Free Towing Resources & Guides
Everything you need to tow safely — free guides, checklists, and definitions from Jeff McDonough with 200,000+ miles of towing experience.
🔑 Towing Definitions & Key Concepts
What Is GVWR?
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating explained — what it means, where to find it, and why it limits your towing.
What Is Payload Capacity?
Often more limiting than towing capacity — learn how to calculate yours and why it matters.
What Is Tongue Weight?
The number that controls trailer sway. Learn the 10–15% rule and how to measure it.
Towing Capacity Explained
What the advertised number really means — and how to calculate your actual safe towing capacity.
🔧 Setup & Equipment Guides
Weight Distribution Hitch Setup
Complete step-by-step guide to setting up, tensioning, and adjusting a WDH correctly.
Trailer Brake Controller Guide
Types, gain adjustment, legal requirements, and top picks for electric trailer brake controllers.
Complete Towing Safety Guide
The master guide to towing safety — hitch setup, weight ratings, sway prevention, and more.
Trailer Equipment & Maintenance
Pre-trip inspection, tire maintenance, brake checks, wiring, and seasonal maintenance schedules.
🚛 Skills & Techniques
How to Back a Trailer
The hand-at-bottom technique, 4 golden rules, and step-by-step backing into a spot.
Trailer Sway Control
Why sway happens, how to prevent it, and exactly what to do if it starts at highway speed.
Complete Towing Skills Guide
Backing, maneuvering, highway driving, lane changes, and parking with a trailer.
Towing in Weather & Conditions
Rain, wind, mountains, night towing — how to handle every condition safely.
📋 Checklists & Getting Started
Pre-Trip Towing Checklist
66-item checklist — print it or save as PDF. Every item to check before every tow.
10-Point Pre-Trip Inspection
Detailed walkthrough of each inspection point — why it matters and what to look for.
First-Time RV Towing Guide
Complete beginner’s guide to towing an RV safely — setup, weight ratings, first trip tips.
Boat Trailer Safety Checklist
Everything to check before every boat ramp visit — bearings, lights, securing, and ramp safety.
Towing for Beginners
Start here if you’ve never towed before — the complete beginner’s foundation.
About Jeff McDonough
200,000+ miles towed, 10+ years experience — meet the instructor behind TowPro Academy.
Ready to Go Beyond the Free Guides?
TowPro Academy’s full course includes 55 video lessons, a 1,300+ page eBook, and everything you need to tow any trailer with total confidence — for a one-time payment of $50.
Explore TowPro Academy →