Towing
Towing covers Nevada trailer equipment, loading, and control. The exam expects you to know that a trailer changes braking, steering, and stability, and that certain safety equipment is required.
Equipment
A trailer must be registered and have working taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Use safety chains, crossed under the tongue, and a breakaway brake system for heavier trailers. Nevada generally requires brakes on trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more. Mirrors must give a clear view behind, and the hitch and ball must be rated for the load.
Loading
Aim for about 10 to 15 percent of the trailer weight on the tongue. Put heavy items over the axles and secure the load. Too little tongue weight causes sway; too much overloads the rear axle and lifts the front wheels.
Driving
Allow longer stopping distance, make wider turns, and check mirrors often. Downshift on long grades instead of riding the brakes. In wind, slow down and expect the trailer to move around.
Worked example
A trailer starts swaying at highway speed. Ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel straight, and avoid hard braking or steering opposite the sway. Slow gradually, then pull over to adjust the load. Hard braking can make the sway worse.
Traps that cost marks
Loading heavy items at the rear; forgetting safety chains; exceeding the hitch rating; failing to check trailer lights; assuming the trailer tracks inside the tow vehicle's path.