Lesson 1Trailer braking systems: surge brakes, electric brakes, breakaway switch and battery checksThis section covers trailer braking systems and their pre-departure checks. Learners will compare surge and electric brakes, test breakaway switches and batteries, and confirm controller settings to ensure reliable stopping under load.
Identifying surge vs electric brake systemsVisual inspection of brake hardwareTesting electric brake controller outputChecking breakaway switch and lanyardBreakaway battery charge and wiringLesson 2Simple load-rating calculation examples: tongue weight percentage, gross trailer weight vs tow vehicle capacityThis section provides simple load-rating calculations for towing. Learners will compute tongue weight percentage, compare gross trailer weight to tow ratings, and use real-world examples to avoid exceeding any critical limit.
Estimating gross trailer weight from cargoCalculating tongue weight percentage rangeComparing GTW to tow vehicle capacityChecking axle and tire load distributionUsing scales to verify actual weightsLesson 3Pre-departure checklist routine and how to document inspections (forms and photos)This section teaches how to use a structured pre-departure checklist. Learners will follow a walk-around routine, verify all critical items, and document inspections with forms and photos to support maintenance and compliance.
Designing a step‑by‑step walk‑aroundUsing printed or digital checklist formsTaking photos of key inspection pointsRecording defects and corrective actionsStoring records for audits and resaleLesson 4Trailer-specific components: tires, bearings, seals, spare, wheel nuts torqueThis section covers inspection of trailer tires, wheels, and running gear. Learners will check tire age and pressure, wheel nut torque, bearings, seals, and spares to prevent blowouts, overheating hubs, and roadside wheel failures.
Checking tire size, load index, and speed ratingSetting cold inflation pressure for towingInspecting tread, sidewalls, and tire ageWheel nut torque checks and retorque stepsBearing and seal inspection and lubricationLesson 5Lighting and electrical checks: headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, wiring harnessThis section focuses on lighting and electrical checks for safe visibility. Learners will test headlights, marker and tail lights, turn and brake lights, and confirm wiring harness integrity and grounding to avoid shorts and signal failures.
Testing headlights and auxiliary lightsChecking tail, marker, and license lightsTurn signal and brake light operationInspecting trailer plug, socket, and wiringGround connections and corrosion controlLesson 6Fluid and engine checks: oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering, windshield washerThis section details engine bay and fluid checks before towing. Learners will verify engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering, and washer fluid, and recognize signs of leaks or overheating risks under heavy towing loads.
Engine oil level, condition, and top‑offCoolant level, strength, and hose inspectionAutomatic transmission fluid checksPower steering fluid and assist systemsWindshield washer fluid and spray patternLesson 7Brake system inspection: service brakes, parking brake, trailer brake controller settingsThis section focuses on braking performance for the combined rig. Learners will inspect service and parking brakes, verify trailer brake controller settings, and perform low-speed tests to confirm balanced, straight, and predictable stops.
Checking pedal feel and brake warning lightsParking brake hold test on a gradeAdjusting trailer brake controller gainTesting trailer brakes at low speedRecognizing brake fade and imbalanceLesson 8Towing vehicle pre-trip checks: tires, tread depth, inflation, spare tire conditionThis section explains pre-departure checks specific to the tow vehicle. Learners will inspect tire condition, tread depth, inflation, and spare readiness, and confirm that the vehicle is mechanically prepared for the added trailer load.
Inspecting tow vehicle tire tread depthChecking sidewalls for cuts and bulgesSetting correct tire pressures for towingSpare tire condition and access toolsQuick under‑hood and underbody scanLesson 9Documentation and placarding: VIN, registration, insurance, placards for heavy loadsThis section explains required documents and identification for legal towing. Learners will confirm VIN plates, registration, insurance, and any placards or decals needed for heavy or hazardous loads, including weight and dimension markings.
Locating and reading VIN plates and stickersVerifying registration and insurance papersWeight, dimension, and capacity placardsSpecial placards for hazardous materialsStoring documents for roadside inspectionLesson 10Match vehicle and trailer ratings: GVWR, GCWR, hitch class, tongue weight limits, payload vs cargo massThis section explains how to compare tow vehicle and trailer ratings so they remain within safe limits. Learners will interpret GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, hitch class, tongue weight, and payload to avoid overloading and stability problems.
Reading VIN and weight rating labelsUnderstanding GVWR, GAWR, and GCWRHitch class ratings and receiver limitsTongue weight limits and distributionPayload vs cargo and passenger massLesson 11Trailer structural inspection: frame, floor, axle, suspension, coupling points, rust and deformitiesThis section addresses structural integrity of the trailer. Learners will inspect frame, crossmembers, floor, axles, suspension, couplers, and safety chains for cracks, rust, deformation, or loose fasteners that could lead to structural failure.
Inspecting frame rails and crossmembersChecking floor panels and deck fastenersAxle alignment, mounts, and U‑boltsSuspension springs, bushings, and hangersCoupler, latch, and safety chain conditionLesson 12Mirrors, camera systems, and field of view checks for towing configurationsThis section explains how to set up mirrors and cameras for towing. Learners will adjust side mirrors, add extensions if needed, configure rear and side cameras, and verify blind spot coverage for lane changes and backing.
Adjusting side mirrors for trailer widthUsing clip‑on or replacement tow mirrorsConfiguring rear and side camera viewsChecking blind spots and overlap zonesField of view checks before departure
