Properly Towing Trailers

July 16, 2021

Key Point

More than 17,000 people were killed between 1975 and 2013 in accidents involving passenger vehicles towing trailers, according to the National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration. Currently, an average of more than one person a day dies in such crashes.
Common mistakes leading to collisions involving pickup trucks towing trailers include:not ensuring the trailer is properly secured to the truck hitch; overloading the trailer; and using a truck not properly equipped to handle the trailered load.
If injuries or fatalities results from any of these errors, the company that owns the truck and trailer is almost certain to be sued and to lose the case. With settlements and jury awards often topping $1 million, small to mid-size landscape companies might not survive the litigation. The driver also can be sued personally and is usually found negligent as well.
Loss of life, injuries and implications for companies and employees can be avoided when employers provide proper equipment and training in how to use it, and employees follow this guidance.

Employers’ and supervisors’ checklist

Ensure your company adheres to highway safety regulations. Know which local, state and/or federal regulations apply to your vehicles and/or drivers.
Know that if the weight of a pickup truck, trailer and load exceeds 10,000 pounds, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration considers it a commercial motor vehicle and your company must comply with the associated regulations. These include having U.S. Department of Transportation markings on the truck, properly securing cargo and stopping at roadside inspection stations. The driver must have a copy of a medical examiner’s certificate stating he/she is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
Be aware that many towing regulations are governed by state vehicle codes and vary widely from state to state. Make sure you know and follow the requirements for all states in which your trucks and trailers operate.
Check with your state department of transportation to find out when trailer brakes and breakaway systems (which activate trailer brakes if a trailer disconnects from its tow vehicle) are required. Most states mandate these things for trailers over certain gross vehicle weights. Whether or not required, trailer brakes and breakaway systems are a good idea. They can keep an unhitched trailer under better control and prevent it from causing the tow vehicle to have an accident. Failed or missing breakaway systems are a commonly noted problem during trailer-safety inspections.
Understand that failure to follow requirements stated in owner’s manuals/guides and on data plates and stickers on your trucks and trailers also exposes your company to legal liability in the event of an accident.
Know that your insurance company will not come to your aid if you or your employees disregard government regulations or manufacturers’ specifications.
Keep in mind various truck makes and models have different tow ratings and the weight a truck can legally tow is usually less than the advertised tow rating, which typically doesn’t include the weight of the hitch or hardware, cargo or passengers.
Be aware that vehicle manufacturers’ towing guides contain asterisks with foot notes stating that above a certain trailer and/or tongue weight, a weight-distributing hitch must be used. With a standard rear-mounted hitch, the trailer's tongue weight is transferred to the rear axle of the tow vehicle. This can force the rear end of the tow vehicle lower and raise the front end, negatively affecting steering, traction and stopping distance and increasing trailer sway. Weight-distribution systems transfer the load to all axles on both the tow vehicle and trailer. Learn more about weight-distribution systems here.
Check the weight-rating labels on your trailer hitches to make sure a weight-distributing capacity is listed. If not, a weight-distribution system should not be used.
Make sure your company’s safety program includes training specific to operating trucks with trailers. Employees who drive, load or help set up truck/trailer combinations should fully understand all applicable regulations, requirements and procedures, and demonstrate the ability to follow them.
Randomly observe/inspect each crew’s trailer-towing practices on at least a monthly basis.
Make adherence to safety policies regarding properly towing trailers part of employees’ performance evaluations.
Train and certify employees to safely drive trucks with trailers.
If an employee repeatedly violates your policies, consider terminating his/heremployment.
Put vehicles and trailers on a manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance schedule that includes checking safety-related components.

Employee dos and don’ts
Do:

Understand all applicable government regulations, manufacturer requirements and safety procedures regarding towing trailers. This should be part of your training if you’re involved in these activities. Ask a supervisor or crew leader if you are uncertain about anything.
Ensure trailer brakes and breakaway systems (which activate trailer brakes if a trailer disconnects from its tow vehicle) are in place and properly operating when required under state regulations.
Know how to tabulate the weight of vehicles, trailers and their cargo to determine gross combination weight ratings.
Make sure the vehicle is rated to tow the trailer. Check the truck owner’s manual and towing guide for maximum weights allowed.
Know that tow ratings typically don’t include the weight of the hitch, hardware, cargo or passengers and that above a certain trailer and/or tongue weight, a weight-distributing hitch must be used.
Put two safety chains in place that will keep the trailer connected to the tow vehicle if the trailer tongue comes off the tow ball.
Check all truck and trailer lights before each trip and replace any defective bulbs. Check the trailer light hook-up socket for loose wires or corrosion.
Ensure everything on the trailer and in the pickup bed is properly secured. If you’re driving a loaded vehicle, you’re responsible for the way the cargo is secured, whether or not you placed it on the vehicle/trailer. Learn more on properly transporting landscaping materials in next month’s safety training article.
Be aware that if you’re driving a pickup truck, trailer and load with a combined weight that exceeds 10,000 pounds, the law requires you to stop at roadside inspection stations and have on your person a copy of a medical examiner’s certificate stating you are physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
Know that because of the legal liabilities associated with operating trucks towing trailers, repeated violations of your employer’s safety policies are likely to result in termination of your employment.

Don’t:

Take part in loading, setting up or driving a truck with a trailer until you have been trained to do so and fully understand this training.
Exceed a trailer’s gross combination weight rating. This limit should be stated on the trailer or in its operator’s manual. If you aren’t sure of the rating or the trailer and load’s weight, ask your crew leader or supervisor for help.
Neglect to use a weight-distributing hitch when required per the truck manufacturer’s guidelines.
Operate a truck and trailer if the hitch and ball are not properly matched and secured, with the pin locked in place. If the truck hitch ball isn’t the right size for the trailer, going over a few bumps could cause the two to separate. Information on correct hitch size is stamped on the trailer tongue. To ensure a trailer is securely hitched, lift the trailer tongue to see if it remains attached. If the trailer and its cargo are too heavy for this, use a tongue jack.
Fail to check the pressure and wear of all truck and trailer tires before each trip.

Neither NALP nor its employees/contractors make any representation or warranties, express or implied, regarding the use of or reliance on the information provided herewith, regardless of its format or means of transmission. Readers assume sole responsibility for compliance with safety requirements. NALP is not responsible for and expressly disclaims all liability or damages of any kind arising out of the use, reference to or reliance on any information contained within this