How To Tow A Trailer (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Drive With A Trailer » How To Tow A Trailer (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Tow a Trailer PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Bruce Storrs

Last Updated: September 4, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Hitching Your Trailer
    • |
  • Driving
    • |
  • Backing Up
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Bruce Storrs. Bruce Storrs is a Driving Instructor and the President & CEO of North County School of Driving in San Marcos, California. With more than 31 years of experience, he specializes in teaching teens and adults safe driving behaviors in the classroom, online, and behind the wheel. Bruce earned a BA and MA from San Diego State University. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 167,624 times.

Borrowing your friend's boat for a weekend at the lake sounds like a great idea until you realize you've got to drive it there. Whether you're hooking up a camper, a vehicle, or another variety of trailers to your car, learning the specifications and the techniques for doing so will make your job a whole lot easier. Learn to hitch your trailer properly, drive it correctly, and back it up safely. Federal law requires you to have a CDL Class A to tow a trailer of more than 10,000 pounds resulting in the total combined weight of the truck and trailer being more than 26,000 pounds, but if you are towing a house trailer, then you are exempt from needing a CDL.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Hitching Your Trailer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Make sure your vehicle is rated for towing the load. 1 Make sure your vehicle is rated for towing the load.[1] You probably can't tow an 8,000-pound full-size camper trailer with a Honda Civic. Depending upon the particular trailer you need to haul, you need to check to determine the weight limits in the owner's manual and determine the appropriate hitch to have installed.
    • The weight should be generally specified by the manufacturer and listed in the owner's manual. Look online if you're missing the manual, or check at an auto shop.
    • You need to find two numbers, the gross trailer weight (GTW), which is the combined weight of the trailer and the gear on it, and the maximum tongue weight for your vehicle to determine the class of hitch you'll need to tow the load.
  2. Step 2 Get the appropriate class of hitch for your load installed. 2 Get the appropriate class of hitch for your load installed. Generally, you'll get a hitch receiver installed that you can use for different size trailer hitches, for class 3 and up. These receivers include a removable draw-bar that you can use to install different sized hitches for different loads you might use.[2] If you get the largest receiver installed on your vehicle, you'll be ready for any sized load your vehicle can handle, classified according to the following specs:[3]
    • Class 1: 2000 pounds GTW/200 pounds tongue weight
    • Class 2: 3500 pounds GTW/350 pounds tongue weight
    • Class 3: 5000 pounds GTW/500 pounds tongue weight
    • Class 4: 7500 pounds GTW/750 pounds tongue weight
    • Class 5: 10,000 pounds GTW/1000 pounds tongue weight
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Get the right-sized ball for the trailer. 3 Get the right-sized ball for the trailer. The larger the ball, the more weight it can carry. Basically, the ball of the hitch will come in one of three sizes:[4]
    • 1 7⁄8 inch (4.8 cm)
    • 2 inch (5.1 cm)
    • 2 5⁄16 inch (5.9 cm)
  4. Step 4 Attach the trailer to the vehicle. 4 Attach the trailer to the vehicle.[5] Use the tongue jack to raise the trailer and align it with the ball. Make sure that the hitch lock is unlocked before lowering the trailer onto the ball and securing the tongue. Cross the safety chains to the hooks near the vehicle hitch or the vehicle frame, making sure there is enough slack in the chains but not so much that they drag on the ground.
    • Using the tongue jack, try to raise the tongue off of the ball. If you are able to do this, the ball and tongue sizes do not match, or the ball is not locked properly. In this case, replace the ball with the correct size, or lock it properly and try again.
    • Once the tongue of the trailer is on the ball, you can lock it in place by placing a bolt or padlock through the ball lock mechanism to prevent it from accidentally opening.
  5. Step 5 Attach the lights with the wiring harness. 5 Attach the lights with the wiring harness. Generally, these employ a simple color-coded connection that makes it easy to hook up the lights to the harness should make it easy to install the connector properly to the tow vehicle's harness.[6]
    • After you've hooked up the lights, do a quick brake check to make sure everything is functioning properly. It's critical to make sure that your turn signals and brakes work on the back of the trailer to ensure a safe trip (as well as no traffic tickets).[7]
    • To keep the connection from corroding, you might consider spraying the contacts with a small amount of dielectric grease.
  6. Step 6 Check the tongue weight. 6 Check the tongue weight. You want the amount of weight resting on the hitch to be roughly 10 to 12 percent of the total weight of the trailer.[8] You can use a regular bathroom scale to place under the beam to check.
    • If the weight out-weighs your scale (which is likely for 4000 lb. and up trailers) place the scale farther up the trailer to get a smaller measurement. If you go a third of the way up, triple the weight on the scale to get the approximate weight.
    • Depending on the weight of the trailer, you might consider using an equalizing bar to even out the pressure on the hitch. These are generally long metal brackets that transfer a bit of the weight more toward your vehicle's front axle. If you're hauling at the upper end of the specs, use an equalizer.
  7. Step 7 Secure your load. 7 Secure your load.[9] Depending on the load you're hauling, you might need to use a tarp to secure loose objects in boats or refuse trailers since you're responsible for anything that flies out and causes damage.
    • You can also take this opportunity to make sure the hitch height is set correctly,[10] your trailer's tires are inflated to the appropriate specifications, that any wheel chocks are removed, and that you haven't overloaded the trailer in such a way as to negate the careful checks you've already performed.[11]
    8. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Driving

