Maintaining towing equipment

Use approved towing equipment and inspect it before travel. The coupling must be sound and allow sufficient vertical articulation between towing vehicle and trailer to accommodate changes in road level. The vertical load on the towball must not exceed the manufacturer's value shown on the plate attached to it. Complete the electrical connection so the trailer's lights and indicators operate. A cracked or broken critical coupling component must be replaced or repaired only as authorised; simply welding it, even in a specialist workshop, is not an acceptable ordinary repair.