Trailer Safety

Pre Trip Checklist & Towing

• Ball mount & ball are the same size & proper capacity for trailer
• Coupler is latched & pinned if possible
• Safety chains are crossed under tongue & hitched to towing vehicle
• All trailer lighting is working correctly
• Load is secured to trailer front & rear and with proper tie downs
• Tongue jack (if trailer is equipped) is retracted
• Wheel lug nuts are properly tightened & torqued to 90-100 ft lbs on a regular basis
• Tires are inflated to pressure indicated on them and in good condition
• Trailer brakes are properly adjusted (if applicable) & brake away is attached to vehicle (if equipped)
• Load is within trailer capacity & distributed properly to maintain tongue weight
• Heavy end of load must go in the front of trailer
• When using ramps to load trailer you need to block trailer under the frame to help support the weight
• Visual check for any suspension or trailer damage or wear
• Trailer brakes and bearings are to be maintained on a regular basis and at least once a year.  Also check for excessive wheel heat during trip and remedy cause immediately.
• Lubricate any moving parts on your trailer on a regular basis I.E. Pivot points, coupler latch, tongue jack, suspension parts

NOTE: If you have purchased a painted trailer you must be aware that it will require extensive maintenance as far as painting & corrosion protection to maintain its appearance.  Warranty approval from manufactures for paint condition is very difficult. Your new trailer is designed to be as maintenance free as possible.  However, it is Important to keep your trailer well maintained to ensure years of trouble free use.

ATTENTION MUST BE PAID TO THE ABOVE TO HELP AVOID ACCIDENTS OR SERIOUS INJURY

 Are you aware that if your tow vehicle and trailer weight in combination exceeds 4500 kg or 9920 lbs you may fall into a category that requires annual inspections, log books and weigh stations. Effective July 1, 2019, changes to the Highway Traffic Act now exempts trucks and trailers from annual inspections if they are used for personal purposes with no compensation and do not carry commercial cargo, tools or equipment of a type normally used for commercial purposes. The truck and trailer must have a manufacturer’s GVWR of 6,500 kg or less and is fitted with either the original unmodified box or unmodified replacement box that duplicates the one originally installed by the manufacturer.