THECARRIERSTANDARD.COM
TRAILER BRAKES — FIVE-STEP REQUIREMENT & READINESS CHECK
Blank educational worksheet | October 2026 | United States

USE
Print or save before buying, renting or loading a trailer.
This form does NOT approve a combination, certify compliance or replace an
inspection. Read applicable state laws, federal commercial rules (if any),
and the actual vehicle and trailer manuals. When unsure: DO NOT TOW.

TRIP AND EQUIPMENT
Date: _________________________    Driver: ______________________________
Tow vehicle (year/make/model/configuration): ___________________________
Tow vehicle manual/page: ______________________________________________
Trailer (type/make/model/VIN if known): _________________________________
Trip origin state: ___________  Destination: ___________
Every state traveled through: _________________________________________
Personal / commercial / uncertain: ___________________________________

1 — WEIGHTS: RECORD THREE DIFFERENT NUMBERS
Trailer empty weight: __________________ lb  Source: __________________
Estimated/measured actual LOADED weight: __________ lb
  Scale / calculated estimate (circle one)  Date: __________________
Trailer labeled GVWR: ________________ lb  Plate location: ___________
Cargo, tools, fluids and accessories included? YES / NO / NOT VERIFIED
Trailer and tow vehicle weight limits checked? YES / NO / NOT VERIFIED

2 — STATE / FEDERAL RULES: CITE THE ACTUAL SOURCE
State: ______  Agency/statute URL: ______________________________________
Which weight measure applies here? ______________________________________
Brake requirement / exemption / conditions: _____________________________
Breakaway requirement: _________________________________________________
State: ______  Agency/statute URL: ______________________________________
Which weight measure applies here? ______________________________________
Brake requirement / exemption / conditions: _____________________________
Breakaway requirement: _________________________________________________
Other states / federal commercial requirements checked? YES / NO / N/A
If a threshold is conditional, record each condition and evidence: ______
________________________________________________________________________

3 — TOW VEHICLE MANUAL
Separate brakes required or recommended at this load? ___________________
Trailer brake controller needed? YES / NO / NOT KNOWN
Manual reference: _____________________________________________________

4 — TRAILER HARDWARE (do not rely on connector shape alone)
Actual brake type: ELECTRIC / SURGE HYDRAULIC / ELECTRIC-OVER-HYDRAULIC /
                   NO BRAKES / UNKNOWN
Compatible controller verified (if required)? YES / NO / N/A
Electrical and/or hydraulic connections checked? YES / NO / N/A
Breakaway equipment required? YES / NO / UNKNOWN
Breakaway installed and checked per manufacturer? YES / NO / N/A

5 — CONDITION / DECISION
Brakes inspected or tested per the equipment manual? YES / NO / N/A
Any brake/controller fault, damage, or warning? YES / NO / UNKNOWN
Technician/rental agent and date if consulted: __________________________
Pending question or defect: _____________________________________________

RESULT (THIS IS NOT A LEGAL APPROVAL)
[ ] STOP: legal requirement unknown or manual not checked
[ ] STOP: brake system required but absent, faulty or unverified
[ ] STOP: trailer/tow vehicle/hitch/load limits unresolved
[ ] Requirements researched, evidence recorded and equipment verified;
    final responsibility remains with the driver/operator

PRIMARY SOURCES TO START WITH
Ford Owner Manual - Trailer Brake Precautions:
https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?ProcUid=G2272914&Uid=G2272913&buildtype=web&countryCode=USA&div=f&languageCode=en&moidRef=G2128765&userMarket=USA&vFilteringEnabled=True&variantid=9540
Texas Department of Public Safety - Brakes Required:
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/commercial-vehicle-enforcement/brakes-required
Washington legislature, RCW 46.37.340:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.37.340
FMCSA Part 393.42 guidance for covered commercial carriers:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/ss-39342b3-fmcsrs-states-any-full-trailer-any-semitrailer-or-any-pole-trailer-having-gross
CURT - towing electrical and breakaway systems:
https://www.curtmfg.com/towing-electrical/learn-more

This blank form contains no real weights, field observations, or testimonials.