Every day, millions of Americans share the road with vehicles towing trailers. From families hauling campers for a weekend getaway to contractors transporting equipment between job sites, trailers play an important role in both our personal and professional lives. But how often do we stop to consider whether the vehicle pulling that trailer is actually equipped to tow it safely?
Just because a truck can pull a trailer doesn't necessarily mean it's the right match. And when a trailer and tow vehicle aren't properly paired, the consequences can extend far beyond the driver, potentially putting passengers and others sharing the roadway at risk.
That's why understanding safe towing practices is so important, and why the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is inviting trailer owners, drivers, dealers, manufacturers, and anyone who works with trailers to join us for a special webinar in celebration of Trailer Safety Week 2027.
Trailer Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility
Trailer safety begins long before a driver gets behind the wheel. Choosing the right trailer, understanding the tow vehicle's capabilities, properly distributing weight, and selecting the correct hitch are all critical steps in preparing for a safe trip.
Unfortunately, some of the most important towing considerations are also among the most misunderstood.
A vehicle may have an impressive advertised towing capacity, but that number alone doesn't tell the whole story. Payload limits, tongue weight, hitch ratings, and trailer balance all play a role in determining whether a towing combination is appropriate.
Overlooking these factors can contribute to poor handling, reduced braking performance, trailer sway, and other potentially dangerous situations on the road.
Whether you're towing a utility trailer across town or hauling a loaded equipment trailer across the country, knowing how to evaluate your towing setup can make a meaningful difference in keeping yourself and others safe.
Join Us for a Special Trailer Safety Week Webinar
On Thursday, June 10, 2027, at 1:00 p.m. Central / 2:00 p.m. Eastern, NATM will host Can Your Truck Really Tow That? Matching Trailers and Tow Vehicles for Safe Towing, featuring trailer safety expert Brad Heath, owner of Double D Trailers.
This educational webinar will break down the fundamentals of matching trailers and tow vehicles, helping attendees better understand the factors that influence towing safety.
During the session, attendees will learn:
✔️ Understanding towing ratings: What GVWR, payload capacity, and other important vehicle ratings mean and how to use them.
✔️ Tongue weight and weight distribution: Why proper loading and tongue weight are essential for maintaining stability and control.
✔️ Choosing the right hitch: How to evaluate hitch options and ensure towing equipment is appropriate for the trailer and vehicle.
✔️ The importance of level towing: Why the way a trailer sits behind a tow vehicle matters for safe handling and performance.
✔️ Evaluating your towing setup: Practical steps drivers can take to determine whether their truck and trailer are properly matched before hitting the road.
The session is designed to make towing safety information approachable and easy to understand, without complicated technical jargon or a sales pitch.
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is open to the public and is free for anyone interested in improving trailer safety, regardless of experience level or industry involvement. Whether you're new to towing or have been pulling trailers for years, there's always something more to learn about staying safe on the road.
Learn from Trailer Safety Expert Brad Heath
Brad Heath, owner of Double D Trailers, has nearly 30 years of experience designing and building custom trailers, including developing patented trailer safety innovations.
He is the author of The Honest-to-Goodness Truth About Horse Trailers, which received a 2025 Literary Winnie Award at the Equus Film & Arts Fest. Brad is also a recognized trailer safety educator who has presented at major events including the Midwest Horse Fair, Equine Affaire, and the World Equestrian Center.
Through his monthly trailer safety webinar series and work as a trailer expert for the Horse Radio Network, Brad has helped trailer owners better understand their equipment and make informed decisions. His approach focuses on practical, brand-neutral education that puts safety first.
Celebrate Trailer Safety Week with NATM!
Trailer Safety Week is a national safety awareness initiative led by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) to improve the safety of the nation's roadways by raising awareness about safe trailering practices.
Each year, Trailer Safety Week brings together trailer manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, safety organizations, and trailer owners to promote education and share resources that help make towing safer for everyone.
Visit www.trailersafetyweek.com to learn more about the initiative, explore trailer safety resources, and find ways to participate.
Register Today and Make Trailer Safety a Priority
Safe towing starts with understanding your equipment and making informed decisions before every trip.
Join us this Trailer Safety Week and take a closer look at one of the most important questions every trailer owner should ask: Can my vehicle really tow that trailer safely?
Webinar: Can Your Truck Really Tow That? Matching Trailers and Tow Vehicles for Safe Towing
Date: Thursday, June 10, 2027
Time: 1:00 p.m. Central / 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Presenter: Brad Heath, Owner, Double D Trailers
Help us spread the word! Invite a friend, colleague, customer, or fellow trailer owner to attend. The more people who understand safe towing practices, the safer our roadways can become.