Landscaping companies and many other businesses use trailers. Make it a safe trip when towing a trailer by following these tips from the Texas Department of Insurance.
Select the proper towing equipment. Check your vehicle’s weight capacity in the owner’s manual to make sure it can tow a trailer. Ensuring you have the right size hitch is extremely important. TDI cites a Consumer Reports article that says incorrectly sized hitches are the leading cause of trailer incidents.
Check your vehicle’s tires and the tires on the trailer. “Your vehicle’s tires may require a higher pressure while towing, as outlined in the owner’s manual,” TDI says. “Inspect the trailer tires for dry rot and cracking, especially if stored outdoors. Even if the tires have plenty of tread, age can lead to tire failure. Always check to make sure the lug nuts are tight.”
Prepare in advance for unforeseen incidents. You’ll want to make sure you have at least one spare tire for your trailer, TDI says. Keep a jack and a lug nut wrench for the trailer and its wheels, and keep the trailer’s wheel bearings greased.
Use wheel chocks. “Before unhooking the trailer from the tow vehicle, place chocks (sturdy, wedge-shaped blocks) in front of and behind the trailer’s tires to prevent it from rolling away.