Pre-Trip Inspection

← Safety Hub

This inspection takes less than five minutes. Do it every single time — even if you've done it before. If something's wrong and you missed it, you own it.

Not sure? Don't tow. Call 0477 957 051 with your order number and we'll help you work it out.

Four Non-Negotiables — Do These First

Hitch down & locked

Safety chains secured

Lights plugged in & working

Jockey wheel up & stowed

Full Inspection Walk-Around

18 items across 4 zones. Work your way around the trailer systematically — front to back, top to bottom.

Exterior Zone

7 items — tyres, wheels, frame, lights

▼

Tyre condition and pressure — check for flats, bulges, or cracking. Refer to the tyre pressure label on the trailer (typically 40–55 psi). Include the spare if fitted.
Wheel nuts and rim integrity — no missing nuts, no visible cracks in the rim.
Light and reflector cleanliness — clean off mud or grime before driving so lights are visible to other road users.
Number plate visibility and attachment — must be clearly readable and securely mounted.
Coupler and drawbar condition — no visible cracks, bends, or corrosion around the hitch area.
Safety chain and shackle integrity — no broken links, chains crossed under the drawbar, shackles tight.
Frame damage assessment — walk the perimeter and check for any structural damage not noted on the condition report.

Connection Zone

4 items — hitch, chains, lead, jockey wheel

▼

Hitch coupler lock and lift test — handle flat, do the lift test. The coupling must not move off the ball.
Safety chains — crossed configuration, attached to both towbar points, not dragging.
Electrical lead routing — plugged in, routed so it won't drag or catch on anything when turning.
Jockey wheel position and lock — fully raised and rotated horizontal. Must be locked so it cannot drop while driving.

Brakes & Electrics Zone

4 items — overrun brakes, electric brakes, lights

▼

Overrun brake latch position — latch must be UP (engaged) for towing. DOWN only when reversing.
Electric brake controller settings — if fitted, check the Elecbrakes app is connected and gain is set for your load. See the Electric Brakes Guide.
Breakaway battery LED status — if fitted, check the breakaway system battery is charged (LED indicator green).
Brake light and indicator function — have someone stand behind the trailer while you test brake pedal and both indicators.

Final Checks Zone

3 items — route, weather, emergency gear

▼

Route review — check your planned route for low clearances (bridges, awnings), narrow lanes, or steep descents that may be difficult with a trailer.
Weather and road conditions — if conditions are wet, windy, or visibility is poor, allow extra time and reduce speed accordingly.
Emergency gear on board — spare tyre, wheel brace, jack, and your phone charged with our number saved: 0477 957 051.

Four Non-Negotiables — Do These First

Full Inspection Walk-Around