Chapter 12: Towing a Trailer

Towing a trailer adds significant weight and length to a vehicle, fundamentally changing its handling, acceleration, and braking characteristics. Understanding the specific equipment, loading procedures, and driving techniques required for towing is essential for safety. A poorly loaded or improperly handled trailer can lead to dangerous situations like trailer sway, loss of control, and collisions, making this knowledge critical for anyone planning to tow.

Safely towing a non-commercial trailer in Wyoming requires a combination of the right equipment, proper loading techniques, and adjusted driving habits. Drivers must be aware of the legal requirements for equipment like brakes and lights, and they must adapt their driving to account for the added challenges the trailer presents.

Equipment and Loading

Before hitting the road, a driver must ensure the trailer and towing vehicle are properly equipped and connected, and that the cargo is loaded for maximum stability.

Required Gear

• Hitch and Ball Mount: The hitch must be appropriate for the weight of the trailer. The ball mount must match the size of the trailer’s coupler, and they should lock together securely.
• Safety Chains: Two safety chains are required to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle. They must 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.
• Lights: The trailer’s lights (brake lights, taillights, and turn signals) must be connected to the tow vehicle and be fully operational. A pre-trip check is essential to confirm they work in sync with the vehicle’s lights.
• Brakes: In Wyoming, a separate braking system is required on any trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more. Brakes are also required if the trailer’s gross weight is more than 40% of the towing vehicle’s weight.