How to Tow a Cargo Trailer

Towing a cargo trailer allows you to move a variety of objects.

A cargo trailer is used for a variety of tasks, such as moving furniture, yard waste, garbage and camping supplies. Cargo trailers are rated for their maximum cargo weight. Exceeding this recommendation is dangerous because the trailer's axles may break due to excessive stress. Every trailer must be equipped with brake, signal and marker lights to travel on public roads. Testing the lights before every trip is a smart way to avoid a costly ticket.

Things You'll Need

• Tow vehicle with hitch

Instructions

1. Add the weight of the trailer plus the mass of the cargo. The trailer's weight is printed on its data plate under gross trailer weight, or GTW.

2. Determine the towing capacity of the tow vehicle by reviewing its owner's manual. The trailer plus its cargo's mass must be less than the tow vehicle's towing capacity.

3. Connect the trailer's coupler to the vehicle's hitch. Secure the latch in the locked position with a cotter pin through the handle.

4. Fasten the trailer's right chain to the hitch's left side and the left chain to the right side. The crossed chains are intended to catch the trailer's tongue in the event it becomes detached from the vehicle while driving.

5. Push the trailer's electrical plug into the vehicle's receiver.

6. Double-check the connections.

7. Drive slower than normal and provide additional braking space to compensate for the reduced braking and handling of the vehicle.

References

• Sherline: Trailer Loading and Towing Guide

Resources

• Towing World: Towing Laws Listed by State