Trailers in tow need to stay connected to the tow vehicle - we all agree on that. We rent trailers locally in Lancaster, New Holland, Coatesville, West Chester, Kennet Square & into Cecil County Md. as well. Many of our rentals are short term for a few hours, a day or a week. We expect and enforce safe towing and believe that ONE MINUTE spent in a last minute check is absolutely a must for safe towing of trailers of all kinds including dump trailers, horse trailers, skid loader trailers, 5x10 utility trailers and deck over trailers along with all tow-able air compressors, mixers, wood splitters etc.

If you can spare 60 seconds before moving it is likely you will never have a disconnect.

Here is the list of items to double check AFTER you have spent the required time in proper hook up.


1.....The Hitch Latch is under the ball. Huh? Yes, you'd be surprised at how many times this happens. Get down on the ground and look up into the hitch area. Having a hitch latch squashed onto the top of the ball will not work but it may still look OK from the top view.

2.....Think back for a minute - does the ball and the hitch size match? A 2 5/16" hitch on a 2" ball will not work.

3.....Hitch Latch Pin Installed? Refuse to tow any trailer missing the Latch Pin. Styles vary, but most consist of a 5/16" pin with a loop around type latch.

4.....Safety Chains, are they hooked to the slots on the truck hitch? Are they adequately sized & free of worn links? You may need to twist them before connecting in order to keep them off the ground. Are they off the ground after the trailer is loaded?

5.....Trailer Jack - it is fully raised and secured? If it uses a pin does it have the safety clip in the pin?

6.....Breakaway Activator for the trailer brakes. The cable should be fastened to a part of the truck other than the trailer hitch. Loop it around the bumper instead - if at all possible.

7.....Trailer Lights/Brake Cable connected - are lights working and free of dust and dirt buildup? 

8.....Hitch Retaining Pin - the one that secures the slide in hitch to the truck. Is it in place and does it have a clip to secure it?

As you pull away test the trailer brakes. Set on high & manually activate the brake. You should see & feel the trailer tires 'lock up'. Set brake controller according to your load and move on.

Yes, you can spare the 60 seconds this takes.