Pickup & Return Instructions

All trailer pickups and returns are self-service.

Hitching and unhitching is the renter's responsibility. These instructions are a general guide, not a guarantee of proper connection. Renters must verify the hitch, chains, lights, and load before driving. Tandem is not liable for damage, injury, or loss from improper hitching or unhitching, even if these instructions were followed.

  • PICKUP & HITCHING

    Complete every step in order before towing. Improper hookup can result in trailer separation, loss of control, serious injury, or death.

    Before Arriving / Vehicle Check

    1. Verify your tow vehicle is rated to tow at least 10,000 lbs (GVWR is 9,990 lbs - Trailer weight: 3,230 lbs.
      Cargo capacity: 6,760 lbs.).

    2. Verify your hitch has a 2-5/16" ball rated for the load. A 2" ball will NOT seat properly and WILL separate under load.

      *2-5/16” hitch available for rent

    3. Verify your vehicle has a functioning electric brake controller and a 7-way plug. This trailer has electric brakes on both axles; towing without a working brake controller is unsafe.

    Coupling

    1. Remove the coupling lock using the key from the lockbox located under the tongue.

    2. Back the tow vehicle until the ball is directly under the coupler. Adjust the coupler height as needed using the jack — the trailer should sit level or slightly nose-down when hitched, never nose-up.

    3. Lower the coupler fully onto the ball, close the latch, and insert the safety pin or lock.

    4. Perform the lift test: crank the jack up so it tries to lift the rear of the tow vehicle. If the coupler pops off the ball, it is not latched — reseat it and repeat. Do not skip this step.

    5. Fully raise and secure the drop-leg jack. A dragging jack will be destroyed.

    Chains, Breakaway, and Wiring

    1. Cross the safety chains in an X pattern under the coupler and hook them to the tow vehicle's chain loops — never to the ball or hitch pin. Leave enough slack to turn without dragging.

    2. Attach the breakaway cable to the tow vehicle frame or a dedicated anchor point — never to the ball, chains, or removable hitch.

    3. Plug in the 7-way connector. Make sure the cable does not hang below connected safety chains or dragging and is loose enough to compensate for all turns. The harness should be routed over the top or side of the trailer coupler and tow ball prevent disconnection.

    4. Test all lights: running lights, both turn signals, and brake lights. It is unsafe to tow a trailer without working lights.

    5. Test the trailer brakes by applying the brake controller manually while pulling forward slowly — you should feel them engage.

    Trailer Condition Check

    1. Confirm the dump bed is fully lowered.

    2. Confirm the control box is closed, the tailgate/combo gate is latched, and the slide-in ramps are secured in their carriers.

    Final

    1. Remove wheel lock

    2. Place all keys back in lockbox and scramble the numbers

    Load limits: Never exceed 9,990 lbs GVWR (approx. 6,760 lbs of cargo — roughly 2.5 cubic yards of gravel). A level load of heavy aggregate WILL overload this trailer. Never dump on unlevel ground.

    TRAILER RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

    Before Returning

    1. Fully empty and sweep out the dump bed. Loads or debris left in the bed will incur a cleaning/disposal fee. Do not run the trailer through a car wash.

    2. Lower the dump bed completely and confirm it is fully seated on the frame.

    3. Latch the tailgate/combo gate and secure the slide-in ramps in their carriers.

    Positioning

    1. Park the trailer in the designated return spot, positioned so it does not block other trailers or the drive path.

    2. Put the tow vehicle in park and set the parking brake. Leave the trailer hitched for now.

    3. Chock the trailer wheels — front and back of the back tire. The trailer has no parking brake; chocks are the only thing holding it after you unhitch. Never skip this step.

    Unhitching

    1. Unplug the 7-way connector and stow the cord in the control box.

    2. Unclip the breakaway cable from your vehicle. Confirm the breakaway pin is fully seated in its switch.

    3. Unhook both safety chains and latch them to the chain loops under the tongue.

    4. Remove the coupler pin/lock and open the coupler latch.

    5. Lower the drop-leg jack to the ground and crank until the coupler lifts fully off the ball. Confirm the trailer is not moving on the chocks as weight transfers.

    6. Once the coupler is off the ball hitch, pull your vehicle forward slowly and check that nothing is still attached or dragging.

    Secure the Trailer

    1. Close the control box.

    2. Install the coupler lock and wheel lock. Confirm they are locked and return all keys to the attached lockbox. Scramble the numbers

    Required Photo Documentation — rental is not complete without these

    Take clear, well-lit photos of ALL of the following. Use your phone's flash at night:

    • Each of the four tires, close enough to show tread and sidewall

    • The empty dump bed from above/behind

    • The rear of the trailer

    • Both full sides of the trailer

    • The coupler/jack area showing the trailer unhitched, chocked, and parked in the return spot.

    Text or email all photos to 205-202-0740 or info@tandemrents.com before leaving the lot. Your return time is the timestamp of your photo submission.

