Pre Trip Preparation and Inspection – Trailer
BEFORE LOADING TRAILER
1. Be sure that DOT inspection is current.
Long Trailer – Inspection Tag on front of trailer
Short Trailer – Inspection Tag on passenger side near side door
Tires and spare – must be air pressure gage checked prior to any trip off campus
 Trailer Tires Inflate to MAX COLD Pressure – Information on Side Wall



Check tread wear – wear strip (min. 1/16” tread and no wear strip showing)
General conditions of tire
Previous user may have damaged
 examples
2/13/2016
1
2. Trailer check list and condition report must be completed
 Total miles – based on Tow vehicle odometer
 Which student group
 Dates of use
 Trailer inspection before and after each use (see Form B)
3. Wheel bearing must be checked/lubed every 12000 miles/ 12 months.
 Lug nuts checked before each trip
 Do not use “bearing buddy” (can blow out bearing seals).
4. Replace any broken light bulbs and/or color lens on lights
AFTER LOADING TRAILER
5. Attach trailer weight equalizer bars to truck and adjust so that truck fender height is 41.75”.
2/13/2016
2
6. Attach sway control bar to truck and trailer and adjust tension.
2/13/2016
3
7. Test emergency brake away battery and attach emergency brake away switch cable from trailer to
truck’s frame
2/13/2016
4
8. Attach chains from trailer to truck’s hitch (cross chains before attaching i.e., left side of hitch to right
side of trailer).
9. Attach brake electrical line and light cable from trailer to truck, threaded through bicycle type hitch
lock (to prevent dragging if disengaged), snap cap down into place and wrap with electrical tape).
10. Verify that all retaining pins/locks are in place
 2 weight equalizer bar pins
 2 sway control bar pins
 locking hitch pin in place
 bicycle lock securing trailer hitch
When hitch is removed, replace with oily rag to prevent dirt and rust
2/13/2016
5
Secure Cargo
Do not use bungee cords – they stretch and sometimes do not hold during panic stops
1. Inspect all tie down straps and replace if:




Frayed edges of 1/16 inch or more
Cuts in straps
Gas or oil soaked
Ratchet slips or binds
2. * Once object is secured, be sure that Tie Downs, when in use, are in a “lock” position
3. Cargo must be secured with tie downs
 Pull forward
 Pull back
 Pull down
4. No loose items should be in the trailer or the truck when in transport (including spare)
5. Do not load heavy to the back of trailer (balance load)
 Handling problems
10-20% of total trailer weight should rest on the tow vehicle hitch
6. Tall objects, i.e. Tool Box must be secured at top and bottom
 Lock caster wheels if possible
2/13/2016
6
Tow Vehicle Inspection and Use
1. Fuel vehicle prior to connecting trailer
2. Check all fluid levels – coolant, oil, transmission, windshield wiper
3. Check air pressure on all 7 tires (you can’t tell by looking, tires can be under inflated by 25 psi and not
look like they are low on air.)
4. Record on “Vehicle Conditions Record” any vehicle damage, i.e.:

dents

scratches

marks on tire or wheels

glass damage

front and rear bumper marks
5. Check service record for oil and lube dates and or mileage – be sure enough miles remain to get the unit
back to MSU
6. Never leave the vehicle idling when unattended
7. Vehicle to be locked at all times
8. Never leave the keys in ignition when parked or standing
9. Spare key should be assigned to team member when truck travels to distant events.
10. Backing
 Don’t back up unless you ABSOLUTELY MUST
 Get spotting help – Position one spotter on each side of the trailer
- work together
 Plan ahead – know how you will get back out when entering gas station, restaurant, etc
 Avoid blind side backing without having spotting help
 Before backing, reduce sway control bar tension to minimum or off.
 NEVER back over obstructions (curbs, drops, etc.) – this can damage tires and cause blow-outs
11. All passengers must wear seatbelts
2/13/2016
7
Tow-Vehicle & Trailer Inspection When on Trip
1. Before starting vehicle make sure there are not fresh vehicle fluids under vehicle
 Check fluids under the hood (oil, transmission, windshield)
2. Start vehicle check gages
 Place vehicle in “Park”
 Apply emergency brake
 Turn on headlamp switch
 Turn on 4-way flasher unit (same circuit as brakes and turn signals)
3. Get out of vehicle and do “walk around”
 Check all lights on truck and trailer
 Visual check of tires
 Record any fresh damage
 Be sure all windows are clear
4. Have fellow team members help to check
 Turn signals
 Brake lights
5. Check Hitch
 Tighten sway control bar adjustment (Use ONLY while on road, loosen when parking, backing, etc.)
 Be sure all 5 pins are in place to secure hitch parts, i.e. ball insert, weight equalizing bars, sway control bar
 Check electrical plug – make sure it is secure
 Check safety chains
 Check break away cable
6. Before moving the truck and trailer
 Be sure there are no objects in front or rear of your tires
 Clear headlights and tail lights
 Clear all due, snow, fog from outside windows
 Adjust mirrors so that you can see the trailer tires- no blind spots when adjusted properly
 Check Hitch EVERY time you return to the truck and trailer (pins get taken)
7. Parking
 Chock wheels when parked
 Park straight when changing drivers so that the next driver can adjust mirrors
 Use 4x4 wood base for tongue jack
8. Passing
 Remember – truck has 30% decreased acceleration when towing
 Pass on divided highways only – no passing on two lane roads
9. Width of truck and trailer – 8.5” - Lane width 9’-12’
10. Upon Driving
 Note normal operating transmission and engine gage temperatures – for use as baseline temps
 Test handling, lane change, etc., immediately after starting trip while traveling at 55mph highway speed.
 After a short time on the road

