Chapter 12: Towing a Trailer

Safely towing a trailer requires a unique set of skills and knowledge beyond standard driving, and understanding these principles is crucial for safety and for answering related questions on the driver’s exam. The added weight and length of a trailer dramatically change a vehicle’s handling, acceleration, and braking capabilities. Mastering the rules for proper equipment, loading, and on-road maneuvers is essential to prevent dangerous situations like trailer sway, jackknifing, or collisions caused by misjudging distances.

Equipment and Loading

Before towing, a driver must ensure the vehicle and trailer are properly equipped and connected. A failure in any part of this system can lead to a complete loss of control.

Required Equipment:

• Hitch System: The hitch connects the trailer to the tow vehicle. It must be rated for the weight of the trailer. The hitch ball on the vehicle and the coupler on the trailer must be the same size to ensure a secure connection.
• Safety Chains: Every trailer must be connected to the tow vehicle by two strong safety chains. These chains are a critical backup if the hitch fails. They should be crossed under the trailer tongue in an “X” pattern and attached to the tow vehicle’s frame. This “X” pattern creates a cradle that can catch the trailer tongue and prevent it from digging into the pavement if it detaches. The chains should have enough slack to allow for sharp turns but not so much that they drag on the ground.
• Lights: The trailer’s electrical system must be connected to the tow vehicle to operate the trailer’s lights. Required lights include taillights, brake lights, and turn signals that work in sync with the tow vehicle’s lights.
• Brakes: Oklahoma law requires a separate braking system on any trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 lbs or more. These trailer brakes, often electronically controlled from the driver’s seat, are essential for stopping the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer safely.