CHECKLIST BEFORE DEPARTURE

Walk around your trailer to make sure that everything is set: the ball coupling, the wiring connector, safety wires, tires, and lights (including blinkers). Also, make sure the load is tied well, and covered (if necessary). Getting there shouldn’t be part of the adventure.

  • Is the ball coupling locked? Ball couplings may vary in type depending on your truck/car, but all types must have the towing ball completely inside the ball mount and the coupling locked on the ball.
  • Does the wiring connector function between the truck and trailer?Make sure all the reflectors and lights are whole and clean, and functioning: brake lights, blinkers, back-up lights, and headlights.
  • Is the safety wire whole and properly attached to the towing vehicle? Note! Not just around the tow ball, since the safety wire should function even when the ball fails. If the trailer jumps off the tow hitch, the safety wire is pulled, which activates the emergency brake. 
  • Is the tow ball pressure correct? This should be between 50 an 80 kg. A negative ball pressure makes your rig a traffic hazard.
  • Is the load secured? How many times have you seen boxes and other loose ends on the roadside? Make sure that the load is evenly distributed and secured properly, so nothing can slide or fly off. Heavy objects should be centred on the trailer right over the axles.
  • Are the tires ok? Check their tread depth, wear, air pressure, and lugs. If you have studded winter tires on the towing vehicle, you should have studded tires on the trailer.
  • Is the trailer's handbrake fully released and the jockey wheel fully raised. This should be locked with the clamp and the wheel pointing in the direction of travel.
  • Check the wheel brakes.
  • Are the rear-view mirrors on the towing vehicle set correctly?

 

CHECK BEFORE YOU GO.

Check that:

  • The parking brake is released.
  • The road brakes and the parking brakes function.
  • The load is tied tightly and cannot come loose while moving.
  • The load is evenly distributed.
  • The ball pressure isn’t too high or low.
  • The blinkers and lights function properly.
  • The jockey wheel is raised and locked.
  • The safety wire is attaced correctly and well.