Chapter 12: Towing a Trailer

Safely towing a trailer requires a distinct set of skills and knowledge beyond basic driving. The added weight and length of a trailer dramatically change a vehicle’s handling, acceleration, and braking capabilities. Understanding the principles of proper loading, required equipment, and specialized driving techniques is essential for passing the driver’s license exam and, more importantly, for preventing dangerous situations like trailer sway or collisions caused by increased stopping distances.

Equipment and Loading

Before towing, a driver must ensure the vehicle and trailer are properly equipped and the cargo is loaded correctly. An improperly equipped or loaded trailer is a significant safety hazard to both the driver and other road users.

Required Equipment

• Hitch: The hitch must be appropriate for the weight of the trailer. It must be securely attached to the towing vehicle’s frame. The hitch ball and coupler must be the same size and properly latched.
• Safety Chains: Two strong safety chains are required to connect the trailer to the towing 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 sharp turns but not so much that they drag on the ground.
• Lights: The trailer must have a functioning lighting system that is connected to the towing vehicle. This includes taillights, brake lights, and turn signals that work in sync with the tow vehicle’s lights.
• Trailer Brakes: In Kansas, a trailer must be equipped with its own braking system if its gross weight is 3,000 pounds or more, or if its gross weight exceeds 40% of the gross weight of the towing vehicle. These brakes are crucial for assisting with stops and preventing the trailer from pushing the tow vehicle.

Pro-Tip:
Before every trip, perform a pre-tow check. Walk around the trailer and vehicle, check tire pressure on both, confirm all lights are working, and ensure the hitch is securely latched with the safety chains properly attached.