Towing requirements
What your truck needs before you rent, so pickup goes quick.
Your license and responsibility
A valid driver's license is required. You're responsible for safe towing.
Valid driver's license required
You must carry a current, valid driver's license when picking up and operating any trailer.
Safe towing practices
You're responsible for following safe towing practices at all times. This means knowing your vehicle's limits and respecting the road.
Your truck or car must be ready
Your vehicle needs to handle the trailer and load safely. Check your owner's manual for towing capacity before booking.
Tow rating
Your vehicle must be rated to tow the trailer and load combined. Never exceed your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
Hitch receiver
Your truck needs a 2" receiver hitch, the square opening that's standard on most pickups.
Hitch ball
Car haulers and the deckover need a 2-5/16" ball. Utility trailers need a 2" ball. No hitch? Add one to your booking for $10.
Light connector
Car haulers and the deckover plug into a 7-way. Utility trailers use a 4-way flat. Lights have to work before you leave the lot.
Know your brake controller needs
Larger trailers and heavier loads may require a brake controller to stop safely.
Brake controller
Brake controller
When it's required
The car haulers and deckover use a 7-way plug for their brakes, so your truck needs a working brake controller. Most newer trucks have one built in.
Installation
Installation
Have it installed right
Have a shop install it so it's wired right and works when you need it.
Testing
Testing
Test before you go
Test it in an empty lot before you hit the highway.
Adjustment
Adjustment
Dial in the right setting
Adjust your brake controller based on load weight. Too light and brakes lag. Too heavy and you'll jerk.
Secure your load and check your lights
Before you leave the lot, strap down your load, check your lights and hook up the safety chains.
Secure your load
Use straps, chains, or tie-downs rated for your cargo weight. Loose cargo shifts, causes sway, and creates danger.
Working lights
Brake lights, turn signals, and running lights must function. Test them in daylight before you leave our lot.
Safety chains
Cross your safety chains under the coupler. They're your backup if the hitch fails. Don't skip this.
Trailer jack
Raise your trailer jack fully before driving. A lowered jack drags, damages the trailer, and creates a hazard.
Don't exceed your limits
You're responsible for staying within weight ratings.
Your vehicle's towing capacity
Check your owner's manual for max towing weight. Don't load beyond it.
Trailer weight ratings
Payload is how much you can put on the trailer. It's listed on each trailer's page. GVWR is the trailer plus your load, all together. Stay under both.
Combined weight matters
Your truck has to pull the trailer plus everything on it. Add the two together and keep it under your tow rating.
Overloading consequences
Too much weight leads to blown tires, weak braking and sway.
Balance your load for stable towing
Tongue weight and even distribution prevent sway and keep your trailer tracking straight behind you.
Walk around before you go
Five minutes of checking now saves you from trouble on the road.
Lights and signals
Turn on your headlights and test brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. Have someone watch the back.
Tires, coupler, and straps
Look for flat spots, cracks, or damage on tires. Inspect the coupler for wear. Make sure straps are tight.
Slow down in strong wind
Crosswinds push trailers sideways. Reduce speed and grip the wheel. Mountain passes are especially risky.
Wet roads demand slower speeds
Braking distance increases on wet pavement. Give yourself more room and ease off the throttle.
Take it slow in snow and ice
Snow and ice make trailers slide. Chains may be required. If you're unsure, don't go.
Questions about your setup?
Call us at 775-487-5144 or email info@otgtrailerrentals.com. We'll get you sorted.