Chapter 12: Towing a Trailer

Safely towing a trailer requires a unique set of skills and knowledge beyond normal driving. The added weight and length of a trailer dramatically change a vehicle’s handling, acceleration, and braking characteristics. Understanding the principles of proper loading, specialized driving techniques, and equipment requirements is essential for preventing loss of control, which could lead to a serious collision that endangers you and everyone else on the road.

Equipment and Loading

Before towing, a driver must ensure the vehicle and trailer are properly equipped and connected. Using the right gear and loading the trailer correctly are the most important steps in preventing dangerous situations like trailer sway or hitch failure.

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 towing vehicle.
• Safety Chains: Two strong safety chains are legally required in Colorado. They must be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue (hitch) and attached to the towing vehicle. Crossing the chains creates a cradle that can catch the trailer tongue if the hitch fails, preventing it from digging into the pavement.
• Lights: The trailer must have functioning taillights, brake lights, and turn signals that are connected to and operate in sync with the towing vehicle’s lights.
• Brakes: In Colorado, separate brakes are legally required on any trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more. These brakes are typically controlled electronically from the driver’s seat and are crucial for safe stopping.

Proper Loading