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Best Practices for Safe Towing

Learn best practices for towing a trailer, or vehicle, safely and provides general information and tips that can help you make safe decisions when driving a tow vehicle and trailer for noncommercial, personal use. It should be noted that this information is not a substitute for the technical information found in manufacturers’ towing guides and vehicle owner’s manuals. Its purpose is to provide basic information to ensure your safety and that of your passengers, as well as the safety of other people on the road. While the article does focus on safe practices and safety equipment, it does not cover hitch systems, towing packages, tongue weight, and driving permits. This type of information can be found through other sources, including the National Highway Safety Administration here.

Trailer Lighting and Reflectors

Federal law requires trailers to have permanently attached taillights, brake lights, side marker lights, turn signals, and side and rear reflectors.

Required Lights for Trailers Less Than 80″ Wide and Less Than 30′ Long

2 Stop/brake lights 2 Tail lights 2 Turn signals 2 Rear reflectors 1 License plate light 2 Rear side marker lights 2 Rear side reflectors 2 Front side marker lights 2 Front side marker reflectors

 

Required Lights for Trailers 80″ or Wider, Less Than 30′ Long, and with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or Less

2 Stop/brake lights 2 Tail lights 2 Turn signals 2 Rear reflectors 1 License plate light 2 Rear side marker lights 2 Rear side reflectors 2 Front side marker lights 2 Front side marker reflectors 2 Rear clearance lights 2 Front clearance lights Rear identifica-tion lights

 

 Required Lights for Trailers 80″ or Wider, Less Than 30′ Long, and with a GVWR Greater Than 10,000 lbs.

2 Stop/brake lights 2 Tail lights 2 Turn signals 2 Rear reflectors 1 License plate light 2 Rear side marker lights 2 Rear side reflectors 2 Front side marker lights 2 Front side marker reflectors 2 Rear clearance lights 2 Front clearance lights Rear identification lights

 

Required Lights for Trailers 30′ or Longer (Regardless of Width or GVWR)

2 Stop/brake lights 2 Tail lights 2 Turn signals 2 Rear reflectors 1 License plate light 2 Rear side marker lights 2 Rear side reflectors 2 Front side marker lights 2 Front side marker reflectors Rear identification lights 2 Intermediate side marker lights 2 Intermediate side marker reflectors

 

ADDITIONAL Required Lights for Trailers 30′ or Longer (Regardless of Width or GVWR) AND 80” or Wider

2 Rear clearance lights 2 Front clearance lights

Temporary Tow Lights

Temporary tow lights are designed for short-term use, and often incorporate a magnetic or suction cup mounting system for locating on a trailer, or on the rear of a vehicle being towed. Temporary tow lights must have tail/stop/turn light functionality, and be easily seen from the rear and sides.

When Towing a Car or Truck

A vehicle towed by a car, truck, or RV, can be transported in, or on a trailer that carries the vehicle completely off the ground. Or it can be conveyed using a “car dolly” that carries either the front or back wheels off the ground. Another method is “flat towing” in which case all wheels of the vehicle being towed are on the ground. In the case of a vehicle being towed in or on a trailer, the trailer must be equipped with permanently attached lighting and reflectors as previously described. However, a vehicle towed on a car dolly, or flat towed, must have tow lights (tail/stop/turn) placed on the vehicle so to be easily seen from the rear and sides.

This can be accomplished with use of temporary towing lights. The lights typically have power leads connected to the trailer wiring harness plug on the tow vehicle to receive power and signal for tail/stop/turn. Less cumbersome, and easier to use are wireless tow lights, such as the Custer Products S.M.A.R.T. Rider (Simple, Magnetic, Alerting, Radio-powered Tow light).  S.M.A.R.T. Rider is powered by a self-contained battery, and receives signal wirelessly.  Requiring no leads between the trailer wiring harness plug and the tow light, makes installation simple and quick.

When Towing a Boat Trailer, or Other Trailer

Temporary lighting can also be used when towing trailers that are not equipped with lighting, or that have permanent lighting which is inoperative. Again, wireless tow lights provide solution for a quick and simple installation. The regulations for using temporary lighting in these situations can vary from state to state. It is recommended to check with your local motor vehicle administration to verify their use.

