Most towing incidents aren't caused by bad luck — they're caused by something that could have been caught in the parking lot before pulling out. A loose safety chain, a soft tire, a load that shifted before the straps were even checked. None of this takes special training. It takes five minutes and a habit of doing it every single time, not just the first.
The Pre-Trip Walkaround
Run through this before every trip — rental or your own trailer:
- Hitch is fully latched and the coupler locking pin (or padlock) is in place
- Safety chains are crossed under the tongue and hooked with slack for turns, not dragging
- Trailer lights work — brake lights, turn signals, and running lights, checked with a helper or by watching reflections
- Tires are properly inflated and free of visible cracking, bulges, or embedded debris
- Lug nuts are tight — trailer wheels can loosen over time, especially on infrequently used trailers
- Load is centered and balanced, roughly 60% of the weight forward of the axle(s)
- Tie-downs and straps are rated for the load and checked for fraying or damage
- License plate and reflectors are visible and not obstructed by cargo
On the Road
Towing changes how your vehicle handles — stopping distance increases, and sharp maneuvers behave differently than they do unloaded. A few habits make a real difference:
- Leave extra following distance — at least double what you'd normally leave
- Take turns wider than usual to account for the trailer's shorter turning radius
- Check mirrors and tie-downs again after the first 10–15 minutes of driving — this is when a shifted load or loosening strap typically shows up
- Avoid sudden lane changes; trailer sway is more common at highway speed with a lightly loaded trailer
If a trailer starts to sway, ease off the accelerator gradually — don't brake hard and don't try to steer out of it. Let the trailer settle before adjusting speed.
Hitch & Ball Size, Confirmed
Every trailer in our fleet is rated for a specific hitch class and ball size — most use a 2" or 2-5/16" ball. Mismatched ball sizes are one of the most common (and most avoidable) rental mistakes. If you're not sure what your vehicle uses, check the sticker near your hitch receiver or call us before pickup — we'll confirm it matches what you're renting.
Before You Return It
Give the trailer a quick once-over before drop-off too — loose straps, mud on the lights, anything that looks off. It takes two minutes and avoids any confusion at check-in.