Lesson 1Trailer-specific components: tyres, bearings, seals, spare, wheel nuts torqueThis section covers checking trailer tyres, wheels, and running gear. You'll check tyre age and pressure, wheel nut torque, bearings, seals, and spare to avoid 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 section explains setting up mirrors and cameras for towing. You'll adjust side mirrors, add extensions if needed, set rear and side cameras, and check blind spots for safe 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 section checks the trailer's structural strength. You'll inspect 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 section shows how to match tow vehicle and trailer ratings to stay safe. You'll read GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, hitch class, tongue weight, and payload to prevent overloads and handling 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 section covers required papers and markings for legal towing. You'll check VIN plates, registration, insurance, and placards for heavy or hazardous loads, including weight and size labels.
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: tyres, tread depth, inflation, spare tyre conditionThis section details pre-trip checks for the tow vehicle. You'll inspect tyre condition, tread depth, pressure, and spare, ensuring the vehicle handles the extra trailer weight properly.
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 section checks braking for the full setup. You'll test service and parking brakes, set trailer brake controller, and do low-speed stops to ensure balanced, straight braking.
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, windscreen washerThis section covers engine bay and fluid checks before towing. You'll verify oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering, and washer fluid, spotting leaks or overheating 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 section tests lights and electrics for visibility. You'll check headlights, markers, tails, turns, brakes, and wiring to prevent shorts and failures on Namibian roads.
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 section teaches a structured pre-departure checklist. You'll do a walk-around, check key items, and record with forms and photos for maintenance and compliance records.
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 section gives easy load calculations for towing. You'll figure tongue weight percentage, compare trailer weight to tow capacity, using practical examples to stay within limits.
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 section reviews trailer brakes and checks. You'll compare surge and electric types, test breakaway switches and batteries, and set controllers for reliable 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
