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Trailer towing basics

How to tow a trailer.

From connecting the hitch to backing into your driveway, here are practical steps for pulling a trailer. Watch the narrated video, or open a step to read more.

This is general guidance, not a replacement for your vehicle, hitch and trailer manuals. If you are unsure about your setup or a procedure, ask before towing.

Watch the guide · 4:15All 8 steps, narratedHitching, brake setup, loading, driving, backing and unhitching.

1. 1

   Confirm your towing setup

   • Check the owner’s manual for your exact vehicle configuration. The loaded trailer includes the trailer itself, your cargo and any added equipment—not just the cargo weight.
   • Stay within the vehicle, hitch, tongue-weight, payload, axle and combined-weight limits. Match the trailer’s ball size and brake setup; an electrical plug adapter alone does not provide electric brake control.
   • Use our trailer-specific towing guide as a starting point. If any rating or connection is unclear, call us before pickup.
2. 2

   Hitch and connect the trailer

   • Start on firm, level ground with the vehicle’s parking brake set and the trailer wheels chocked. Use the correct rated ball and hitch, secure the receiver pin, and seat, latch and secure the coupler exactly as its manufacturer instructs.
   • Cross the safety chains beneath the tongue and connect them to approved tow-vehicle attachment points. Leave enough slack for turns without letting chains or wiring drag.
   • Connect the electrical plug. For a trailer with a breakaway system, attach its cable to the vehicle as instructed by the manufacturer, separately from the safety chains.
   • Check every connection, raise and secure the tongue jack, and confirm the trailer brakes and lights work before moving. Ask for help if you are unsure how a coupler or brake system operates.
3. 3

   Set up and test electric trailer brakes

   • For a trailer with electric brakes, ensure your vehicle has the correct matching electrical plug and wiring for the trailer’s brakes, plus a compatible, working brake controller. A plug adapter alone does not supply brake control.
   • Gain controls how much braking power is sent to the trailer. Start with very low gain for an initial slow test where your controller’s instructions permit. If the manufacturer specifies a starting setting or test speed, follow that instead. Low initial gain is not your final road setting.
   • Test on flat, dry ground in a clear area away from traffic and pedestrians, at the low speed specified by your controller’s instructions. Slowly increase gain in small increments and repeat the test as needed until braking is smooth and effective without locking the trailer wheels. If the wheels lock, reduce gain and retest.
   • After loading, recheck the setting for the actual trailer weight before driving on public roads. Recheck when the load or road conditions change. If the brakes do not respond or the controller shows a fault, do not tow—contact us for help.

   Wet or slippery conditions: Wet or slippery roads reduce tire traction and can make trailer wheels lock more easily. Slow down, allow extra following and stopping distance, and follow the controller manufacturer’s guidance for adjusting gain in these conditions. Do not attempt brake lock-up tests on wet or slippery pavement.

4. 4

   Load and secure your cargo

   • Keep the trailer hitched while loading and unloading unless the manufacturer specifies a properly supported alternative. Follow the trailer’s loading instructions and stay below its cargo and maximum loaded-weight ratings.
   • Keep heavy items low, balance the load side to side, and position it to achieve the manufacturer’s required tongue weight. Too much weight at the rear can cause sway; too much tongue weight can overload your vehicle.
   • Use suitable, rated tie-downs at designated attachment points so the load cannot shift. For a vehicle or equipment, follow its loading and securement instructions as well.
   • Close and latch doors, gates and ramps. Recheck the load and tie-downs after an initial short drive and at stops.
5. 5

   Do a final walk-around

   • Check tire condition and cold pressures against the vehicle and trailer labels. Do not drive with damaged tires, suspected loose wheels or another unresolved problem.
   • Verify the coupler, pin, chains, breakaway connection, wiring, jack, cargo straps and door/ramp latches. Check running lights, brake lights and turn signals with a helper.
   • Set and test electric trailer brake control for the actual load according to its instructions. Adjust mirrors so you can see the trailer and surrounding traffic.
   • Plan a route with adequate width, height and turning clearance. Never allow anyone to ride in or on the trailer.
6. 6

   Drive smoothly and allow more space

   • Accelerate gently, leave extra following and stopping distance, and brake early. Stay within posted limits and any lower vehicle, trailer or tire limits; slow further for rain, wind, rough roads and curves.
   • Take turns wider because the trailer’s wheels track inside the tow vehicle’s path. Check mirrors and allow extra clearance before changing lanes.
   • Use the manufacturer’s recommended towing mode or gear for hills. Avoid riding the brakes on long descents.
   • If sway starts, ease off the accelerator and hold the steering wheel steady. Do not speed up or apply the tow vehicle’s brakes to try to stop sway. Once slowed, stop somewhere safe and check the load and setup before continuing; follow your manufacturer’s instructions for any manual trailer-brake control.
7. 7

   Back up slowly with a spotter

   • Practice in a clear, level area. Place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the rear of the trailer to go.
   • Make small adjustments and back up slowly. Pull forward and straighten the combination if the angle gets too tight—do not keep reversing toward a jackknife.
   • Use a spotter who stays visible and clear of the trailer’s path, pinch points and the space between vehicle and trailer. Stop immediately if you lose sight of them; stop and look whenever clearance is uncertain.
8. 8

   Park and unhitch on level ground

   • Choose firm, level ground whenever possible and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s parking procedure. Set the parking brake and chock the trailer wheels at the front and rear before uncoupling.
   • Follow the trailer manufacturer’s instructions for supporting the tongue and any required stabilizers before releasing the coupler. Do not uncouple an unbalanced load or rely on the tongue jack to prevent rolling.
   • Disconnect wiring, breakaway cable and chains, then release the coupler and raise the tongue using the specified procedure. Keep hands and feet clear and confirm the trailer is stable before moving the tow vehicle away.

More background: NHTSA’s trailer towing guide (PDF) and CURT’s brake-controller setup guide.