Check load for load shift, loose tie downs, etc. Re-secure load as needed.

check bearing heat on trailer
Immediately after exiting vehicle when parking or stopping, touch tires and wheels to see if they are too hot.
2/13/2016
8
Stopping Distance w/o Trailer Brakes
Truck & Trailer @ 30mph.
d
s2
s  f 
x
wt  wa
wa
d
302 4000  3000
x
30 x.71
3000
d
900 7000
x
21.3 3000
d=42.25 x 2.33
d=98.4
Truck only @ 30mph.
s2
d
30 f
d
900
21.3
d=42.25
2/13/2016
9
Stopping distance for truck & trailer without trailer brakes traveling @ 70 mph
702
6000  4500
d
x
30.7 
4500
d
4900 10500
x
21 4500
d= 233.3 x 2.33
d = 543.6 ft.
Stopping distance for truck & trailer with trailer brakes @ 70 mph
s2
d
30 f
702
d
30.70
d
4900
21
d = 233 ft.
If friction is reduced by 66% fa = .3, truck speed after breaking for 233ft.
S at a Point in a skid
S = 70 mph
fa = .3
d= 233 ft.
S = 52.8 mph
2/13/2016
10
Towing Tips
DRIVING A TOW VEHICLE
Good habits for normal driving need extra emphasis when towing a trailer. The additional weight of the
trailer affects acceleration and braking. Extra time should be allowed for passing, stopping and changing
lanes. Signal well in advance of a maneuver to let other drivers know your intentions. Severe bumps and
badly undulating roads can damage your towing vehicle, hitch and trailer, and should be negotiated at a slow,
steady speed. If any part of your towing system "bottoms out" or if you suspect damage may have occurred
in any other way, pull over and make a thorough inspection. Correct any problems before resuming travel.
CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT
Before towing, check the condition of all your towing equipment and keep all components in top condition.
TRAILER LOADING
Proper trailer loading is very important. Heavy items should be placed close to the floor near the trailer axle
centerline. The load should be balanced side to side and firmly secured in the trailer to prevent shifting.
Tongue weight should be 10-15% of the gross trailer weight for most trailers. To low a tongue weight often
produces tendency to sway.
TIRE INFLATION - Tires should be inflated to their maximum recommended pressure.
PASSENGERS IN TRAILERS
Trailers should not be occupied while being towed. Most states enforce this regulation.
TRAILER LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, ELECTRIC BRAKES
Always hook up all of the trailer lights, electric brakes and break-away switch connection, whenever trailer
is being towed.
MAINTENANCE
Keep the round ends of the spring bars and the sockets in the head assembly free from dirt and well
lubricated. Excessive wear in this area may indicate an overload or inadequate lubrication.
Keep the head assembly exterior clean, especially in the area of the spring bar retainer. Do not allow dirt or
stones to lodge in this area.
Keep lift brackets clean and lubricated to insure ease of operation.
AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY TOWING DAY:
Coat the round ends of the spring bars with fibrous grease.
.
Clean ball and coupler socket and coat ball lightly with grease.
Check spring bar chains and U-bolts for wear and security. Replace before they become worn. Check to see
that all hitch bolts are properly tightened and that the locking pins in the lift brackets are securely in place.
Also, check that the hitch pin is in place and secure.
Check to see that all electrical hook-ups are in working order and that the safety chains are securely
connected.
CHECK ALL TRAILER TO TOWING VEHICLE CONNECTIONS FOR SECURITY
AND OPERATION
NOTE: Surge brakes usually require a small amount of fore and aft movement for their actuating mechanism
2/13/2016
11
to function. To avoid restricting movement, it may be necessary to increase the number of chain links
between the lift brackets and spring bars, by tilting the head down. Tighten the two 3/4" bolts to 260 ft. lbs.
torque once head angle is set. Those surge brake actuators not designed for use with a weight distributing
hitch, may bind and not operate freely. Check your surge brake operating instructions for any specific
requirements regarding their use with weight distributing hitches.
WARNINGS
Loaded ball height should never be greater than the uncoupled ball height. Front wheel overload and loss of
rear wheel traction can result and can lead to unstable handling. It can reduce braking ability and create a
tendency to "jackknife when turning or braking at the same time.
If the loaded ball height is greater than the uncoupled height, reduce take up on the spring bar chains and remeasure and adjust until the proper height is obtained.
CAUTION: If the lift chain is angled fore or aft at the top within the lift bracket, it may catch on the bracket
when turning. This could damage the lift bracket or pry it open.
St. Paul Pioneer Press 05-17-2005
3 Mankato college students killed in crash
CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Three Minnesota State University, Mankato students died today and
five other people riding in the same van were injured when the vehicle crossed the Interstate 94 median and
was hit by two oncoming semitrailer trucks
At least one of the injured was in critical condition, said Michael Cooper, media relations director at the
southern Minnesota University
“We really are devastated by it." Cooper said. "We're in shock, and obviously our hearts go out to the
families."
The group, which included seven students and one faculty member, was on its way to Detroit to compete in a
national Society of Automotive Engineers student competition.
Chikaming Township police said the van was towing a trailer and traveling east near Sawyer when it crossed
the median and was struck by the two semis, which were heading west. Cooper said he was told a gust of
wind blew the van into the oncoming traffic, but police still were investigating.
Cooper said the group was towing a Formula Series car that the students built for the competition in
Detroit, an annual event that includes about 140 colleges and universities from across the country.
The names of the victims were not immediately released. Cooper said most of the students were seniors.
Another group of nine people from the university was following the van that crashed. That group was not
involved in the accident, Cooper said.
Police said several other motorists were also injured in the crash.
2/13/2016
12
Form B
Trailer Checklist
DAILY LOG
Log must be completed prior to towing Trailer
NOTE: Maximum Speed when towing is 60 MPH.
Date: ____________ Driver ____________________ Department/Group: ___________________________
To: _____________
City: ___________________
Reason for trip______________________________
Trailer SAFETY CHECK: (check if OK)
Check ONE
Long Trailer or
 Tail Lights
Short trailer
 Brake Lights
 Tire Pressure (gage is in glove box – record pressures)
Record Actual PSI
Right Front - __________
 Turn Signal Lights
Right Rear - __________
 Side marker lights
Left Front - ___________
 Emergency Flasher
Left Rear - ____________
 Body and paint (describe problems in
comments)
Spare –
___________

