Before coupling
- Landing legs and any damage to the trailer front
- Kingpin and fifth wheel plate in good condition and lubricated
- Air lines and electrical connectors undamaged
After coupling
- Coupling locked, with a tug test
- Air lines connected and no leaks, brakes work
- Electrical connection secure and all lights work
- Landing legs fully raised and handle secured
Trailer walkround
- Tyres and wheels, including nuts
- Lights, reflectors and number plate
- Body, doors, curtains and ropes
- Rear underrun bar and spray suppression
- Load secure
Common faults
Lights not working after a new coupling, damaged air lines and worn tyres are the typical ones. Photograph and report each.
Recording it
In Kovi the trailer is added as a vehicle and the driver completes the trailer section of the check, so each trailer has its own history.
Related
Tractor and trailer checksCheck the tractor unit and the trailer in one go. Each gets its own record and defects stay with the right vehicle.HGV walkaround check guideWhat to check on an HGV before every journey: cab, tyres, lights, leaks, load and trailer. A step by step walkaround with what to record and report.