How Trailer Towing Safety Works

Before you hook up a trailer to a tow vehicle, you need to take the following into consideration:

With that out of the way, let's look at the process for connecting a trailer. The coupler on the tongue of the trailer should fit over the ball on the trailer hitch ball mount. Make sure the equipment matches up -- if the trailer's coupler doesn't match up to the ball on the ball mount, you can't tow with that trailer safely. The coupler should have a securing device that you'll need to lock into place. This prevents the coupler from detaching from the ball mount.

You should then attach safety chains to the trailer tongue and your trailer hitch. The chains should cross underneath the tongue of the trailer. That way, should the trailer break away from the hitch, the chains will be able to support the tongue. Make sure you leave some slack in the chains -- tight chains will inhibit your ability to make turns.

Some trailers -- in particular larger trailers that can haul more than 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms) -- have braking systems. There are two major kinds of brake systems for trailers: surge brakes and electronically-controlled brakes. Surge brakes are hydraulic brakes that have an activation switch located in the trailer tongue. Should the trailer tongue break away from the trailer hitch, the switch activates the brake system. Electronically-controlled brakes connect to the tow vehicle's electric system. The driver can activate electronically-controlled trailer brakes using a hand control located within easy reach of the driver's side -- usually on the console itself.

Many trailers have electric systems. Trailers use connectors to plug into a tow vehicle's electric system. New basic trailers might have a simple four-way connector. Each connector controls a different function. A four-way connector could supply power and control to taillights, brake lights, turn signals and side marker lights. Some newer trailers and tow vehicles can take advantage of seven-way connectors, which may also provide power to a trailer power supply, braking system and backup lights. If the connector on your trailer doesn't match up to your vehicle, you can use an adapter to solve the problem.

Once you've connected your trailer to your tow vehicle and checked to make sure everything is safe and secure, it's time to hit the road.

If you take nothing else away from this article, please remember this: Practice is critical. If you're new to towing, you'll need to get some practice under your belt before hitting the road. Your vehicle will respond differently when towing a trailer than it will on its own. Even a simple task like coming to a stop takes practice. If at all possible, practice towing a trailer in a large area like an unoccupied parking lot.

If you're towing a trailer that has a wider wheel base than your tow vehicle, you may need to replace your normal side view mirrors with a larger set or use mirror extenders. These will give you a better view around the sides and even allow you to see behind the trailer. In the United States, several states require you to use extenders if you're pulling a trailer over a certain size.

A wider trailer also means you have to be careful when making turns. The trailer's wheels will be closer to the edges of the curve. If you're not mindful of the difference, you risk hitting a curb or other object, which could cause damage to your trailer's wheels and axle. So remember to allow extra room when you're turning while towing.

You should always be particularly careful when you are accelerating and braking while towing. Remember that by towing a trailer, your vehicle has much more mass than normal. This mass has momentum and inertia. Inertia is the tendency for an object to maintain its current state of momentum -- or motion -- without interference from an exterior force. An object with more mass will also have greater momentum and inertia. That means your tow vehicle will have to work harder when pulling a trailer -- the added mass requires more energy to move and stop.

Because your vehicle has to work harder to accelerate and brake, it's a good idea not to drive too fast. Speeding will put more wear and tear on your vehicle. Your engine will have to work harder and it could also put a strain on its suspension, brakes and other systems. Also, you'll need more room to slow down or come to a stop. You shouldn't follow other vehicles too closely -- you won't have time to stop if something goes wrong.

Another reason not to speed is because it can cause trailer sway. Trailer sway is a very dangerous situation. Together, a tow vehicle and trailer create an articulated vehicle. That means one section of this overall vehicle (the point where the coupler and trailer hitch meet) is flexible to an extent. If it weren't, you'd have a hard time making turns. But being articulated also means that the rear of the vehicle can move somewhat independently of the front. That's the basis of trailer sway.

A trailer may begin to sway back and forth if the load inside it isn't balanced properly, if a gust of wind hits it or during acceleration (particularly if the vehicle is traveling downhill). At first, the sway may be minor. But under certain conditions, the sway could get worse -- the trailer begins to move back and forth, gaining momentum on each swing. Unchecked, the trailer could cause you to jackknife. Or it might cause you to lose control of the tow vehicle and have an accident.

Trailer sway can be terrifying and difficult to correct. The best way to solve the problem is to apply the trailer's brakes (but not the tow vehicle's brakes) and come to a gradual stop. Don't try to steer out of it -- you'll just magnify the situation. Once off the road, try balancing the trailer load. If that doesn't solve the problem, stop driving and call for help -- trailer sway has led to several accidents, some of them fatal.

With the right approach and equipment, you should be able to tow a trailer safely to your destination. Remember that the important thing is to practice and keep a level head. And have a good trip!

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