What do you check for when pulling gently on the trailer with the tractor?

When pulling gently on the trailer with the tractor, one of the primary objectives is to assess the coupling stability. This check is crucial because it verifies that the trailer is securely attached to the tractor. Ensuring that the emergency brakes are engaged is also important in a safety context, but the act of gently pulling on the trailer specifically aims to confirm that the coupling mechanism is functioning correctly.

Pulling on the trailer allows the driver to feel whether there is any movement, which indicates whether the connection has been made properly. A stable coupling prevents detachment and potential accidents during transport. This step is an essential part of pre-trip inspections and contributes to overall safety while driving.

While checking for the emergency brakes is a critical safety precaution, it does not directly relate to the initial evaluation of the trailer's stability when connecting to the tractor. The primary objective during the pull test is to ensure that the trailer remains steady and attached to the tractor, which emphasizes the importance of coupling stability.