Trailer towing has the dubious distinction of being the number one loss-liability incident in the equipment rental industry. It has occupied that position practically since the first equipment rental dealers rented the first trailer. Although some equipment rental dealers have decided that the risks of trailer renting are not worth the benefits, the rental industry still offers consumers and contractors a long list of trailers from which to choose.

In most markets, consumers and contractors can depend on their local rental store to provide a wide array of utility and light-equipment trailers that can meet almost every need. When you rent a trailer, it makes sense to take time to acquaint yourself with basic safety guidelines, specific to trailers. Most accident involving trailers are the result of carelessness and the failure of the driver to observe basic safety rules. Trailer towing is safe when precautions are taken.

Before You Tow

Follow these pre-tow safety precautions before you go out on the road to ensure your towing experience is safe and hassle-free:

• Know the towing laws in your state. Follow the link at the end of this article for state-by-state listing of applicable towing laws.
  
• Use a towing vehicle prepared and capable of handling the load.
  
• Towing and trailer requires special awareness because of the changed driving situation – be alert.
  
• When towing, it takes longer to start, stop and pass – use training and practice to avoid accidents.
  
• Turning and backing up present new problems – plan ahead.
  
• Require each driver to be fully trained and experienced in trailer towing before going out on the road.
  
• Be sure trailer is fully prepared and properly connected to towing vehicle.
  
• Observe maximum towing speed limits when towing.
  
• Do not modify or change your rented trailer in any way.
  
• Adjust load on trailer so tongue weight is approximately 10 percent of the gross trailer weight and center load side-to-side to reduce fishtailing.
  
• Tighten all parts, bolts, nuts and mounting hardware.
  

• Do not overload the trailer.
  
• The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum total trailer weight with the engine driven welding generator and all equipment such as tools, cables and shielding gas cylinder installed.
  
• The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum load-bearing capacity of the trailer’s axles.
  
• GVWR and GAWR information can be found on your rented trailer’s frame, usually near the front of the trailer. Locate these ratings and familiarize yourself with the ratings. DO NOT exceed your rented trailer’s ratings.
  
• Weigh your trailer after you have loaded it. Adjust weight by removing accessory equipment if necessary. Call your local authorities to learn the location of the nearest scale location.
  
• Use gross trailer weight to select a proper towing vehicle.
  

• Distribute weight to that trailer tongue is approximately 10 percent of gross trailer weight.
  
• Tongue weight is the amount of trailer weight that rests on the towing vehicle – that is, the downward pressure on the coupler.
  
• Remove or adjust trailer load to get correct tongue weight.
  
• Do not let tongue weight exceed coupler and hitch rating.
  
• Use slower speeds when towing a trailer to prevent fishtailing. Know your state’s trailer towing speed limits.
  

• Always use safety chains when towing.
  
• Cross safety chains under coupling to prevent tongue from dropping to the ground.
  
• Allow only enough slack for tight turns.
  
• Do not let safety chains drag on ground.
  
• Twist safety chains equally from hook ends to take up slack.
  
• Use safety chains rated equal to or greater than twice the maximum gross trailer weight rating.
  

• Be sure towing vehicle hitch is correct type, size and rating to match coupler.
  
• Be sure hitch is properly installed onto towing vehicle.
  
• On optional ball couplers, always insert hitch safety pin before towing.
  
• Make sure hitch and ball are properly sized and match each other.
  

• Chock in direction of grade.
  
• Position chock snugly behind tire.
  
• Place chock square to tire.
  
• Tap chock into place.
  
• For added protection, chock both sides of tire.
  

• When trailer is uncoupled from towing vehicle, use jack on front and block rear to prevent tilting.
  
• Use proper blocks that are large enough and able to support the necessary weight.
  
• Always chock the wheels when uncoupled.
  

• State and Federal regulations require trailers used on highways to have tail, stop, turn and side marker lights.
  
• Lights are not required for trailers designed for off-road use only.
  
• Check all lights and connectors for proper installation and operation before using the trailer.
  
• Check condition of wiring harness leads, plugs, and connections regularly.
  
• Replace any broken lenses, reflectors or bulbs.
  

• Recheck lug nut torque after first 50 miles (80 km) of towing and periodically after that during the duration of your rental contract.
  
• When checking lug nuts, make sure they are clean, dry and un-lubricated.
  
• Maintain correct tire pressure according to sidewall data on tire – under-inflation is the most common cause of tire trouble.
  

• Check break fluid level before each use during the duration of your rental contract.
  
• Do not use sway control devices – keep coupler free to telescope during braking. NEVER ALTER ANY RENTED EQUIPMENT
  
• Always connect breakaway cable to towing vehicle – be sure it has a direct free pull.
  
• Do not wrap cable around safety chains, tongue, wiring or any other parts.
  
• The breakaway cable automatically applies the trailer brakes if separation occurs.
  

• Periodically double-check all nuts and bolts for tightness and condition.
  
• If it is necessary to replace a fastener, call your rental dealer to ensure replacement with one of equal size, grade and type. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR OR PERFORM ANY MAINTENANCE ON RENTED EQUIPMENT