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334-333-3333If you own an SUV, a pickup truck, or even a powerful car, you might consider using it to tow a trailer. Towing safely requires a thorough understanding of your vehicle’s and trailer’s specifications. While Alabama doesn’t require special licensing or towing permits, the state enforces rules and regulations.
Here’s what you need to know to tow a trailer legally and safely in Alabama, minimize accident risks, and ensure your safety and that of others.
Before attaching a trailer, you must verify your vehicle’s towing capacity is high enough to support it safely.
On modern models, the manufacturer typically includes a maximum towing weight in the owner’s manual or on a sticker or plate inside the engine bay. If this information is not provided, you can calculate it by checking for the following:
To determine the maximum GTW your vehicle can support, subtract your vehicle’s GVWR from its GCWR. Make sure your trailer’s GTW doesn’t exceed this limit. Going over your vehicle’s GCWR can strain the engine, transmission, chassis, and brakes, increasing the risk of mechanical failure.
Once you have verified that your vehicle can safely pull your trailer with a full load, practice safe towing techniques. Driving with a trailer requires a different approach from regular driving.
Check your vehicle’s hitch and ball mount system to ensure compatibility with your trailer’s coupler mechanism. Pay special attention to the ball mount and coupler dimensions and hitch class.
Confirm that the ball mount system on the hitch fits securely with the trailer coupler without any wobbling. This ensures a safe connection and reduces the risk of the trailer detaching or swaying while driving. Don’t forget to attach the safety chains, which keep the trailer connected to your vehicle if the hitch fails.
| Hitch Class | Typical Pulling Vehicles | Maximum GTW Supported |
| Class 1 | CarsSmall crossovers | 2,000 lbs. |
| Class 2 | Large carsMedium crossoversMinivans | 3,500 lbs. |
| Class 3 | Large crossoversSUVsVans | 8,000 lbs. |
| Class 4 | Light-duty pick-up trucksLarge SUVs | 10,000 lbs. |
| Class 5 | Heavy-duty pick-up trucks | 16,000 to 17,000 lbs., depending on the model |
A general guideline is to position around 60% of the load’s weight toward the front of the trailer and 40% toward the rear. If your trailer has multiple axles, use the frontmost and rearmost axles as reference points. For example, on a two-axle trailer, place 60% of the weight closer to the front axle and 40% closer to the rear axle.
If possible, visit a mechanic to measure your tongue weight and determine how to distribute your trailer load. Tongue weight is the downward force a trailer exerts on the hitch. Your load should be positioned on the trailer so the tongue weight falls between 10% and 15% of the trailer’s GTW.
When driving while towing, remember that your trailer won’t follow the exact path of your vehicle. Instead, it will take a tighter, more direct route as your vehicle turns.
For instance, if you make a normal turn around a corner, your trailer might cut the corner and ride over the curb or sidewalk, potentially hitting objects or even endangering people nearby. This risk increases with the trailer’s length.
To avoid this, take corners slowly and make wider, more deliberate turns rather than sharp, tight ones. This approach helps guide your trailer along the road and reduces the chance of it going over the curb. Always use your mirrors and check your blind spots, especially when towing a long or heavy trailer.
There are no specific speed limits for towing vehicles in Alabama, but driving slightly below the posted speed limit is advisable, particularly outside cities and residential areas.
The weight of a trailer increases your vehicle’s overall weight, resulting in longer braking distances. For safety, consider braking earlier and driving at reduced speeds to account for the extra load. Keeping your speed 5 to 10 mph below the posted limit can give you additional time to respond to potential road hazards.
Before each towing trip, thoroughly inspect your vehicle, hitching system, and trailer. Examine the trailer’s frame, lights, tires, hitch connections, and brakes. Ensure the trailer tires are at the correct pressure and check for tread wear. If you notice any issues, address them.
Alabama has many laws regulating trailer specifications and towing. Complying with these regulations is essential before beginning any towing trip on the state’s public roads.
Non-compliance with Alabama’s vehicle and trailer laws can lead to various safety risks, including:
Driving with a trailer requires adherence to safety practices and compliance with Alabama laws. If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver towing a trailer, seek legal counsel to hold the responsible parties accountable.
The Alabama car accident lawyers at The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers specialize in this type of case and are ready to provide you with the support and guidance you need. Contact our team today and receive a free case evaluation to discuss your claim.
