Tires
Periodic inspection and maintenance of tow vehicle and trailer tires and
wheels are essential to towing safety, including spare tires. Proper tire
pressure affects vehicle handling and the safety of your tires. You can find the
correct tire pressure for your tow vehicle in the owner’s manual or on the
tire information placard.
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Underinflation reduces the load-carrying capacity of your tow vehicle or
trailer, may cause sway and control problems, and may result in overheating,
causing blowouts or other tire failure.
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Overinflation causes premature tire wear and affects the handling
characteristics of the tow vehicle or trailer.
Brakes
On a regular basis, have the brakes on both vehicles inspected. Be sure that
necessary adjustments are made and any damaged or worn parts are replaced.
Hitch
Check the nuts, bolts, and other fasteners to ensure that the hitch remains
secured to the tow vehicle and the coupler remains secured to the trailer. The
connection point may require periodic lubrication to permit free movement of the
coupler to the hitch ball.
Wiring
Make sure connector-plug prongs and receptacles, lightbulb sockets, wire
splices, and ground connections are clean and shielded from moisture. Lightly
coat all electrical terminal connections with nonconducting (dielectric), light
waterproof grease.
Clean the prongs with very fine sandpaper, being careful not to damage the
contact area.
Clean the surface deposits in the connector holes. (Make sure the lights are
off to prevent blowing a fuse.) Try to clean off only the deposits and lubricate
lightly with dielectric, light waterproof grease.
