceed around the trailer still checking general condition,   pay special attention to the wheel arches, tyres (tread depth 1.6mm across 75% of the width & all the way round, no cuts or bulges), wheels, nuts & rear stands on each side.

On the rear check lights for damage, number plate matches car, reflectors fitted.

Open trailer doors, If the trailer is laden is the load evenly distributed i.e. Not too much or too little nose weight?

Is the load within the trailer’s official payload? – i.e. Not overloaded.

Is the actual gross weight being towed within the towing vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maximum towing limit (whether braked or unbraked.)?

Is the load correctly loaded & secured?

Fasten doors, check for other doors.

Now check the other side the same as the first side.

Once back at the hitch do a mental check to ensure you have covered all the points.

If not already carried out

Measure the hitch height & compare to tow vehicle ball to ensure clearance.

Follow the golden rules of towing:

Make sure the trailer is level to slightly nose down when coupled to the towing vehicle

Make sure the nose weight is within car & trailer makers specifications (unless trailer is very light.)

Make sure the tyre pressures are correct.

Is the jockey wheel and any corner steadies or prop stands fully wound up and secure?

Do your mirrors allow you an effective view down the sides of the trailer to the legal spec (see pic)?