Lesson 1Trailer-specific components: tires, bearings, seals, spare, wheel nuts torqueThis part covers checking trailer tyres, wheels, and running gear. You'll check tyre age and pressure, wheel nut tightness, bearings, seals, and spare to avoid blowouts, hot hubs, and wheel issues 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 teaches how to set 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 part looks at the trailer's structure. You'll inspect frame, crossmembers, floor, axles, suspension, couplers, and safety chains for cracks, rust, bends, or loose bits 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. You'll read GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, hitch class, tongue weight, and payload to prevent overload and instability 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 papers and markings for legal towing. You'll check VIN plates, registration, insurance, and placards for heavy or dangerous 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: tires, tread depth, inflation, spare tire conditionThis part covers pre-trip checks for the tow vehicle. You'll inspect tyre condition, tread depth, pressure, and spare, 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 full setup. You'll check service and parking brakes, trailer controller settings, and do low-speed 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'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 part checks lights and electrics for visibility. You'll test headlights, markers, tail lights, indicators, 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 structured checklist before leaving. You'll do a walk-around, check key items, and record with forms and photos for 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 11Simple load-rating calculation examples: tongue weight percentage, gross trailer weight vs tow vehicle capacityThis part gives easy load calculations for towing. You'll work out tongue weight percentage, compare trailer weight to tow capacity, using real 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 part covers trailer brakes and checks. You'll compare surge and electric types, test breakaway switches and batteries, and set controllers for reliable stops.
Identifying surge vs electric brake systemsVisual inspection of brake hardwareTesting electric brake controller outputChecking breakaway switch and lanyardBreakaway battery charge and wiring
