Chapter 12: Towing a Trailer

Towing a trailer dramatically changes a vehicle’s handling, stability, and performance. Understanding the principles of proper loading, required equipment, and adjusted driving techniques is crucial for safety. This knowledge is not only important for preventing dangerous situations like trailer sway or collisions but also ensures you are operating your vehicle and trailer combination legally on North Carolina roads.

Equipment and Loading

Before towing, a driver must ensure the vehicle and trailer are properly equipped and the cargo is loaded correctly. A mistake in either area can lead to a loss of control, component failure, or a serious crash.

Required Equipment

• Hitch: The hitch is the connection point between the tow vehicle and the trailer. It must be rated for the weight of the trailer and its cargo. The hitch ball and receiver must be the correct size and securely fastened.
• Safety Chains: Every trailer must be connected to the tow vehicle with two strong safety chains. These chains are a critical backup in case the hitch fails. The chains should be crossed under the trailer tongue in an “X” pattern and attached to the tow vehicle’s frame. They should have enough slack to allow for 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. Legally required lights include taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. A white light to illuminate the license plate is also required.
• Trailer Brakes: In North Carolina, a trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,000 pounds or more must be equipped with its own braking system. These brakes are typically controlled by an electronic controller in the tow vehicle’s cab, allowing the driver to adjust their sensitivity and apply them manually if needed.

Pro-Tip:
Before every trip, perform a pre-tow check. Test the trailer lights (brake, turn, running), check tire pressure on both the vehicle and trailer, and ensure the hitch is securely latched with the safety chains properly connected.