SUMMARY
Hitching and towing a unit trailer requires extra care to prevent accidents and keep all participants safe and injury-free. The information below can help ensure you have a safe trip from start to finish when a trailer is used during any Scouting event.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Prior to departure
- Only adults with prior experience pulling a trailer should serve as the driver of the vehicle pulling a unit trailer. The driver should have the experience of being able to back up the trailer in a safe manner.
- A proper vehicle must be used when towing the unit trailer. A vehicle with the appropriate towing capacity, proper sized hitch, coupler, and other towing components must be used.
- All tow vehicles and trailers should be inspected prior to departure using the pretrip Transportation Checklist to ensure safe operation.
- Ensure there is at least one spare tire for the trailer and proper equipment to replace the tire on any trip. If a flat tire occurs, the car and trailer should be in a safe location (off the main road, if possible) to replace the flat.
- All local and state safety inspections should be completed prior to each trip and all local and state registrations should be kept up to date.
During the trip
- Trailers require an increased stopping distance, so drivers should leave extra space between their vehicle and the vehicle they are following. For example, when driving less than 40 mph, you would leave at least one second of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. But if you’re pulling a normal-sized trailer, you should leave about four seconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead. If you’re driving faster than 40 mph, add at least two extra seconds of following distance for every 10 feet of the combined length of the towing vehicle and the trailer.
- The driver should swing out when making turns, watching out for curbs, corners, and other cars.
- Leave plenty of space when parking so a complete turnaround can be made when exiting. Choosing a parking spot that is farther away with fewer cars around may be a better option than one that is close but jam-packed with other vehicles.
- When backing up, use an adult spotter. Make sure all Scouts and unit gear are safely out of the way and that there is adequate space, free from obstructions.
Using the trailer during an event
- Before unhooking the trailer, place chocks in front of and behind the trailer’s tires to ensure it does not move.
- When parking your trailer at an event, please follow the event instructions for trailer parking and storage available.
RESOURCES
Scouting America SAFE Transportation Checklist
National Association of Trailer Manufacturers
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
FMCSA Driving Tips: Following Too Closely