    Report any damage, tire issues, or problems in the same message. All damage — whether reported at return or found during inspection — will be charged per the rental agreement.

    Tandem will inspect the trailer and confirm return completion within 1 business day. Damage, missing equipment, cleaning fees, or late charges will be assessed at that time.

  • PICKUP & HITCHING

    Complete every step in order. Improper hookup can result in trailer separation, loss of control, serious injury, or death.

    Tow Vehicle Requirements

    1. Your vehicle must be rated to tow at least 10,000 lbs (GVWR is 9,990 lbs - Trailer weight: 2,320 lbs. Cargo capacity: 7,670lbs.).

    2. Your hitch must have a 2-5/16" ball rated for the load. A 2" ball will NOT seat properly and WILL separate under load.

    3. Verify your vehicle has a functioning electric brake controller and 7-way RV plug. This trailer has electric brakes on both axles; towing without a working controller is unsafe.

    Coupling

    1. Retrieve the coupler key from the lockbox attached to the strap hoop on the passenger's side of the trailer deck. Remove the coupler lock.

    2. Back your vehicle until the ball is directly under the coupler. Adjust the coupler height so the trailer tows level — never nose-up.

    3. Lower the coupler fully onto the ball, close the latch, and insert the safety pin.

    4. Perform the lift test: crank the jack so it tries to lift the rear of your vehicle. If the coupler pops off, it is not latched — reseat and repeat. Do not skip this step.

    5. Fully raise and secure the set-back drop-leg jack. A dragging jack will be destroyed.

    Chains, Breakaway, and Wiring

    1. Cross the safety chains in an X pattern under the coupler and hook them to the tow vehicle's chain loops — never to the ball or hitch pin. Leave enough slack to turn without dragging.

    2. Attach the breakaway cable to the tow vehicle frame or a dedicated anchor point — never to the ball, chains, or removable hitch.

    3. Plug in the 7-way connector. Make sure the cable does not hang below the connected safety chains or drag and is loose enough to compensate for all turns. The harness should be routed over the top or side of the trailer coupler and tow ball prevent disconnection.

    4. Test all lights: running lights, both turn signals, and brake lights. It is unsafe to tow a trailer without working lights.

    5. Test the trailer brakes by applying the brake controller manually while pulling forward slowly — you should feel them engage.

    Before Towing / Loading Rules

    1. Confirm the slide-in ramps are fully seated in their channel carriers and the rear stabilizer jacks are raised.

    2. Check for spare tire on side mount.

    3. When loading a vehicle: hitch to the tow vehicle FIRST and lower the rear stabilizer jacks before driving anything onto the deck. Load the vehicle facing forward, positioned so roughly 60% of its weight sits ahead of the trailer axles — a rear-heavy load will cause violent sway. Secure with ratchet straps or chains at all four corners to the tie-down pockets, in park with the parking brake set. Never tow with anyone inside the loaded vehicle. Raise the stabilizers and stow the ramps before pulling away.

    4. Max payload is approximately 7,670 lbs — most cars, SUVs, and half-ton trucks are fine; heavy-duty trucks and large equipment will overload this trailer.

    TRAILER RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

    Before Returning

    1. Unload the trailer completely. Remove all straps, chains, debris, and trash from the deck. Do not run the trailer through a car wash.

    Positioning

    1. Park the trailer in the same spot as pickup, positioned so it does not block other trailers or the drive path.

    2. Keep the trailer hitched. Put your vehicle in park and set the parking brake.

    3. Chock the trailer wheels — front and back of the back tire. The trailer has no parking brake; chocks are the only thing holding it once unhitched. Never skip this step.

    4. Stow the slide-in ramps fully in their carriers and confirm the rear stabilizer jacks are raised.

    Unhitching

    1. Unplug the 7-way connector and stow the cord off the ground.

    2. Unclip the breakaway cable from your vehicle. Confirm the breakaway pin is fully seated in its switch.

    3. Unhook both safety chains and latch them to the chain loops under the tongue.

    4. Open the coupler latch, lower the drop-leg jack to the ground, and crank until the coupler lifts fully off the ball. Confirm the trailer isn't moving on the chocks as the weight transfers.

    5. Once the coupler is off the ball hitch, pull your vehicle forward slowly and confirm nothing is still attached or dragging.

    Secure the Trailer

    1. Install the coupler lock and wheel lock. Confirm they are locked and return all keys to the lockbox and scramble the numbers.

    Required Photo Documentation — rental is not complete without these

    Take clear, well-lit photos of ALL of the following. Use your phone’s flash at night:

    • Each of the four tires, close enough to show tread and sidewall

    • The empty deck

    • The rear with ramps stowed

    • Both full sides

    • The coupler/jack area showing the trailer parked, chocked, unhitched, and locked in the return spot.

    Text or email all photos to 205-202-0740 or info@tandemrents.com before leaving the lot. Your return time is the timestamp of your photo submission.

