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
01
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)
02
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
03
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
04
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
05
Pre-Trip Inspection
Emergency response
Emergency Guide
Full Texas legal context
Texas Towing Regulations
