Check Your Trailer Is Safe Before Towing

Checking your trailer is road-worthy and safe should be at the forefront before any journey big or small. You can help avoid road traffic accidents and keep other people, and yourself, safe.

Steps

  1. Take time to go through these checks. As the person operating the trailer or the driver of the towing vehicle, you are responsible for the safe operation and towing of the trailer and need to carry out the following checks.
  2. Make sure the trailer load is correctly distributed. You need to avoid having too much or too little nose weight or being loaded all at the rear or front of the trailer. Make sure the weight is central or spread out over the trailer.
  3. Make sure that your load on your trailer is within the trailers official payload.
  4. Check that the gross weight being towed is within the towing vehicles recommended maximum towing limit.
  5. Check that your load is secured correctly using straps and other securing devices.
  6. Check that all your lights are working and there is no damage to the lenses. Whilst doing this it is always good to check that the plug connecting the trailer to the care is in good condition.
  7. Ensure that the correct license/number plate is fitted to the trailer.
  8. Ensure the trailer is coupled to the towing vehicle and that a suitable breakaway cable is fitted.
  9. Check that all tyres have the correct amount of tread on. They should be free from cuts and bulges, and the tyre pressures should be correct.
  10. Ensure that the coupling height is correct and not excessively nose up or down.
  11. Ensure all wheels are fastened to the correct torque and mudguards are in good condition.

Tips

  • Check and parts that look bad / rotten to the eye.
  • Always check for damage to the trailer at all times.
  • Trailer tyres have a minimum depth of 1.6mm.

Warnings

  • Not following many of these procedures will mean you and other road users around you will be at risk and you will be liable for any fines if stopped for a safety check.

References

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