Car Trailer Safety Checklist

admin | Uncategorized | December 1, 2011

Small Trailer Safety

The Owner of a small trailer has to abide by Road laws to make sure its suitable for road useage. Trailers don’t have to pass MOT test, so its down to the owner or the person towing the trailer to make sure its of a decent standard and amintained properly.

Here is a trailer safety Checklist to help you decide if your trailer is suitable for public roads..

1. If you trailer has brakes, it should be not more than 85% of the towing vehicles weight.
2. If the trailer has no brakes, there is an upper limit of 750 kg load weight and also its illegal to be over 50% of the towing vehicle weight.
3. When the trailer is loaded, the load has to be fairly even to make sure it tows properly and is stable.
4. A breakaway cable is a must when towing any trailer.( see video)
5. The coupling height is suitable for the towing vehicle.
6. The tyres have sufficient tread and are at suitable pressure.
7. The lights are working correctly, clean and viseable.
8. The trailer has a legal number plate.
9. Be sure the towing vehicle hitch is the correct type, size, and rating to
   match the coupler.
10. When towing, it takes longer to start, stop, and pass − its essential to drive with towing in mind.
11. Check gross trailer weight, tongue weight, and total weight distribution.

Semeone stop that trailer