Trailer Inspection Guidelines

At TrailerShowroom.com, our number one goal is for our customers to drive away happy and satisfied. We want them to have the peace of mind that comes through purchasing an excellent product that will be used and enjoyed for years to come. Although it is outside of the sales realm, we also want our clients to be aware of some of the requirements for trailer inspections. Please understand that this is something that varies from state to state. However, being in the know is a must to safeguard against equipment failure and costly fines for operating a trailer incorrectly or without the necessary components.

Here is a basic checklist of considerations for proper trailer inspections:

• Find out the regulations for inspection requirements in your state. Are they yearly, every other year, or longer?
• Line up all of the needed documentation, such as the title and registration.
• Find out where in your area the official motor vehicle inspection stations are located. In some states they are performed at the State Highway Patrol office. In most states, there are also certified inspection stations at automotive businesses.
• If you plan to tow your trailer to another state, it is necessary to know those state guidelines for trailer towing, otherwise you stand to get a ticket. Remember-ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse! For example, the maximum towing speeds vary across state lines along with maximum widths, weight and brake requirements. Know before you go!

That being said, here are the basics for what it takes to tow a trailer throughout most of the U.S.

• Taillights
• Brake lights
• Clearance lights - These are required for larger width trailers.
• License plate light - The surrounding lights do not count-must have a separate one for this.
• Turn signals- The ones on the towing vehicle are not enough because they are often obstructed by the trailer.
• Reflectors - Inexpensive and worth their weight in gold for making your trailer visible.
• Safety chains - Criss-cross the chains to connect the trailer to the towing vehicle. Doing so will help prevent separation should the hitch connection come apart.
• Breakaway brakes - In case the trailer should become disconnected from the towing vehicle, these prevent an accident because they are power brakes for the trailer itself.
• Flares and reflective cones  -In case of an accident or equipment failure, these will help make you visible to oncoming drivers and prevent you or your vehicles from being struck.
• Tie downs - For loading anything on a trailer that could possibly fall off-tie-downs are needed to secure the load at various angles.

Please take care of these considerations. That way, using your TrailerShowroom.com product will deliver miles and miles of pleasure for years to come!