    Report any damage, tire issues, or problems in the same message. All damage — whether reported at return or found during inspection — will be charged per the rental agreement.

    Tandem will inspect the trailer and confirm return completion within 1 business day. Damage, missing equipment, cleaning fees, or late charges will be assessed at that time.

  • PICKUP & HITCHING

    Complete every step in order before towing. Improper hookup can result in trailer separation, loss of control, serious injury, or death.

    Before Arriving / Vehicle Check

    1. Verify your tow vehicle is rated to tow at least 7,000 lbs (GVWR is 7,000 lbs — Trailer weight: 2,300 lbs. Cargo capacity: 4,700 lbs.)

    2. Verify your hitch has a 2-5/16" ball rated for the load. A 2" ball will NOT seat properly and WILL separate under load. *2-5/16" hitch available for rent

    3. Verify your vehicle has a functioning electric brake controller and a 7-way plug. This trailer has electric brakes on both axles; towing without a working brake controller is unsafe.

    Coupling

    1. Remove the coupling lock using the key from the lockbox located on the back door of the trailer.

    2. Back the tow vehicle until the ball is directly under the coupler. Adjust the coupler height as needed using the jack — the trailer should sit level or slightly nose-down when hitched, never nose-up.

    3. Lower the coupler fully onto the ball, close the latch, and insert the safety pin or lock.

    4. Perform the lift test: crank the jack up so it tries to lift the rear of the tow vehicle. If the coupler pops off the ball, it is not latched — reseat it and repeat. Do not skip this step.

    5. Fully raise and secure the drop-leg jack. A dragging jack will be destroyed.

    Chains, Breakaway, and Wiring

    1. Cross the safety chains in an X pattern under the coupler and hook them to the tow vehicle's chain loops — never to the ball or hitch pin. Leave enough slack to turn without dragging.

    2. Attach the breakaway cable to the tow vehicle frame or a dedicated anchor point — never to the ball, chains, or removable hitch.

    3. Plug in the 7-way connector. Make sure the cable is not dragging.

    4. Test all lights: running lights, both turn signals, and brake lights.

    5. Test the trailer brakes by applying the brake controller manually while pulling forward slowly — you should feel them engage.

    Trailer Condition Check

    1. Confirm the rear ramp door is fully raised and secured.

    2. Confirm the door latch is fully engaged and locked.

    3. Confirm all D-ring tie downs are present and secure.

    Final

    1. Remove wheel lock

    2. Place all keys back in lockbox and scramble the numbers

    Load limits: Never exceed 7,000 lbs GVWR (approx. 4,700 lbs of cargo). Distribute weight evenly and secure all cargo using the D-ring tie downs. Never exceed 6'6" interior height clearance.

    TRAILER RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

    Before Returning

    1. Remove all cargo and sweep out the enclosed trailer. Loads or debris left inside will incur a cleaning/disposal fee.

    2. Confirm the rear ramp door is fully raised and secured.

    3. Confirm the door latch is fully engaged.

    Positioning

    1. Park the trailer in the designated return spot, positioned so it does not block other trailers or the drive path.

    2. Put the tow vehicle in park and set the parking brake. Leave the trailer hitched for now.

    3. Chock the trailer wheels on both sides — front and back of the tire. The trailer has no parking brake; chocks are the only thing holding it after you unhitch. Never skip this step.

    Unhitching

    1. Unplug the 7-way connector.

    2. Unclip the breakaway cable from your vehicle. Confirm the breakaway pin is fully seated in its switch.

    3. Unhook both safety chains and latch them to the chain loops under the tongue.

    4. Open the coupler latch.

    5. Lower the drop-leg jack to the ground and crank until the coupler lifts fully off the ball. Confirm the trailer is not moving on the chocks as weight transfers.

    6. Once the coupler is off the ball hitch, pull your vehicle forward slowly and check that nothing is still attached or dragging.

    Secure the Trailer

    1. Close, latch and lock the rear ramp door securely.

    2. Install the coupler lock and wheel lock. Confirm they are locked and return all keys to the attached lockbox. Scramble the numbers.

    Required Photo Documentation — rental is not complete without these

    1. Take clear, well-lit photos of ALL of the following. Use your phone's flash at night:

      • Each of the four tires, close enough to show tread and sidewall

      • The empty interior with the ramp door down.

      • The rear outside of the trailer with the ramp door closed.

      • Both full sides of the trailer

      • The coupler/jack area showing the trailer unhitched, chocked, and parked in the return spot

      Text or email all photos to 205-202-0740 or info@tandemrents.com before leaving the lot. Your return time is the timestamp of your photo submission.

      Report any damage, tire issues, or problems in the same message. All damage — whether reported at return or found during inspection — will be charged per the rental agreement.

      Tandem will inspect the trailer and confirm return completion within 1 business day. Damage, missing equipment, cleaning fees, or late charges will be assessed at that time.