Know your tow rating. Your vehicle's towing capacity is in the owner's manual and on the door-jamb label. The trailer's loaded weight must be under it.
Match the hitch to the coupler. Ask what size coupler the trailer has and make sure your ball and hitch fit it.
Check the connector. Confirm your vehicle has a 7-way plug or bring the right adapter, so lights and brakes work.
Have a brake controller. A trailer with its own brakes needs one in the tow vehicle.
Inspect tires and lights at the yard, including the spare. Test turn signals and brake lights before you leave.
Photograph the condition together. Walk around the trailer with the team and take dated photos so everyone agrees on the condition.
Read the rental agreement. Coverage, responsibilities and return terms are in it, so ask anything unclear before you sign.
Plan the load and the route. Know your trailer's height, your car's weight and where you will stop. Re-check the straps after the first 10 miles.

The 10–15% tongue-weight guideline and 60/40 loading are covered in our guide to tying down a car.

Atlas pickups are by appointment, Monday to Saturday 8 AM–6 PM, and we go through this list with you at the yard.

Sources

5 min read

A practical 4-point checklist for tying down a car on a trailer: where to strap, how tight, tongue weight and what to re-check after the first miles.

4 min read

Enclosed or open car hauler? Compare protection, privacy, towing weight, climate control and cost to choose the right trailer for your car.

Renting a trailer in Florida: 8 things to check before pickup