Video: How to Safely Tow a Trailer

A successful and safe towing experience requires some know-how. Simply put, towing is best approached the way the professionals do it.

Here’s an opportunity to share some insights with your drivers about preparing a trailer, protecting themselves and their vehicles, and driving like a towing pro.

Experts suggest taking the following steps, which are demonstrated in the video attached:

• When towing a trailer, make sure you get the correct class trailer to tow the weight you plan to tow.
• Ensure proper trailer ball and hitch. Line it up and lower the hitch onto the ball. Make sure the ball is secure and the lock is tight.
• Once you’ve secured the ball and hitch, put the jack all the way up. Never tow with the jack down, it’s a dangerous situation.
• Always fully attach the trailer to the truck.
• Use emergency cable chains, so that the trailer doesn't separate from your vehicle.
• Make sure the turn signals and brake lights in the vehicle you will be driving are fully functioning.
• Be sure to properly secure the cargo if you're using a flatbed trailer.
• Never attach the chains to your cargo because you need to account for sprung weight — meaning the chains can snap and break when you hit bumps. Rather, always attach your chains to unsprung weight.
• Make sure your seatbelt is fastened and drive slowly — it takes two times as long to stop when you are towing a heavy load.
• Be extra cautious when going around curves — towing is like dragging a 30-foot steel tail behind you.