 Current Insurance and Registration forms (including
copy of trailer registration)
 Brakes
 Torque lugs, nuts and bolts*

 Fluid Leak (prior to moving vehicle look beneath truck and describe problems
in comments below)
 Service date on inspection sticker is current
Overall cleanliness (inside and out)
Dirty
Clean
Comments:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Begin Mileage ___________________________Miles since last wheel bearing service ______________
Next Wheel bearing Service due in ___________miles
* Torque to 90-120#. Check first trip after 10, 25 and 50 miles.
2/13/2016
13
DAILY LOG and Vehicle Condition Record - 2004 Chevy Silverado LS 3500
Log must be completed prior to driving truck
NOTE: Maximum Speed when towing is 60 MPH.
Date: _______________ Driver _______________________________________ Department/Group: ___________________________________
To: _____________________________________
City: ________________________
Reason for trip_______________________________
VEHICLE SAFETY CHECK: (check if OK)
 Headlights

 Tail Lights
 Brakes

 Engine Oil

Jack

Safety Triangles
 Brake Lights

Fuel level (should be full!)

Service date on sticker is current
 Turn Signal Lights (including mirror
signals)

Wiper Fluid
 Current Insurance and Registration forms
(including copy of trailer registration)
 Side marker lights
 Fluid Leak (prior to moving vehicle - look beneath truck
and describe problems in comments below)
 Emergency Flasher

 Windows, mirrors, body and paint (describe
problems in comments)
Right Front - 80 PSI Left Front - 80 PSI Right Outside Rear – 65 PSI
Right Inside Rear – 65 PSI
Left Outside Rear – 65 PSI
Left Inside Rear – 65 PSI
Spare – 80 PSI
 Horn
 Wipers operational
Tire Pressure (gage is in glove box – record pressures)
Record Actual PSI
__________
___________
___________
___________
____________
___________
___________
First Aid kit
sealed
 opened
Overall cleanliness (inside and out)
Dirty
Clean
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Begin Mileage ________________________________ Next Service due at 30,174 miles Miles to next service ___________________________
2/13/2016
14