Short answer
Check tires (at least 2/32 in tread, 49 CFR 393.75), brakes and air lines, lights and conspicuity tape (49 CFR 393.11), doors, floor and roof, landing gear and the annual inspection date (49 CFR 396.17).
Paperwork
- Registration and plate match the trailer
- Annual inspection sticker or report within 12 months (396.17)
- Existing damage written on the pickup form
- Lessor roadside phone number saved
Tires and wheels
- Tread at least 2/32 in on every trailer tire (393.75)
- No cuts, bulges or exposed cord; duals not touching
- Lug nuts tight, no rust streaks; hub oil seals dry
Brakes and air
- Glad hands seal; air lines not chafed
- No air leaks with the system charged
- Slack adjusters and pushrod travel in range
- ABS lamp goes out after power-up
Lights and reflectors
- Conspicuity tape present and not peeling (393.11)
- Marker, clearance, tail, brake and turn lamps work
- Pigtail plug and cord intact
Body
- Doors open, close and latch; seals intact
- Roof: shine a light inside with doors shut to spot holes
- Floor: no soft spots or holes; logistic posts and E-track intact
- Mud flaps and rear impact guard present
Coupling and gear
- Kingpin and upper plate not cracked or bent
- Landing gear cranks both speeds; feet intact
- Sliding tandem pins lock
Reefer only
- Fuel level and unit hours written down
- Unit runs and reaches set point
- Floor drains clear; chutes and bulkheads present
Flatbed or lowboy only
- Deck boards or plates intact
- Winches, rub rails and stake pockets solid
- Ramps and gooseneck pins work
Why it matters legally
Drivers must be satisfied the equipment is in safe condition before driving (49 CFR 396.13) and report defects at the end of each day (49 CFR 396.11). The periodic inspection items are listed in Appendix G to Part 396.
Questions people ask
What should I check before taking a rental trailer?
Tires, brakes and air lines, lights and reflective tape, doors and seals, floor and roof, landing gear, the annual inspection date, and for reefers the fuel level and unit hours. Photograph everything and get damage written down.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Rates, branches and terms change; confirm with the lessor before you book.