Hawaii Drivers Permit Practice Test

What must be securely attached to the frame of the towing vehicle when towing a trailer?

1. The trailer hitch

2. A safety chain

3. The trailer coupler

4. An emergency brake

The correct answer is: A safety chain

When towing a trailer, it is essential to have a safety chain securely attached to the frame of the towing vehicle. The purpose of the safety chain is to provide an additional layer of security and safety in the event that the trailer hitch becomes disconnected while in transit. This chain acts as a backup connection between the trailer and the towing vehicle, preventing the trailer from completely detaching and potentially causing an accident or collision. In contrast, while the trailer hitch, trailer coupler, and emergency brake are also critical components of the towing setup, they serve different functions. The trailer hitch is the apparatus that connects the vehicle to the trailer but does not provide the same safety measure. The trailer coupler is the part that connects the trailer to the hitch and also does not fulfill the requirement for an emergency connection. The emergency brake is crucial for controlling the trailer independently in case of an emergency but does not serve the purpose of securing the trailer in place if the primary connection fails. Thus, the requirement for having a safety chain in the towing setup highlights the importance of ensuring not just proper connections but also having safety measures in place for responsible towing.