Chapter 12: Towing a Trailer

Towing a trailer, even a small one, dramatically changes a vehicle’s handling, acceleration, and braking characteristics. Understanding the correct procedures for equipping, loading, and driving with a trailer is essential for preventing dangerous situations like trailer sway, jackknifing, or collisions caused by increased stopping distances. This knowledge ensures the safety of the driver, their cargo, and all other road users, and is a key component of responsible driving.

Equipment and Loading

Before towing, a driver must ensure the vehicle and trailer are properly equipped and the load is secure and balanced. Using the right gear and loading techniques is the first and most important step in preventing loss of control.

Required Equipment

• Hitch: The hitch is the component that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle. It must be the correct class and have a weight rating that exceeds the total weight of the loaded trailer. The hitch ball and receiver must be the same size and securely fastened.
• Safety Chains: Every trailer must be connected to the tow vehicle with two strong safety chains or cables. These chains are a critical backup system designed to keep the trailer attached if the primary hitch fails. They should be crossed under the trailer tongue in an “X” pattern and attached to the tow vehicle’s frame, leaving just enough slack for turns.
• Lights: The trailer’s electrical system must be connected to the tow vehicle so that its lights work in sync. A trailer must have functioning taillights, brake lights, and turn signals that are visible from the rear.
• Brakes: Mississippi law requires a separate braking system on any trailer with a gross weight of 2,000 pounds or more. These trailer brakes, which can be electric or surge-activated, are crucial for stopping the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer safely.

Proper Loading (The 60/40 Rule)

The balance of the cargo on a trailer is the single most important factor in preventing dangerous trailer sway.

• Weight Distribution: About 60% of the cargo weight should be placed in the front half of thetrailer (ahead of the axle), and 40% should be in the rear half.
• Tongue Weight: This distribution should result in a “tongue weight” (the downward pressure on the hitch ball) that is 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight. Too little tongue weight will cause the trailer to sway, while too much will weigh down the rear of the tow vehicle, affecting steering control.
• Securing the Load: All cargo must be firmly secured with ropes, straps, or nets to prevent it from shifting or falling off during travel.