Lesson 1Trailer-specific components: tires, bearings, seals, spare, wheel nuts torqueThis part covers checking trailer tyres, wheels, and running gear. Learners will check tyre age and pressure, wheel nut torque, bearings, seals, and spare to stop blowouts, hot hubs, and wheel failures on the road.
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 2Mirrors, camera systems, and field of view checks for towing configurationsThis part explains setting up mirrors and cameras for towing. Learners will adjust side mirrors, add extensions if needed, set rear and side cameras, and check blind spots for lane changes and reversing.
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 departureLesson 3Trailer structural inspection: frame, floor, axle, suspension, coupling points, rust and deformitiesThis part looks at the trailer's strong build. Learners will check frame, crossmembers, floor, axles, suspension, couplers, and safety chains for cracks, rust, bends, or loose bolts that could cause 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 4Match vehicle and trailer ratings: GVWR, GCWR, hitch class, tongue weight limits, payload vs cargo massThis part explains matching tow vehicle and trailer ratings to stay safe. Learners will read GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, hitch class, tongue weight, and payload to avoid overload and balance issues.
Reading VIN and weight rating labelsUnderstanding GVWR, GAWR, and GCWRHitch class ratings and receiver limitsTongue weight limits and distributionPayload vs cargo and passenger massLesson 5Documentation and placarding: VIN, registration, insurance, placards for heavy loadsThis part covers needed papers and marks for legal towing. Learners will check VIN plates, registration, insurance, and placards for heavy or risky loads, including weight and size marks.
Locating and reading VIN plates and stickersVerifying registration and insurance papersWeight, dimension, and capacity placardsSpecial placards for hazardous materialsStoring documents for roadside inspectionLesson 6Towing vehicle pre-trip checks: tires, tread depth, inflation, spare tire conditionThis part explains checks for the tow vehicle before trip. Learners will look at tyre condition, tread depth, air pressure, and spare, making sure the vehicle handles the 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 7Brake system inspection: service brakes, parking brake, trailer brake controller settingsThis part checks braking for the full setup. Learners will test service and parking brakes, trailer brake controller, and do slow tests for even, straight 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 8Fluid and engine checks: oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering, windshield washerThis part details engine and fluid checks before towing. Learners will check oil, coolant, gearbox fluid, power steering, and washer, spotting leaks or heat risks under load.
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 9Lighting and electrical checks: headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, wiring harnessThis part checks lights and electrics for visibility. Learners will test headlights, markers, tails, turns, brakes, and wiring to avoid faults and shorts.
Testing headlights and auxiliary lightsChecking tail, marker, and license lightsTurn signal and brake light operationInspecting trailer plug, socket, and wiringGround connections and corrosion controlLesson 10Pre-departure checklist routine and how to document inspections (forms and photos)This part teaches a proper checklist before leaving. Learners will do walk-around, check key items, and record with forms and photos for upkeep and rules.
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 11Simple load-rating calculation examples: tongue weight percentage, gross trailer weight vs tow vehicle capacityThis part gives easy load calculations for towing. Learners will work tongue weight percent, compare trailer weight to tow limits, using real examples to stay safe.
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 12Trailer braking systems: surge brakes, electric brakes, breakaway switch and battery checksThis part covers trailer brakes and checks. Learners will compare surge and electric, test breakaway and battery, set controller for good stops under load.
Identifying surge vs electric brake systemsVisual inspection of brake hardwareTesting electric brake controller outputChecking breakaway switch and lanyardBreakaway battery charge and wiring
