How to Calculate Legal Towing Limits
Understanding the towing laws for your state and the places you wish to travel is necessary to calculate legal towing limits. Each state has rules on trailer size, weight, electric brakes, safety devices, top speed and driver license requirements. Understanding and working within the limitations of the tow vehicle is also important to assure a safe trip. A trailer that is too heavy for a vehicle reduces its braking potential to unsafe levels, possibly leading to an accident.
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Instructions
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Go to the website on towing laws for each state, listed under Resources. Read and record the specific rules for your area and any place you want to travel.
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Measure the width, height and length of the trailer with a measuring tape. Compare it to the limits set by your state's law.
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Determine the maximum towing capacity of the towing vehicle by looking in the owner's manual.
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Determine the mass of the trailer by looking on its data plate under gross trailer weight. The weight of the trailer must be less than the towing capacity of the vehicle for a safe trip. The trailer's mass must also correspond to the trailer brake requirements set by your state. If the trailer's mass is more than the set limit, the trailer must have an independent braking system.
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Check the license class of the operator of the tow vehicle. This class must be equal to or greater than the license requirements.
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Check to see if the areas you want to travel require a trailer fire extinguisher and flares to be on board. If they are required, confirm they are present inside the trailer.
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Tips & Warnings
Always check the trailer's electrical systems for proper operation prior to every trip.
References
Resources
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