Safety When Pulling a Trailer or Camper When Traveling in Michigan

Summer is the time that many of us in Michigan like to hit the road and enjoy the natural beauty of our great state. Your trip may include towing a camper or boat to your vacation destination. If it does, you’ll want to understand these requirements and safety tips.

Remember that trailers must be registered with a permanent trailer plate. And trailers weighing more than 2,500 pounds must be titled. The trailer’s weight is found on the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or on the registration. You can also get your trailer weighed at a certified scale if you don’t have these documents.

What’s a “Trailer” versus a “Trailer Coach”?

Trailers don’t have motors and are towed behind another vehicle. A “trailer coach” is a vehicle designed and used as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel purposes that’s drawn by another vehicle. This includes vehicles such as a pop-up campers, fifth-wheels, and travel trailers.

What are the Size and Weight Limits for Trailers in Michigan?

Michigan law says that the total length of the vehicle and trailer overall can’t exceed 65 feet. The trailer length is limited to 45 feet and the width 8½ feet. A trailer can be no more than 13½ in height.

The gross weight of the trailer can’t exceed the empty weight of the truck or car.

Are There Other Requirements for Trailers in Michigan?

Yes. The trailer must have:

• Safety chains connecting the trailer to the vehicle must be securely attached at the extreme outer edge of the attached trailer with a locking mechanism;
• A towing vehicle hitch made of “substantial material” and must be attached in to the frame of the towing vehicle;
• A towing hitch no more than 15 feet in length from one vehicle to the other, and it can’t allow either vehicle to deviate more than three inches from the other;
• A red flag or other signal or cloth on the connection that’s at least 12 inches both in length and width if the towing the connection is a chain, rope, or cable;
• An independent braking system when the gross weight is more than 3,000 lbs.;
• Tires with at least 2/32 tire tread;
• One red rear light that’s plainly visible from 500 feet;
• A lighted rear license plate with white light that’s visible from 50 feet;
• Two front clearance lamps, one at each side;
• Two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear;
• Four reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear and one at each side;
• Two rear clearance lamps, one at each side;
• One stop light; and
• Mud flaps on the rear wheels of the trailer.

Trailers weighing over 2,5000 lbs. should have turn signals and two red rear stoplights that are visible from at least 100 feet.

Finally, if you’re driving a passenger vehicle pulling a trailer, you can’t go over the posted speed limit.

What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Traveling with a Trailer in Michigan?

• Be certain that your tow vehicle is a good fit for your trailer or camper by checking the Gross Trailer Weight of your trailer and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your vehicle, so you aren’t towing more than the maximum weight of your vehicle (and this includes your passengers, luggage, gear, fuel and the vehicle itself);
• Test your trailer lights and brakes before you depart and make sure everything is in good working order;
• Make sure your trailer connections are secure;
• Be sure your trailer doesn’t vary from your towing vehicle’s path by more than three inches on either side when driving on a smooth, flat, paved surface;
• Don’t speed or accelerate going downhill because too much speed on a downhill can make your vehicle unstable, and you may fishtail or lose control;
• Don’t drive when you’re tired, especially when you’re towing;
• Be weather wise and plan your trip accordingly. Accidents involving towed trailers and campers are more likely to happen on windy days which can make driving and maneuvering with a trailer more difficult.

Other Reminders

Also know that trailers that weight 10,000 lbs. have more regulations and safety rules. Drivers towing fifth wheel recreational vehicles attached at an RV should have a recreational double endorsement (commonly referred to as “R”).

Also, make sure that you insure your trailer if it’s considered a “motor vehicle” under Michigan No-Fault law. Michigan defines a motor vehicle as “a vehicle, including a trailer, which is operated or designed for operation on a public highway by power other than muscular power and has more than two wheels.”

So, if your trailer has three or more wheels, you must insure it. Also, note that Michigan No-Fault insurance doesn’t cover the contents of your trailer. As such, if you’re hauling a boat or camper, you should insure these valuable items separately. And if you own a two-wheel trailer, you don’t have to insure it by law, bit it’s smart to do so in case you’re involved in an accident.

Contact Us

Michigan suggests that drivers with more experience tow a trailer. That’s because towing a trailer has the potential for an accidents if the driver isn’t experienced enough to control the vehicle.
For a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney in Grand Rapids, contact Buchanan Firm. Our firm proudly serves people all across Michigan, including major cities like Grand Rapids and Detroit, and rural towns such as Lowell, Ada, Fremont, Newaygo, Grand Haven, Rockford, and Cedar Springs.