Before heading out on the road, check the following items;
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Trailer;
When hooking up, double check hitch ball is seated and locked in securely. Double check safety chains (Chains should cross under trailer tongue to support trailer if hitch connections should fail). Check electrical connections are secure and water tight, with enough slack for cornering, free from all obstructions and kept high enough to avoid dragging. Check all lights. Tighten wheel lug nuts and check tire pressure. Check pressure and condition of spare tire. If trailer is equipped with brakes, check to make sure they are in perfect working order. Be sure gas bottle is turned off and locked down securely. Double check for any loose items inside trailer, put away or securely stow any items that may move during towing. If towing pop up trailer, ensure top is closed and locked down securely. For travel trailers, be sure all doors are closed and latched securely.
Tow Vehicle;
Check all fluid levels. Ensure all light functions are in working order. Check tire pressure. You should have your brakes and transmission checked at the beginning of each camping season as towing puts added strains in these parts. Check that hitch mounts are tight. Lubricate hitch ball and be sure hitch ball is tight. Check hooks for safety chains and ensure that there are no signs of stress damage. Check electrical connections for towing, ensure that connections are tight and that wires are not damaged in any way. Check that mirrors give clear, unobstructed view.
On the road Safety
Cornering; Remember your vehicle is now up to or over twice its normal length, this must be taken into consideration when making corners. Be sure to leave yourself enough room. Check right side to ensure that no other vehicle is trying to pass you. Always signal turns. Make corners wide enough to allow hitch to flex without coming into contact with tow vehicle (if you are using a stabilizer, your turning radius is substantially reduced)
Stopping; Always allow yourself plenty of room to stop. DO NOT FOLLOW OTHER VEHICLES TOO CLOSELY. When making emergency stops pump the brakes to avoid jacknifing.
Driving conditions; Be aware of any adverse conditions when towing. Heavy winds are particularly dangerous causing trailer sway. If the trailer begins to sway DO NOT slam on brakes, tap trailer brakes (if equipped) if not try to speed up a little if this is safely possible to correct, otherwise tap the brakes until trailer is brought under control. Slow down on wet or slippery roads.
Stop every 50 to 100 miles and check wheel bearings on trailer. You can do this by putting your hands on the wheel hub and checking for heat. If you cannot comfortably leave your hand there then allow to cool before continuing and have bearings checked as soon as possible.
Backing your trailer; If possible, have someone behind you to guide, but never allow them to move out of your sight. Clear away any obstructions that you can before backing. Back slowly. Put one hand at the bottom of your steering wheel, and turn hand in direction you want the trailer to go (opposite direction of the way the tow vehicle will turn) Keep aware of any wires, tree branches or other things that may be in your way.
Once you are there;
Level trailer side to side as much as possible using jacks or levelers. Put flat blocks under jacks to keep from sinking in soft ground. Chock all wheels firmly before unhooking from your tow vehicle. Remember to unhook electrical and safety chains before pulling tow vehicle away (I forgot to unhook the chains on my first trip, and aside from it being dangerous, it was very embarrassing)
