Know Before You Tow: Going Over the Trailer Safety Checklist

How to Attach Utility Trailer to Car

6/23/2021

text by Vicki Sign up here to join our weekly email newsletter!

This is part five of the six part series on building and using the Harbor Freight Utility Trailer. You can see the entire playlist on YouTube.

In this video, Steph takes you step by step through the trailer "before you use" safety checklist as well as how to hitch up the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Trailer Essentials:

HAUL-MASTER 1195 Lb. Capacity 48 In. X 96 In. Heavy Duty Folding Trailer (Harbor Freight)
PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVE Foldable Metal Wheel Chocks, 2 Pc. (Harbor Freight)
HAUL-MASTER 1000 Lb. Swing-Back Bolt-On Trailer Jack (Harbor Freight)
HAUL-MASTER Trailer Jack Wheel Dock (Harbor Freight)
HAUL-MASTER 600 Lb. Trailer Dolly (Harbor Freight)
HAUL-MASTER Four-Way Trailer Light Tester (Harbor Freight)
HAUL-MASTER 1200 Lb. Capacity 30-1/4 In. X 72 In. Convertible Aluminum Loading Ramp (Harbor Freight)
40 In. 300 Lb. Capacity Low-Profile Creeper, Blue (Harbor Freight)
3-IN-ONE Trailer Hitch Gel Lube (Amazon)
Husky 16 ft. x 1-1/2 in. Ratchet Tie-Downs (2-Pack) (Home Depot)
Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless High Pressure Inflator with Digital Gauge (Home Depot)

Here I am using the Harbor freight 600lb trailer dolly to easily move my trailer to the car.

Here Steph is using the Harbor freight 600lb trailer dolly to easily move the trailer out of the garage to behind the car to hitch it up. This dolly makes it very easy to move the trailer with little effort.

3 in one trailer hitch gel lube for the hitch.

This trailer hitch gel lube is made by 3-in-one and will provide long-lasting lubrication and rust prevention. Using a hitch lubricant reduces friction and wear between the ball and coupler as well as the hitch receiver.

Use the trailer hitch gel lube on the trailer hitch.

Use the trailer hitch gel lube here, as well as...

Be sure to lube the trailer ball before attaching the trailer.

...as well as the top of the trailer ball before adding the trailer coupler.

Push down on the handle until the trigger locks in the slot. Pull up and down to make sure the hitch ball is fitting snugly in the coupler. Place the locking pin and r-clip to secure.

Before Each Use 12 Steps

Download the free PDF checklist here

The Ryobi Power Inflator makes it easy to add air to low tires. It's battert operated.

1. Check the tire condition and add air if needed. This Ryobi power inflator is convenient to use.

Check wheel lug nuts/bolts

Step three, make sure all the connections to the tow vehicle and trailer are secure.

Is everything that attaches to the tow vehicle nice and secure?

Be sure all the trailer wiring is securely attached to the tow vehicle.

All the wire need to be properly connected. Be sure none of the wires are dragging on the ground. Connect the wiring securing to the tow vehicle.

Check the brake lights to be sure they work.

Light check! Do all the lights come on and work properly?

It's tempting not to take the time to secure the load, but don't skip this detail. We're using Husky ratching straps which makes this step super easy.

Be sure all trailer accessories are secured to the trailer frame.

Be sure anything that is attached to the trailer frame is secure. This is a trailer jack stand that is permanently attached to our trailer frame.

8. It's important that the load is properly balanced with the load positioned more near the front of the trailer.

Adjust the tow vehicle mirrors so you can see well behind you.

Adjust those mirrors so you can monitor things behind you. It's helpful if you have a passenger that can do the monitoring.

Check you intended route to be sure there are no restrictions or surprises.

Check your route. Since towing can be challenging, we've found it beneficial to map out a more direct route and choose a time to tow when traffic is not as heavy.

Carry wheel chocks just in case you'll need those at your destination. These folding harbor freight ones are super convenient.

11. Don't forget wheel chocks and a jack stand. You may need those at your destination.

A covered Home Depot bucket keeps all the trailer supplies contained so we always know where things are.

Steph keeps all the trailer supplies in a covered Home Depot bucket. It's easy to bring along and that way we know we have everything we could possibly need.

Visually check the trailer frame and deck for any potential damage.

Lastly, take a walk around the trailer to visually inspect the frame and deck for damage.

The 12 steps seems like a lot, but over time it will become second nature and I'm sure the checklist will be fairly quick to accomplish.

Coming up last will be folding and storing the trailer. After all, the folding feature is why we purchased the kit!

Please note: This is not a sponsored post.

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don't claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

FYI: Affiliate links are being used on this page. Purchasing via these links help support MDP!