HOW DO YOU LOAD YOUR CARGO?
Safe and secure towing starts with loading your cargo correctly. Uneven trailer weight can lead to problems with steering, braking and sway control.
HOW TO CONNECT YOUR TRAILER
RECEIVER HITCH
Towing a boat or trailer up to 10,000 pounds? Learn how to connect a receiver hitch in four easy steps.
FIFTH-WHEEL HITCH
A fifth-wheel hitch looks like the horseshoe-shaped hitch on a big rig. It’s perfect for towing RVs.
GOOSENECK HITCH
If you’re towing the heaviest loads your truck can handle, you’ll want to use a gooseneck hitch. Learn how to connect it here.
KNOW HOW TO DRIVE WITH A TRAILER
If this is your first time towing a trailer, be sure to practice in an open area before hitting the road. Here are the basics.
SLOWER AND STEADIER
Take it slow and give yourself room between your truck and other vehicles. It takes more distance to accelerate and brake when towing.
STAY IN CONTROL
If you feel the trailer start to sway or whip, simply take your foot off the gas pedal. Do not brake or speed up.
THE LONGER THE TRAILER, THE WIDER THE TURN
Swing wide while turning and double-check your mirrors to be sure your trailer clears all obstacles.
HAVE PATIENCE WHILE PASSING
Account for your trailer length when passing a slower vehicle by leaving plenty of clearance and using your turn signals.
TAME THE TERRAIN
Always slow down before going downhill. If you're driving a manual transmission, downshift when going both uphill and downhill.
BRING A FULL-SIZE SPARE
Never use a compact spare tire when towing a trailer. Only a full-size spare is made to handle larger loads.
HOW TO PARK
Always park on a flat surface with room to pull forward. Apply the parking brake and use chock blocks on your trailer wheels.
HOW TO BACK UP
Start with your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. To turn left, move your hand left. To turn right, move it right. Slight steering wheel turns equal greater trailer movement.