Pre-Departure Trailer Safety Checklist

TIRES

1. Check and correct tire pressure, inflate to manufacturer’s specification.
2.  Inspect each tire for excessive or irregular treadwear, cracks, and bulges. If you find any issues, it’s important to replace the suspect tire before towing.
3. Make sure the spare tire is inflated properly.

WHEELS

1. Ensure the wheel lug nuts are tightened to the correct torque.
2. Inspect wheels for damage including cracks and dents causing out-of-roundness.
3. Make sure to bring a lug wrench of sized for the trailer

TRAILER

1. Ensure the hitch, coupler, draw bar, and any other connective equipment is
   properly secured and adjusted.
2. Check that the trailer wiring is securely connected to the tow vehicle with enough
   slack to turn fully without accidental disconnection.
3. Verify that trailer brakes, running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard light
   are functional
4. Check load distribution to make sure the trailer is balanced with the proper tongue
   weight both front to back and side to side
5. Ensure the trailer jack and any stabilizers are raised and lock