Lesson 1Trailer-specific components: tires, bearings, seals, spare, wheel nuts torqueThis part teaches checking trailer tyres, wheels, and moving parts. You will look at tyre age and air pressure, wheel nut tightness, bearings, seals, and spare tyre to stop blowouts, hot hubs, and wheel problems 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. You will 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 part checks the trailer's strong parts. You will inspect frame, cross pieces, 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 shows how to match tow vehicle and trailer ratings to stay safe. You will read GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, hitch class, tongue weight, and payload to avoid too much load and instability.
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 papers and marks needed for legal towing. You will check VIN plates, registration, insurance, and placards for heavy or dangerous 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 covers checks for the tow vehicle before trip. You will inspect tyre condition, tread depth, air pressure, and spare tyre, ensuring the vehicle handles the trailer load well.
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 focuses on brakes for the whole setup. You will check service and parking brakes, trailer brake controller settings, and do slow tests for balanced, 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. You will verify oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering, and washer fluid, spotting leaks or overheating risks under heavy 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. You will test headlights, marker and tail lights, turn and brake lights, and wiring to avoid faults and signal problems.
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 good checklist before leaving. You will do a walk-around, check key items, and record with forms and photos for maintenance and rules 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 capacityThis part gives easy load calculations for towing. You will work out tongue weight percentage, 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. You will compare surge and electric brakes, test breakaway switches and batteries, and set controller for good 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
