Trailer Safety Checklist
The Texas Pro Trailer Safety Checklist
This page is the one-page summary of everything in our Safety Hub. Print it. Keep a copy in your truck. Run through it before every tow.
Before you hitch up
Truck on level ground, parking brake set Ball size matches coupler size (2″ or 2-5/16″) Tow vehicle has correct towing capacity for the loaded trailer If your trailer is over 4,500 lbs gross weight: brake controller present, plugged in, and powered on
Hitching
Coupler fully seated on ball, latch closed, safety pin in Jack fully retracted Safety chains crossed, connected to hitch receiver (not the bumper) 7-pin electrical plugged in, routed clear Breakaway cable clipped to hitch receiver (not the chain) Jack-up test passed (truck rises when jack pushes against it)
Pre-trip walk-around
All four trailer tires plus spare at proper PSI No tire cracking, dry rot, or visible damage Lug nuts visible and tight on every wheel All lights working: left turn, right turn, brake, running, marker, license plate Manual brake controller engages trailer brakes (slide it and feel the trailer pull back) Cargo positioned per 60/40 rule (heavier weight forward of axles) Every strap tugged, every tie-down secured Loose materials tarped and secured front and back Nothing extends past trailer’s footprint Wheel chocks removed and stowed
On the road
Drive 5–10 mph below posted limit when loaded Leave at least 5 seconds of following distance, more in rain Brake earlier and lighter than you think you need to Swing wide before turning — long trailers track inside your truck’s path Watch mirrors, not over-the-shoulder Stay in the right lane on highways except to pass Re-check straps after the first 15 minutes and at every stop
If something goes wrong
Tire blowout: foot off the gas, hands steady, brake gradually after the rig is straight Sway: foot off the gas, apply trailer brakes only via manual slider, hold the wheel steady Brake failure: pump pedal, downshift, use parking brake gradually, look for escape route Accident: call 911 if anyone is injured, exchange info, photograph everything, call us Mechanical issue: pull over safely, call us at (512) 782-4676 before calling a tow