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Get familiar with the clearance of your new rig. 1 Get familiar with the clearance of your new rig. Before you hit the road, get out your tape measure. Does the trailer make your rig considerably taller? By how much? How much length is added to the back of your car or truck? These will be important considerations any time you're trying to park somewhere you normally wouldn't give a second thought to squeezing into.
    • If it's your first time towing a trailer,[12] it's best to practice some in a big empty parking lot before taking it out on the road. You want to be as familiar as possible with the vehicle's response time and turning radius.
  2. Step 2 Accelerate and brake slowly. 2 Accelerate and brake slowly. You must always compensate for the extra weight, especially when slowing down, and especially when driving on inclines. Play it safe and be cautious.[13] You also need to pay especially close attention to the added length of your rig anytime you're:
    • Changing lanes
    • Merging
    • Exiting the interstate
    • Parking
    • Stopping for gas
    • Pulling over
    • Passing another vehicle
  3. Step 3 Prepare for the difference in fuel economy. 3 Prepare for the difference in fuel economy. Towing a significant amount of weight will negatively affect your fuel economy, so keep a close eye on the gauge. Making frequent pull-offs in crowded gas stations can be stressful for first-time towers, so try to anticipate your fuel needs ahead of time to avoid difficult maneuvers.
  4. Step 4 Stop frequently and check the connection. 4 Stop frequently and check the connection. Even if you checked and doubled checked your connections and everything is up to code, there's always the possibility that something in the road will jostle the trailer lose a bit. It's best to stop sometimes, especially on long or especially bumpy trips, to make sure everything's still hooked up. Seeing your trailer careen off the road isn't the time to double-check.[14]
  5. Step 5 Stay calm if you take a turn too narrowly. 5 Stay calm if you take a turn too narrowly.[15] It'll probably happen eventually that you'll mis-time a turn, or lack sufficient space to clear a turn like you figured you would. Don't panic. Make sure there isn't traffic behind you and back up slowly and as straight as possible to give yourself the clearance you need. Get a passenger to hop out and watch the trailer from a different angle to give you steering tips, and use your mirrors judiciously.
    • Readjust your mirrors so that you can see the back of your trailer.[16]
  6. 6 Install chocks behind the wheels when you have arrived at your destination and before you detach. Wheel chocks are large angular blocks of rubber that are wedged between the trailer tires and the ground. They serve to prevent the trailer from rolling away.
    • Chocking the wheels is especially important if your trailer has no brakes and/or you are parked on an incline.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Backing Up

