Chapter 12: Towing a Trailer

Towing a trailer, whether for moving, camping, or recreation, introduces a new set of challenges and responsibilities for a driver. The added weight and length dramatically change a vehicle’s handling, acceleration, and braking characteristics. Understanding the proper procedures for equipping, loading, and maneuvering a vehicle with a trailer is crucial for preventing loss of control, collisions, and ensuring you comply with Maine’s traffic laws.

Equipment and Loading

Before you can safely tow a trailer, you must ensure your vehicle and the trailer are properly equipped and connected. The load must also be balanced and secured correctly to prevent dangerous instability on the road.

• Hitch System: The hitch on the tow vehicle must be appropriate for the weight of the trailer. The trailer coupler must securely latch onto the hitch ball.
• Safety Chains: Every trailer must be connected to the tow vehicle with two safety chains. 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 the crossed pattern helps 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’s electrical system must be connected to the tow vehicle so that its lights work in sync with the vehicle’s lights. This includes taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Before every trip, perform a walk-around check to ensure all lights are functioning correctly.
• Trailer Brakes: In Maine, any trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more must be equipped with its own braking system. These brakes are typically activated by an electronic controller in the tow vehicle and are essential for safe stopping with a heavy load.