Chapter 12: Towing a Trailer

Towing a trailer, even a small one, fundamentally changes a vehicle’s handling, acceleration, and braking capabilities. Understanding the specific equipment requirements and driving techniques is essential for safety. Mastering these principles ensures the stability of your vehicle and trailer, protecting you, your cargo, and other road users from the significant risks associated with towing.

Equipment and Loading

Before towing, a driver must ensure the vehicle and trailer are properly equipped and loaded. The connection between the two is critical, and an unbalanced load is the primary cause of dangerous trailer sway and loss of control.

Required Equipment

• Hitch and Ball: The hitch assembly must be securely bolted to the tow vehicle’s frame. The hitch and the tow ball must have a weight rating that meets or exceeds the gross weight of the loaded trailer. The trailer coupler must be the correct size for the tow ball and be securely latched.
• Safety Chains: Two strong safety chains are legally required to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle. The chains must be crossed under the trailer tongue in an “X” pattern and attached to the hitch assembly. This “X” pattern creates a cradle that can catch the trailer tongue if it disconnects from the hitch, preventing it from digging into the pavement. 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. A trailer must be equipped with functioning taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
• Brakes: In West Virginia, a separate braking system on the trailer is legally required if the trailer has a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more. These brakes are typically activated electronically or by a surge mechanism when the tow vehicle’s brakes are applied.