Checklist before driving with the trailer

12. September 2018 at 16:47

checklistBefore you start moving with your trailer, you should go through and check certain items from your checklist. We have put together for you the most important points that you should absolutely check before leaving, so that you are well prepared for the next ride with the trailer.

 

Our checklist: These points should be checked before driving with the trailer

  1. Make sure that the trailer’s ball coupling is actually snapped onto the tow bar’s ball bar. Many tags have a tag to detect, so you can be sure that everything is correct – even if you may not hear the click sound.
  2. Be sure to check the turn signals and lights before starting. Due to the electrical kit towing vehicle and trailer are electronically connected to each other, whether everything is working properly there, you should check before every trailer ride by checking the flashing and light functions. In addition, you should also take a closer look at all the reflectors, are they perhaps too polluted?
  3. Is the safety rope correctly attached to the vehicle? In some EU countries, this requires specific brackets. How to fasten the tear-off rope correctly, we present you in our post.
  4. Have you kept all the values? When driving with a trailer, the vertical load that the vehicle and the trailer hitch allow should not be exceeded. The trailer hitch can often “endure” more than the vehicle, but the lower value is decisive.
  5. Make sure you get your cargo right before starting. Large heavy parts should be down, the weight should be basically evenly distributed and nothing should be able to fly back and forth. This can change the driving behavior of the trailer while driving and you can quickly lose track.
  6. Finally, you should go around the whole trailer again. Is the handbrake released? Is the jockey wheel cranked up? Are possible flaps closed? Are the 12 in good shape? You should be able to check all these points at a glance and keep an eye on the tires for driving in different weather conditions.

 

Now you only have to adjust the interior mirrors on the vehicle and if necessary put the additional mirrors into operation. Then you have already completed the checklist, you can go and start your trip with the trailer. Good ride!