Prepare For The Road With DOT Trailer Regulations

Before you hit the road with your trailer in tow, there are a number of regulations you must follow for your trailer to be road ready.  Driving a vehicle with a trailer hitched behind you is a very different experience than driving a car alone.  The extra weight and added length makes controlling and handling much more difficult.  For this reason, driving with a trailer requires extra attention to detail, a heightened sense of safety and fully functioning gear.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Motor Vehicle Enforcement (MVE) have regulations in place for the safety of you and those around you.  Before you start driving, make sure you are prepared with the right equipment and vehicle adjustments. 

Hitch:  A trailer hitch attaches directly to a tow vehicle providing the connection between the vehicle and the trailer.  As a key component of towing, the hitch should be tightly fastened to the rear axle of the towing vehicle.  A properly loaded trailer should have about 15% of the total trailer weight on the hitch.  If you have too much weight on the hitch, the trailer will be more likely to sway back and forth while you are pulling it.

Trailer Control:  Whenever possible, you should use the smallest and lightest trailer to carry your load.  The heavier your trailer, the more time you will need to effectively stop.  It’s also important to note that the faster you go, the less control you will have over your trailer.

Equipment:  When towing another vehicle, there is required equipment needed to ensure safety.  If your trailer and load weighs more than 3,000 pounds, it must have brakes on all axles.  Safety chains must also be used to connect the trailer to the towing vehicle.  In addition, there must be efficient lighting.  Clearance lights must be mounted on the widest part of the trailer, reflectors should be in the front, rear lights must be red, and a white light must illuminate the license plate.

Whether you need a trailer to haul your cargo or parts to fix your malfunctioning trailer, Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales offers a wide range of items from name brands including PJ Trailers, American Hauler, RR RoadRunner Manufacturing and Zimmerman Trailers.  For all of your trailer needs, contact the professionals at Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales by calling 641-985-2536.