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Get ready. 1 Get ready. No lie: backing up a trailer is one of the most difficult driving maneuvers there is, but it's easy to master with the right technique and a bit of smarts. To get ready, roll down your windows and kick a passenger out to act as a spotter. It might take a few runs before you get it perfect, so it helps to have another set of eyes.
  2. Step 2 Set yourself up for success by getting perpendicular. 2 Set yourself up for success by getting perpendicular. To get yourself oriented properly, pull more or less straight perpendicular to where you want the back end of the trailer to go, keeping the truck and the trailer straight. Pull past the spot by 8–10 feet (2.4–3.0 m) to give yourself adequate room to back up.
    • When you've got it lined up, turn your wheel opposite the direction of the parking spot. So, in other words, if you've pulled up perpendicular to a spot on your passenger side, enough ahead of the spot to back up, stop the car and jack the wheel to the left, or the driver's side.
  3. Step 3 Learn the "S" turn. 3 Learn the "S" turn.[17] Basically, to get the back end of the trailer to go right, you need to make your car back up going left and then straighten it back out to avoid a jackknife. Start backing up slowly and quickly straighten the wheel back out by turning it back toward the right. Watch your back end closely and straighten it back out if your angle gets too sharp. This'll take some practice.[18]
    • Go extremely slowly. If you're in an automatic transmission, the idling speed should be plenty fast to make you nervous. Use gas only sparingly and don't make unnecessary or fast changes.
    • Avoid jackknifing. If, at any point, the angle of the truck to the trailer becomes smaller than a right angle, straight it back out and give it another go. Don't try to force it, because it won't work.
  4. Step 4 Don't neglect your front end. 4 Don't neglect your front end. Make friends with your side mirrors so you can keep an eye on where your front end is at all times, taking special caution to watch out for parking obstacles and bumps that might mess up your approach and be a problem when you're trying to straighten back out. Drive like a pro and use your side mirrors.
    • Your rear-view will be basically useless in the task. Use the help of a spotter and your side-mirrors to back up correctly.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What is the safest and easiest way to back up with a trailer? Bruce Storrs Bruce Storrs Driving Instructor Bruce Storrs is a Driving Instructor and the President & CEO of North County School of Driving in San Marcos, California. With more than 31 years of experience, he specializes in teaching teens and adults safe driving behaviors in the classroom, online, and behind the wheel. Bruce earned a BA and MA from San Diego State University. Bruce Storrs Bruce Storrs Driving Instructor Expert Answer Ideally, you have someone that can help you. Otherwise, get out to see where it is and adjust your mirrors. Back up very slowly and begin to turn your wheel in. If possible, do get out of the car from time to time to make sure you have the proper position. Then, continue backing up until it is safe to stop. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question Is 3,000 rpm too much while towing with my Chevy Traverse? Community Answer Community Answer No, half to 2/3 of your redline is the sweet spot. Just make sure to turn off overdrive. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 5
  • Question How do I find trailer friendly gas stations? Community Answer Community Answer No way to find them but for the most part any gas station on a highway is friendly with trailers, depending on space for a trailer. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 2
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Make certain that the trailer is correctly wired with lights. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Be sure that the trailer is correctly licensed in the state where you are towing it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Never try to pull a trailer that is too heavy for your vehicle. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 5
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Load a TrailerHow toLoad a Trailer Hook Up a TrailerHow toHook Up a Trailer Back a TrailerHow toBack a Trailer Park a Truck or Large VehicleHow toPark a Truck or Large Vehicle Drive a VanHow toDrive a Van Fit a Tow Bar to Your CarHow toFit a Tow Bar to Your Car Tie Down a Car on a TrailerHow toTie Down a Car on a Trailer Build TrailersHow toBuild Trailers Tow CarsHow toTow Cars Tie Down a MotorcycleHow toTie Down a Motorcycle Drive a TractorHow toDrive a Tractor Drive a Car in Reverse GearHow to Reverse a Car for Beginners (Instructions for Manual & Automatic) Park a CarHow toPark a Car Park Safely in Small SpaceHow to Park Safely in a Tight Space Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://axleadvisor.com/towing-capacity/
  2. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/the-right-way-to-tow-a-trailer
  3. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a6791/the-right-way-to-tow-a-trailer/
  4. ↑ https://www.etrailer.com/faq-hitch-ball.aspx
  5. ↑ https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-attach-a-trailer/
  6. ↑ https://www.carid.com/articles/connect-your-car-lights-to-your-trailer-lights-easy-way.html
  7. ↑ https://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/pulling-trailer.php#Pretrip-Check
  8. ↑ https://www.etrailer.com/faq-how-to-determine-trailer-tongue-weight.aspx
  9. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules
More References (9)
  1. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a6791/the-right-way-to-tow-a-trailer/
  2. ↑ https://www.etrailer.com/faq-ballmount.aspx
  3. ↑ https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-with-a-trailer/
  4. ↑ Bruce Storrs. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-tow-a-trailer.html
  6. ↑ https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-with-a-trailer/
  7. ↑ Bruce Storrs. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://www.livinlightly.com/how-to-backup-a-travel-trailer-like-a-pro/
  9. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/02/06/how-to-back-up-a-trailer-like-a-man/

About This Article

Bruce Storrs Co-authored by: Bruce Storrs Driving Instructor This article was co-authored by Bruce Storrs. Bruce Storrs is a Driving Instructor and the President & CEO of North County School of Driving in San Marcos, California. With more than 31 years of experience, he specializes in teaching teens and adults safe driving behaviors in the classroom, online, and behind the wheel. Bruce earned a BA and MA from San Diego State University. This article has been viewed 167,624 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 34 Updated: September 4, 2025 Views: 167,624 Categories: Trailers Article SummaryX

To tow a trailer, use the tongue jack to raise the trailer and align it with the ball. Unlock the hitch lock, then lower the trailer onto the ball and secure the tongue. Cross the safety chains to the hooks near the vehicle hitch, making sure there is enough slack in the chains but not so much that they drag on the ground. Lock the hitch with a bolt or padlock, then attach the lights with the wiring harness. Once you’ve secured your load, you’re ready to drive! For tips on driving and backing up with your trailer, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Russian French Italian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 167,624 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • John Sherman

    John Sherman

    Sep 24, 2017

    "I am a new owner of a travel trailer. All of the towing tips and especially the material about backing up helped..." more
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Bruce Storrs Co-authored by: Bruce Storrs Driving Instructor Co-authors: 34 Updated: September 4, 2025 Views: 167,624 100% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote John Sherman

John Sherman

Sep 24, 2017

"I am a new owner of a travel trailer. All of the towing tips and especially the material about backing up helped..." more Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

Traffic Signs TestTraffic Signs TestTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Type of Girl QuizWhat Is My Type of Girl QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizAm I Funny QuizAm I Funny QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Load a TrailerHow toLoad a TrailerHook Up a TrailerHow toHook Up a TrailerBack a TrailerHow toBack a TrailerPark a Truck or Large VehicleHow toPark a Truck or Large Vehicle

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness TestEnjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Make OutHow toMake Out

Featured Articles

200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz

Featured Articles

15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Have I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

How Will I Die QuizHow Will I Die QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake QuizAre You a Big Spoon or a Little Spoon QuizAre You a Big Spoon or a Little Spoon QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Cars & Other Vehicles
  • Trailers
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --774

Tag » How To Drive With A Trailer