Towing Pre-Trip Checklist

Use this worksheet before towing. It is educational, not legal advice. Verify your exact truck, trailer, hitch, tires, and state law sources.

Weight and rating checks

• Truck payload sticker checked
• Truck GVWR and GAWR checked
• GCWR or combined rating checked
• Trailer GVWR and data plate checked
• Loaded trailer weight estimated or scaled
• Tongue or pin weight estimated

Brake and law checks

• State brake rule checked
• Route states checked
• Brake controller gain tested slowly
• Breakaway pin and battery tested
• Safety chains crossed and rated
• Seven-way connector seated and locked

Walkaround

• Coupler latched and pinned
• Hitch rating exceeds loaded trailer
• Tire pressure and date codes checked
• Lights and turn signals working
• Mirrors adjusted for trailer width
• Cargo secured and balanced