Chapter 12: Towing a Trailer

Towing a trailer adds significant weight and length to a vehicle, dramatically changing its handling, acceleration, and braking characteristics. Understanding the specific equipment requirements and driving adjustments is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical safety responsibility. Properly loading a trailer and adapting driving techniques are essential for preventing dangerous situations like trailer sway, jackknifing, and collisions caused by increased stopping distances.

Equipment and Loading

Before towing, a driver must ensure the vehicle and trailer are properly equipped and legally compliant. The connection between the two is the most critical safety component.

Required Equipment

• Hitch: The hitch must be properly rated for the total weight of the trailer and its cargo. It must be securely attached to the frame of the towing vehicle.
• Safety Chains: Every trailer must be connected to the towing vehicle by at least two safety chains or cables. These chains must be crossed under the trailer tongue (in an “X” pattern) and attached to the tow vehicle. They must be strong enough to hold the trailer and prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground if the primary hitch fails.
• Lights: The trailer must have a functioning light 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.
• Brakes: In Arkansas, a trailer is required to have its own braking system if its gross weight is 3,000 lbs or more, or if its gross weight is more than 40% of the gross weight of the towing vehicle.