Mandatory accessories to carry on a trailer

One of the biggest questions that arise when driving with a trailer is related to the accessories that should be carried. Often, it’s unclear which of these accessories are mandatory and which are recommended. During daily trips, this question doesn’t have much impact since space is not an issue, but on long journeys, when car space becomes limited, it’s much more important.

Have you ever wondered which accessories are essential when driving with a trailer? Below, we’ll tell you the must-have elements and items you should always have with your trailer.

The importance of having accessories for a trailer

On the road, you’re exposed to many hazards that could put the safety of passengers and other drivers at risk. To be prepared for any issues that may arise, it’s advisable to carry proper equipment. Additionally, some of these safety items are mandatory according to traffic regulations, and failing to carry them could lead to fines.

Which accessories are mandatory when driving with a trailer

Among the variety of road safety accessories for trailers, it’s important to distinguish between those that are mandatory and those that are recommended but do not result in fines if not used. Among the mandatory items, the following stand out.

Warning triangles

Triangles are used to alert other drivers that you have broken down or had an accident with your car. It’s necessary to carry two to warn in both directions. With new regulations, the triangles will be replaced by a beacon to be placed on top of the car, which will be mandatory from 2026.

Reflective vest

As with triangles, the vest is used to make you visible to other drivers, and you must always wear it when exiting your car on a road or highway, whether due to a breakdown or when checking on the trailer.

Optional accessories when driving with a trailer

Other non-mandatory but interesting and recommended accessories include the following.

Fire extinguisher kit

Contrary to popular belief, a fire extinguisher kit is not mandatory when driving with a trailer. This is only necessary for buses, mixed vehicles, or trucks used to transport goods. Even though it’s not required for trailers, we recommend carrying one whenever possible, so you’re prepared in case of a fire-related issue with your car.

Spare tire

As you know, it’s mandatory to have a spare tire in the car to drive to the nearest repair shop. However, this does not apply to trailers, as the law only requires one for the towing vehicle. Similar to the fire extinguisher kit, we advise having a spare tire for the trailer in case one of its tires gets punctured.

Another option is to have a puncture repair kit on hand so you can fix the problem quickly and continue to the nearest repair shop.

Snow chains

Chains are only mandatory for some mountain passes in winter and in areas where snow is common in winter. This means you only need to carry them if you’re in one of these scenarios.

Usually, they’re only required on the towing vehicle, but if the trailer is heavy or might affect your driving, you can also add them to the trailer, reducing the risk of incidents along the route.

We hope this small guide is helpful and makes it easier for you to ensure you have all the necessary items in your car to get home safely.