Safety FAQs
Trailer Safety FAQs Austin Renters' Most Asked Questions
These are the questions we get most often from first-time renters. All answers are current as of May 2026.
Do I need a special license to tow your trailers?
For almost every renter: no. A standard Texas Class C driver’s license covers any combination where your truck’s GVWR is 26,000 lbs or less and your trailer’s GVWR is 10,000 lbs or less (Tex. Transp. Code §521.081). A Class A non-commercial license is only needed for the heaviest combinations — see Texas Towing Regulations.
How fast can I tow on a Texas highway?
The posted speed limit, same as a passenger car. There is no separate trailer speed limit in Texas for trailers under 26,000 lbs GVWR. That said, most experienced drivers cruise 5–10 mph below the limit when loaded.
What if my truck doesn't have a brake controller?
You have two options. The trailers in our fleet equipped with the Elecbrakes wireless system can be controlled from your phone — no truck-side controller needed. See Electric Brakes Guide. Or, you can install an aftermarket brake controller. Plug-and-play units run $80–$200 and install in about an hour for most modern pickups.
What if the brakes feel off?
Pull over safely. If you can reach the manual slider on your brake controller (or open the Elecbrakes app), try it — you should feel the trailer pull back. If you don’t:
- Check the 7-pin connection
- Check the brake controller is plugged in and powered
- For Elecbrakes, check the app shows a paired connection
If everything looks right and brakes still don’t respond, call us. Don’t drive a heavy trailer without brakes.
What if I get pulled over while towing?
Same as any traffic stop. Pull as far onto the shoulder as you safely can. Stay in your vehicle. Provide your license, insurance, and registration when asked. The rental agreement in your glove box shows you’re authorized to have the trailer. Be polite, answer questions truthfully.
Do I need trailer insurance?
For our trailers, you do not need separate trailer insurance — the rental includes basic liability coverage. Your own truck insurance covers most situations when you’re towing because the trailer becomes an extension of your towing vehicle. Check your auto policy for “Towing Other Trailers” coverage if you’re hauling anything valuable inside (cargo isn’t covered by liability). High-value cargo should have its own coverage.
What if I get a flat on the trailer?
Pull over safely. Don’t change a trailer tire on a highway shoulder yourself. Call us — we’ll dispatch roadside help. Every trailer in our fleet has a spare and a wrench, but a trailer wheel under load is dangerous to lift without proper equipment.
What if it starts to rain or storm?
Slow down. Rain doubles braking distance for a loaded trailer. For high winds, hail, or severe weather warnings, pull off and wait it out. Texas storms move fast — usually less than an hour. Don’t park under trees (hail and falling limbs); a gas station overhang or under a highway overpass works.
The trailer has electric brakes — what's "gain"?
Gain is how hard the trailer’s brakes apply for a given amount of brake pedal input. Set it in an empty parking lot using the procedure in our Electric Brakes Guide: start low, slide the manual brake controller at 20–25 mph, increase gain until braking feels firm but doesn’t lock up the trailer tires.
What's the most common mistake new tow drivers make?
Loading the trailer wrong. Specifically: putting heavy cargo too far back. The trailer needs about 60% of the load weight forward of the axles, with 10–15% of total trailer weight pressing down on the hitch ball as tongue weight. A trailer loaded heavy in the rear will sway, fishtail, and in the worst cases jackknife. See Loading and Unloading.
What happens if I get into an accident?
Call 911 if there are injuries or significant damage. Move to safety. Exchange info with any other driver. Photograph the scene. Then call us — we need to know about any incident with our trailer. Texas requires a Driver’s Crash Report (Form CR-2) within 10 days if police don’t file a CR-3. Full procedure in our Emergency Guide.
The lockbox won't open. What now?
Try the PIN again slowly. Check that it’s actually your pickup time (PINs activate at your reservation start). Make sure you’re at the right trailer. If none of that works, call our 24/7 number — we can issue a new PIN or remotely unlock the box. See Opening the Lockbox.
Towing Regulations
Trailer Safety Checklist
Emergency Guide