Towing puts extra heat and load on engines, transmissions, axles and brakes. Trailers add their own tire, bearing and lighting failure points. These steps are general. Your tow vehicle manual, trailer manual and hitch instructions set the ratings, torque values and service intervals you must follow.
Tow vehicle
- Confirm ratings. Stay within the vehicle’s tow rating, tongue-weight limit and combined rating. Weigh the loaded trailer if you are unsure.
- Inspect the hitch, ball, receiver and safety chains or cables. Use the correct ball size, and torque fasteners to the hitch maker’s spec.
- Test the trailer-brake controller and wiring connection.
- Check engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant at the levels and intervals the manual lists for towing or severe service.
- Check the rear axle gear oil if the manual has a towing inspection interval. See gear oil viscosity explained.
- Set tire pressures for the load, including the tow vehicle’s rear tires.
Trailer
- Lights: run signals, brakes and markers with the vehicle connected.
- Tires: check pressure cold, look for dry rot and confirm the load rating. Inspect the spare.
- Wheel bearings: service them at the interval in the trailer manual. Grease or repack as directed; water-resistant grease is often specified for boat trailers.
- Brakes: test surge or electric brakes in an empty lot before the trip.
- Winch, straps and couplers: inspect for wear, and secure the load so it cannot shift.
- Tongue jack and tongue weight: aim for the tongue-weight range in the manuals, often around 10–15% of trailer weight for conventional trailers unless your manual says otherwise.
Before you roll
Walk around once more: cotter pins in place, chains crossed under the tongue, breakaway cable attached, doors and ramps secured, mirrors adjusted. On the first miles, brake gently to confirm the trailer brakes are helping. For diesel tow vehicles in cold weather, see diesel winter fuel. For general winter driving prep, see winter vehicle prep.
Frequently asked questions
How much tongue weight should I run?
Follow your tow vehicle and trailer manuals. Many conventional trailers land around 10–15% of trailer weight on the tongue, but the manuals and hitch ratings decide.
How often should trailer bearings be serviced?
Use the interval in the trailer owner’s manual. Boat trailers that see water often need more frequent attention.
Do I need a different rear gear oil for towing?
Some manuals specify a viscosity or limited-slip requirement and a shorter change interval for severe service such as towing. Check yours, then confirm products with AMSOIL’s lookup guide.
AMSOIL products often used in towing setups
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 80W-90. AMSOIL says it is “especially well-suited for towing, hauling, racing, commercial use or other severe duty” and “contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications.” Confirm viscosity and specs for your axle.
- AMSOIL Synthetic Water-Resistant Grease. AMSOIL recommends it for applications exposed to water, mud, snow or ice, “including ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles and boat trailers.”
- AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease (NLGI #2) for fittings that specify a GC-LB multi-purpose grease. See grease NLGI grades.
Product wording above is quoted or summarized from amsoil.com. Read each product’s label and data sheet for directions.
Look up your tow vehicle with the vehicle lookup or AMSOIL’s official lookup guide.