(a) The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of a travel trailer cannot exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the towing vehicle, unless equipped with a weight-distributing hitch. In Saskatchewan, for vehicles equipped with a weight-distributing hitch, the GVW of the trailer cannot exceed twice the GVWR of the tow vehicle.
(b) The Gross Vehicle Weight of a Fifth Wheel or Gooseneck Trailer cannot exceed twice the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the towing vehicle.
(c) Gross Axle Weight Ratings on the truck front and rear axles and trailer axles cannot be exceeded.
(d) All trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 1360 kg (3000 lbs) must be equipped with brakes on all axles and a break-away system if manufactured on or after January 1, 1985 and brakes on at least one axle if the trailer was manufactured before January 1, 1985.
(e) Trailers must be equipped with operational tail lamps, brake lamps, signal lamps, clearance lamps, side marker lamps, rear identification lamps and license plate lamp.
(f) Gross Axle Weight Ratings cannot be exceeded on any one axle of the vehicle combination.
(g) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the Tow Vehicle cannot be exceeded.
(h) Do I Need a Special Driver’s License to Tow a Trailer? A trailer and its load weighing over 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs.) meets the definition of a Class 1 vehicle and operators require a Class 1 license. If you wish to tow trailers weighing over 4,600 kg, but do not wish to drive power unit semi-trailers, buses or three-axle trucks, you may obtain restricted Class 1 privileges. A “G” restriction limits the driver to operating two-axle trucks (not including two-axle power units) towing trailers in excess of 4,600kg.
Towing two trailers is permitted, provided the lead trailer is a tandem axle trailer if the trailer is a bumper hitch type. If the lead trailer is a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer it may be a single axle trailer. The maximum length of a combination is 75 ft. 5 in.
This is not intended to be a complete guide, it is intended to answer some of the more frequently asked questions, and is current as of August 3, 2006.