Wiring Systems

Federal law requires trailers to have taillights, brake lights, side marker lights, turn signals, and side and rear reflectors. Some trailers also have backup lights. To provide power to these lights, a four-way (or more) connector is hooked into the tow vehicle’s electrical system. Many tow vehicle manufacturers offer a 7-way connector that may include an electric brake signal, power supply, and backup lights, in addition to the typical four functions.

Note: You must ensure that the signals on the electrical connector of the tow vehicle match the electrical connector of the trailer. Because the wiring systems of many tow  vehicles use separate wires for turn signals and stop lights, you may need to purchase a taillight converter. This converter will combine these wires so that they can be connected to the trailer lighting system. Most factory-installed towing packages include a trailer wire harness that will perform this function if required. If you tow more than one type of trailer, you also may need to purchase an adapter to accommodate differences in the wiring systems. Wireless tow lights, such as Custer Products’ S.M.A.R.T. Rider, utilize a transmitter that plugs into the tow vehicle’s wire harness plug. Standard is a 4-pin plug connector, while a 7-pin plug connector is available.

Tire Safety

All your trailer tires should be the same type, size, and construction—do not mix bias belted and radial tires. In selecting tires for your trailer, buy the size, type, and load range found on the trailer’s certification label or in the owner’s manual. Keep in mind that tires have a load rating that indicates the amount of weight they can carry safely. As with your tow vehicle, always maintain proper tire pressure and replace worn tires. Remember—your tow vehicle tires may require a higher tire pressure for towing, especially heavy loads.

Loading and Weight Distribution

Your ability to handle and control your tow vehicle and trailer is greatly improved when the cargo is properly loaded and distributed. Refer to your tow vehicle and trailer owner’s manuals to find out how to

  • Balance weight from side to side
  • Distribute cargo weight evenly along the length of the trailer
  • Secure and brace all items to prevent them from moving during travel
  • Adjust the height of the tow vehicle/trailer interface
  • Apply load leveling (weight distributing hitch bars)

Most trailers and tow vehicles should be  level (parallel to the ground) during travel. Check the instructions from your trailer  manufacturer to make sure this is correct  for your combination of vehicles.

State and Local Requirements

States and municipalities may require  special permits and licenses based on the size and weight of your trailer, especially if it is over eight feet wide. Some states require additional equipment for the tow vehicle, such as side- and rear-view mirrors. Inquire at your local motor vehicle administration to find out what requirements affect you.

If you plan to travel in another state, don’t  forget to check its requirements also. For example, surge brakes may not be legal in some jurisdictions. In addition to licenses and permits, there may be weight, height, and width limits for using certain roads, bridges, and tunnels. Also, be aware of restrictions regarding the transport of propane gas and other volatile gases or fuels in tunnels. And don’t forget to contact your insurance company to make sure you have the proper coverage.

PRE-DEPARTURE SAFETY CHECKLIST

Before driving, make sure your vehicle maintenance and trailer maintenance are current. This is very important because towing puts additional stress on the tow vehicle. (Review the next section of the brochure for an overview of maintenance requirements.)

  • Check and correct tire pressure on the tow vehicle and trailer.
  • Make sure the wheel lug nuts/bolts on the tow vehicle and trailer are tightened to the correct torque.
  • Be sure the hitch, coupler, draw bar, and other equipment that connect the trailer and the tow vehicle are properly secured and adjusted.
  • Check that the wiring is properly connected— not touching the road, but loose enough to make turns without disconnecting or damaging the wires.
  • Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are working.
  • Verify that the brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer are operating correctly.
  • Check that all items are securely fastened on and in the trailer.
  • Be sure the trailer jack, tongue support, and any attached stabilizers are raised and locked in place.
  • Check load distribution to make sure the tow vehicle and trailer are properly balanced front to back and side to side.
  • Check side- and rear-view mirrors to make sure you have good visibility.
  • Check routes and restrictions on bridges and tunnels.
  • Make sure you have wheel chocks and jack stands.

Do you have any questions about towing? Please contact us to talk with an expert.

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