Regardless of what you are towing, whether it is a pop-up camper, another vehicle, a horse trailer, or a cargo trailer, the tail lights must be in working order. The lights allow other drivers to see what you are towing and to judge their distance to it. Most trailers are also required to have reflectors, brake lights, and license plate lights. The lights can be connected to your towing vehicle’s electrical system, based on the item you are towing. Most often, trailer manufacturers comply with these guidelines, but you are responsible to see that the lights and reflectors are in proper working order and are easily visible, in the event that the lights are hidden by the material you are hauling.
Trailers and campers are measured, upon manufacture, to determine the amount of load they can carry. If you exceed the determined load, your trailer could malfunction and ruin the items you are hauling, or, worse, cause injury to you or another party on the road. Further, you should properly distribute the weight throughout the trailer so there are no overly heavy or light spots.
Most states require that the vehicle you are towing be registered. For both new and used manufactured trailers, you will need a bill of sale, personal identification, and payment of the registration fee. To register a homemade trailer, you must supply receipts for the parts to make the trailer, if new, or a bill of sale, if used. You must also submit the trailer for a safety inspection, and you must provide payment of the registration fee.
Even though you comply with the laws of your state, always inspect your setup before each use to ensure safety. Make sure that the bolts or welds holding the hitch onto your towing vehicle are secure. Ensure that the coupler is secured and that safety clips are in place. Also be sure that your electrical elements are properly connected so the lights on your trailer work as expected.
