Safety Checklist: Before You Tow in Tennessee

Published: November 23, 2025 | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Towing a trailer safely requires more than just hitching up and hitting the road. This comprehensive safety checklist will help ensure your trailer rental experience is safe, legal, and stress-free in Tennessee.

⚠️ Tennessee Law Reminder

Tennessee requires brake controllers for any trailer with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) over 1,500 lbs. This isn't optional—it's the law, regardless of how far you're traveling.

Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

Your Tow Vehicle

Verify your vehicle's towing capacity matches or exceeds the trailer's loaded weight
Check tire pressure on all tires (including spare)
Inspect tires for wear, cracks, or damage
Test all lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals)
Check fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid)
Ensure your vehicle's trailer wiring harness is working
Verify your brake controller is installed and functioning (if required)
Check that your hitch receiver is properly secured and rated for the load

Trailer Inspection Checklist

Before Leaving MudRock Rentals

Walk around the trailer and document any existing damage
Check tire pressure and inspect for wear or damage
Test all trailer lights (brake, turn, running, hazard)
Verify the coupler is the correct size for your hitch ball
Check that safety chains are present and in good condition
Test the trailer brakes (if equipped) with your brake controller
Ensure the tongue jack is fully retracted and secured
Check that all doors, latches, and ramps function properly
Verify the trailer is level when hitched (adjust if necessary)

Hitching Procedure

Step-by-Step Safe Hitching:

Position vehicles: Back your vehicle straight up to the trailer, leaving about 6 inches between the hitch ball and coupler
Lower the coupler: Use the tongue jack to lower the coupler onto the hitch ball
Secure the coupler: Ensure the coupler is fully seated and the locking mechanism is engaged
Attach safety chains: Cross the chains under the tongue in an "X" pattern with enough slack for turning
Connect electrical: Plug in the trailer wiring harness and test all lights
Connect brake controller: If using a Bluetooth controller, pair it with your phone and test
Raise tongue jack: Fully retract and secure the tongue jack
Final check: Test brakes, lights, and ensure everything is secure

🔧 Common Hitching Mistakes

Wrong ball size: Using a 2" ball on a 2-5/16" coupler (or vice versa)
Inadequate tongue weight: Should be 10-15% of total trailer weight
Crossed safety chains: Always cross them under the tongue
Forgetting to test: Always test lights and brakes before leaving

Loading Your Trailer Safely

Weight Distribution Rules:

60% forward: Place 60% of the load in the front half of the trailer
Low and centered: Keep heavy items low and centered
Secure everything: Use appropriate tie-downs, straps, or chains
Don't exceed capacity: Check both trailer capacity and your vehicle's towing capacity

Load Securement Checklist

Use appropriate tie-down equipment (straps, chains, binders)
Secure items at multiple points
Check that nothing can shift during transport
Ensure load doesn't obstruct trailer lights or license plate
Double-check all tie-downs are tight and properly attached
Verify load doesn't extend beyond trailer boundaries

Tennessee-Specific Towing Regulations

Legal Requirements:

Brake controllers: Required for trailers over 1,500 lbs GVWR
Safety chains: Must be used on all trailers
Lights: Working brake lights, turn signals, and running lights required
License plates: Trailer must display valid registration
Speed limits: Some areas have reduced speed limits for vehicles towing trailers

Insurance Considerations:

Verify your auto insurance covers trailer towing
Understand your liability coverage limits
Know what damage is covered (and what isn't)
Keep insurance information easily accessible

Need Equipment or Have Questions?

We rent brake controllers, hitches, tie-down equipment, and more. Our team can also help ensure you're properly equipped for safe towing.

Call (615) 962-9758 for Equipment & Advice

Safe Driving Techniques

Towing Best Practices:

Increase following distance: Allow 4-6 seconds behind other vehicles
Reduce speed: Drive 5-10 mph below speed limit, especially on hills
Plan lane changes: Signal early and change lanes gradually
Brake gradually: Start braking earlier and more gently
Watch your mirrors: Check trailer position frequently
Avoid sudden movements: Smooth inputs prevent trailer sway

Handling Trailer Sway:

Don't panic: Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
Ease off the gas: Gradually reduce speed
Don't brake hard: This can make sway worse
Steer straight: Don't try to counter-steer
Use trailer brakes: If equipped, apply trailer brakes manually

Weather Considerations in Middle Tennessee

Spring & Summer:

Thunderstorms: High winds can cause trailer sway—pull over if necessary
Heat: Check tire pressure more frequently in hot weather
Construction zones: Common in warmer months—plan extra time

Fall & Winter:

Ice and snow: Reduce speed significantly and increase following distance
Shorter days: Ensure all lights are working properly
Wet leaves: Can be as slippery as ice—use caution

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Kit Essentials

Spare tire for trailer (properly inflated)
Lug wrench and jack suitable for trailer
Emergency flares or reflective triangles
Basic tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
Tire pressure gauge
Emergency contact numbers (including MudRock Rentals)
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid kit

If You Have Problems:

Pull over safely: Get completely off the road if possible
Turn on hazards: Make yourself visible to other drivers
Set up warning devices: Place flares or triangles behind your vehicle
Call for help: Contact MudRock Rentals at (615) 962-9758
Stay safe: Stay in your vehicle if on a busy road

Post-Trip Inspection

Before Returning Your Trailer

Remove all cargo and debris
Sweep out enclosed trailers
Check for any damage that occurred during your rental
Ensure all equipment (straps, chains, etc.) is returned
Document any issues with photos
Report any problems immediately

Questions About Safe Towing?

Our experienced team is here to help ensure your trailer rental is safe and successful. Don't hesitate to call with any questions.

Get Expert Safety Advice: (615) 962-9758

MudRock Rentals | 1022 Samsonite Blvd Suite A, Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Final Safety Reminders

When in doubt, ask: Our team is always available to answer safety questions
Practice makes perfect: If you're new to towing, practice in an empty parking lot first
Plan your route: Avoid narrow roads, low bridges, and steep grades when possible
Take breaks: Towing is more tiring than regular driving—rest frequently
Trust your instincts: If something doesn't feel right, pull over and investigate

This safety checklist is based on Tennessee regulations and industry best practices. For specific questions about your rental or towing situation, contact MudRock Rentals at (615) 962-9758.