Trailer Skills Checklist

Date of Evaluation

Driver Name

Driver Email

Evaluator Name

Evaluator Email

General Knowledge

Knows how to change a spare tire on the trailer

Knows how to chock the tires to keep it from rolling forward or backward

Knows how to perform the safety inspection on the trailer

Knows steps for responding to a trailer that becomes detached while driving

Knows how to operate the cargo light on the box trailer

Knows how to lock and operate the door on the cargo trailer

Attachment

Connects coupler of trailer to ball on hitch

Properly attaches safety chains, electric cord, and brake cable

Performs a check of the lights before departing

Properly stows trailer jack for travel

Locks coupler latch

Detachment

Chocks tires before detaching

Unlocks coupler latch

Raises trailer off ball

Removes and stows cables, chains and cords

Locks coupler latch

Trailering Skills

Makes wide turns at a safe speed to avoid curbing tires and hitting other obstructions

Activates tow/haul feature on vehicle before driving

Watches tires in mirror to monitor trailer path

Increases stopping distance to account for weight of vehicle, passengers, and trailer

Appropriately passes a vehicle and provides adequate space when returning to lane

Avoids trailer sway/fishtailing by keeping a good grip on steering wheel and avoiding erratic movements

Properly parks the vehicle and trailers in a designated parking spot

Backing

Properly use mirrors when backing

Uses on-side while backing

Honks before backing to warn pedestrians near van and trailer

Safely use spotters when backing

Safely backs on a straight course

Safely backs on a curved course

Stays aware of all corners of the vehicle and trailer while backing

Comments

Pass - Approved to Drive Van with Trailer

No Pass - Not Approved to Drive Van with Trailer at This Time

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