Before towing, take a few minutes to review these essential safety tips to help reduce the risk of accidents and equipment damage.

1. Make sure you have the right tow vehicle and equipment

• Verify your vehicle’s towing capacity.
• Use the correct hitch and ball size for the trailer.
• Confirm you have a brake controller, if required. If your vehicle is not equipped with one, consider using a wireless Bluetooth brake controller.

Using the proper equipment is critical for safe towing. Verify your setup with the Towing Capacity Calculator and Hitch Class Calculator.

2. Understand the trailer’s weight limits and setup requirements

• Choose a trailer with enough weight capacity to support your load.
  • Weight Capacity = GVWR – Empty Weight
• Never overload a trailer.
• Follow the 60/40 loading rule: place approximately 60% of the load toward the front of the trailer and 40% toward the rear to maintain proper tongue weight.

When connecting the trailer:

• Ensure the coupler latch is open before lowering it onto the hitch ball.
• Securely close and lock the coupler latch.
• Attach safety chains (crossed underneath the tongue).
• Connect the light plug.
• Perform a full pre-trip inspection, including tires, lights, brakes, hitch connection, and load security.

Always double-check all connections before driving away.

3. Practice safe towing habits on the road

• Drive at a safe, controlled speed.
• Stay in the right lane when possible.
• Maintain extra distance from other vehicles.
• Take wider turns to avoid curbs and obstacles.
• Inspect the trailer and load at each stop.
• Use a spotter when backing up whenever possible.

These quick safety tips are a great starting point before towing.

For a more detailed breakdown of towing capacity limits, braking requirements, speed safety, and real-world examples, review our Ultimate Trailer Towing Safety Guide.

You can also watch our safety video: Prepare Your Rental | Neighbors Trailer.