Lesson 1Trailer-specific components: tires, bearings, seals, spare, wheel nuts torqueDis section cover inspection a trailer tires, wheels, an running gear. Learners ago check tire age an pressure, wheel nut torque, bearings, seals, an spares fi stop blowouts, overheating hubs, an 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 2Mirrors, camera systems, and field of view checks for towing configurationsDis section explain how fi set up mirrors an cameras fi towing. Learners ago adjust side mirrors, add extensions if need, configure rear an side cameras, an verify blind spot coverage fi lane changes an 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 departureLesson 3Trailer structural inspection: frame, floor, axle, suspension, coupling points, rust and deformitiesDis section address structural integrity a di trailer. Learners ago inspect frame, crossmembers, floor, axles, suspension, couplers, an safety chains fi cracks, rust, deformation, or loose fasteners weh 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 4Match vehicle and trailer ratings: GVWR, GCWR, hitch class, tongue weight limits, payload vs cargo massDis section explain how fi compare tow vehicle an trailer ratings so dem stay within safe limits. Learners ago interpret GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, hitch class, tongue weight, an payload fi avoid overloading an 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 5Documentation and placarding: VIN, registration, insurance, placards for heavy loadsDis section explain required documents an identification fi legal towing. Learners ago confirm VIN plates, registration, insurance, an any placards or decals need fi heavy or hazardous loads, including weight an 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 6Towing vehicle pre-trip checks: tires, tread depth, inflation, spare tire conditionDis section explain pre-trip checks specific to di tow vehicle. Learners ago inspect tire condition, tread depth, inflation, an spare readiness, an confirm seh di vehicle mechanically prepared fi di 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 7Brake system inspection: service brakes, parking brake, trailer brake controller settingsDis section focus pon braking performance fi di combined rig. Learners ago inspect service an parking brakes, verify trailer brake controller settings, an perform low-speed tests fi confirm balanced, straight, an 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 8Fluid and engine checks: oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering, windshield washerDis section detail engine bay an fluid checks before towing. Learners ago verify engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering, an washer fluid, an recognize signs a 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 9Lighting and electrical checks: headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, wiring harnessDis section focus pon lighting an electrical checks fi safe visibility. Learners ago test headlights, marker an tail lights, turn an brake lights, an confirm wiring harness integrity an grounding fi avoid shorts an 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 10Pre-departure checklist routine and how to document inspections (forms and photos)Dis section teach how fi use a structured pre-departure checklist. Learners ago follow a walk-around routine, verify all critical items, an document inspections wid forms an photos fi support maintenance an 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 11Simple load-rating calculation examples: tongue weight percentage, gross trailer weight vs tow vehicle capacityDis section provide simple load-rating calculations fi towing. Learners ago compute tongue weight percentage, compare gross trailer weight to tow ratings, an use real-world examples fi 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 12Trailer braking systems: surge brakes, electric brakes, breakaway switch and battery checksDis section cover trailer braking systems an dem pre-trip checks. Learners ago compare surge an electric brakes, test breakaway switches an batteries, an confirm controller settings fi 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 wiring
