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Trailer Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-departure inspection record for trailers and towed plant.

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PAGE 1 OF 2

Trailer & Driver Details

Inspection Items

Circle or mark the applicable column for each item: P = Pass  |  F = Fail  |  N/A = Not applicable. Record notes for any F.

# Check P F N/A Notes / Action
Coupling & Hitch
1Coupling mechanism: locked, pin secure, no excessive wear
2Hitch height: correct alignment with tow vehicle
3Jockey wheel / landing gear: retracted, secured for travel
4Drawbar / A-frame: no cracks, bends or corrosion
Safety Chains & Electrical
5Safety chains: attached, crossed under coupling, correct rating
6Breakaway cable / chain: connected and functional
7Electrical plug: secure connection, no corrosion or damage
8Wiring harness: no chafing, cuts or exposed wires
9Auxiliary power / charging line: connected (if applicable)
Brakes
10Trailer brakes: operational, tested before departure
11Brake lines / hoses: no leaks, cracks or damage
12Park brake / handbrake: holds when applied
13Brake drums / discs: no excessive wear, cracks or scoring
Tyres & Wheels
14Tyres: condition, pressure, tread depth (min 1.5mm)
15Wheel nuts / studs: secure, torqued to spec
16Rims: no cracks, dents or excessive corrosion
17Spare tyre: present, inflated, accessible
18Wheel bearings: no play, no unusual noise or heat
Lights & Reflectors
19Tail lights: operational
20Brake lights: operational
21Indicators: left and right operational
22Clearance / marker lights: operational (if fitted)
23Number plate light: operational, plate legible
24Reflectors & conspicuity tape: present, clean, undamaged
Trailer Pre-Trip Checklist - Page 2 of 2
Trailer ID
Date
Driver
# Check P F N/A Notes / Action
Chassis & Body
25Chassis: no cracks, bends or structural damage
26Floor / deck: secure, no holes, rot or excessive wear
27Sides / gates: secure, latches functional, hinges intact
28Mudguards / fenders: secure, not rubbing on tyres
29Suspension: no sagging, broken springs or leaking shocks
Load Restraint
30Tie-down points / D-rings: secure, no damage or corrosion
31Straps / chains / ropes: sufficient quantity, good condition
32Load distribution: within rated capacity, evenly spread
33Load secured: all items restrained, no loose objects
34Ramps / tailgate: stowed and secured for travel
Overall Result
PASS: all items satisfactory, trailer fit for use FAIL: defect(s) identified, see table below

Defects & Action Required  (list any item marked F: reference item # from checklist)

Item # Defect description Action taken / reported to Rectified by / date

Declaration

I declare that I have completed this pre-trip inspection before using this trailer. I have reported any defects or non-compliant items to my supervisor and will not use this trailer until any defects that affect safety have been rectified. I understand that failure to complete a pre-trip check or to report defects may breach company policy and WHS obligations.

Driver / Operator Sign-off
Signature
Print name
Date & time
Supervisor / Reviewer Acknowledgement
Signature
Print name
Date