Chapter 12: Towing a Trailer

Towing a trailer fundamentally changes how your vehicle handles, accelerates, and stops. Understanding the specific equipment, loading techniques, and driving adjustments required is not just for passing the driver’s test; it is a critical safety responsibility. A mistake made while towing can have magnified and dangerous consequences, making this knowledge essential for protecting yourself, your property, and others on Alaska’s roads.

Towing a trailer, even a small one, requires additional skills and awareness. Drivers must ensure their vehicle and trailer are properly equipped and loaded, and they must adapt their driving style to account for the added length and weight.

Equipment and Loading

Before ever moving the vehicle, a driver must ensure the trailer is properly equipped, correctly attached, and safely loaded. This preparation is the most important step in preventing towing emergencies.

Required Equipment

• Hitch: The hitch must be appropriate for the weight of the trailer and securely attached to the tow vehicle’s frame. The trailer coupler must be properly sized for the hitch ball and locked in place.
• Safety Chains: Two strong safety chains are required to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle. The chains should be crossed under the trailer tongue in an “X” pattern. This prevents the tongue from dropping to the ground if the hitch fails and can help maintain some steering control. The chains should have enough slack to allow for turns but not so much that they drag on the ground.
• Lights: The trailer must have a functioning lighting system that connects to the tow vehicle. This includes taillights, brake lights, and turn signals that work in sync with the tow vehicle’s lights. All wiring should be secure and free from damage.
• Trailer Brakes: While not required on very small trailers, separate trailer brakes are legally required in Alaska for trailers with a gross weight of 5,000 lbs or more. They are highly recommended for any trailer weighing over 1,500 lbs, as they significantly improve stopping ability and reduce wear on the tow vehicle’s brakes.