If your summer plans include Jackson Hole or Grand Teton National Park, there’s a new step to add to your trip checklist. Starting this October, drivers who pull a trailer or drive an RV over Wyoming Highway 22 at Teton Pass must complete the state’s new WY22 SAFE PASS program first.

At Equal-i-zer, we keep towers informed about the news that affects real-world towing, from new road rules to safety tips from fellow camper and trailer owners. Here’s what you need to know before you head over the pass.

What Is the WY22 SAFE PASS Program?

WY22 SAFE PASS is an online self-certification from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). It isn’t about passing other vehicles. “Pass” refers to the mountain pass itself. The program is designed to make sure drivers understand the challenges of Teton Pass before they attempt it, as EastIdahoNews.com reports.

Who Must Complete It

• Drivers of recreational vehicles, including rental RVs
• Anyone towing a trailer
• Operators of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combined weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more, such as heavy-duty pickups, large cargo vans and small box trucks

WYDOT recommends that every driver who uses the pass complete it, even if it isn’t required for them.

What It Covers

Drivers create an account at safepass.wyoroad.info, review safety material and self-certify. According to the program FAQ, the education covers proper gear selection, brake fade, pre-trip inspections, and trailer and weight restrictions.

Certification is valid for one year, and one certification covers every vehicle you drive. Keep proof on your phone or on paper, since law enforcement may ask to see it. Drivers who skip it can be cited and fined under Wyoming law, and uncertified drivers must take the alternate route through Swan Valley on US 26.

Why Teton Pass Demands Respect

Teton Pass is one of the most challenging stretches of highway in the region. According to WYDOT’s safety guidance:

• Grades reach 10%, nearly double the steepness of most mountain passes
• Sharp curves add to the risk of losing control
• A permanent 60,000-lb weight limit applies to all vehicles
• Trailers are restricted seasonally from Nov. 15 to April 1, with periodic restrictions the rest of the year
• An eastbound runaway truck ramp at milepost 8.3 and a CatchNET arrestor system at milepost 7.44 are there for brake failures

WYDOT advises drivers to use a low gear on the descent, avoid riding the brakes, apply firm, short pressure and then release to let brakes cool, and use pullouts to give brakes a rest.

Your Hitch Matters on Mountain Grades

A 10% descent with sharp curves puts your entire setup to the test. Your brakes, your gearing and the connection between your truck and trailer all have to work together.

That’s where the Equal-i-zer® Hitch comes in.

Weight Distribution Keeps Your Front Wheels Planted

On a steep downhill, trailer weight pushes forward against your tow vehicle. Without weight distribution, tongue weight can lift the front end and reduce steering and braking control. The Equal-i-zer transfers tongue weight across all axles, keeping your truck level and your front tires gripping the road through every curve.

4-Point Sway Control® Through the Curves

Mountain winds and tight switchbacks can push a trailer side to side. The Equal-i-zer’s friction sway control works at four points — two at the patented hitch head and two at the rigid trailer brackets — to keep your trailer tracking straight behind you.

Built for 10,000-Lb Trailers and Beyond

The Equal-i-zer comes in models matched to your trailer’s weight:

Model	Max tongue weight	Max gross trailer weight
90-00-0400	400 lb	4,000 lb
90-00-0600	600 lb	6,000 lb
90-00-1000	1,000 lb	10,000 lb
90-00-1200	1,200 lb	12,000 lb
90-00-1400	1,400 lb	14,000 lb
90-00-1600	1,600 lb	16,000 lb

The popular 10K model handles trailers up to 10,000 lb, and heavier models go up to 16,000 lb for big bunkhouses and toy haulers. Always stay within your tow vehicle’s ratings, as well as WYDOT’s limits.

Made to Last

Every Equal-i-zer hitch is made in the USA from forged American steel and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Its Integrated Sway Control® has no backing, turning or weather restrictions, so it’s ready for pullouts and tight mountain parking. Equal-i-zer has been keeping families safe on the road for over 80 years.

Your Teton Pass Towing Checklist

• Get certified: complete WY22 SAFE PASS online before your trip
• Check the season: trailers are restricted Nov. 15 to April 1, so watch for posted restrictions
• Inspect your rig: check tire pressure and tread, trailer brakes, couplings and cargo tie-downs
• Verify your hitch: make sure spring bars are seated and your hitch is rated for your trailer
• Plan your descent: use a low gear, avoid riding the brakes and use pullouts to cool them
• Know your options: if you’re unsure, take the Swan Valley detour on US 26

Trust Equal-i-zer to Keep You Safe and Informed

Teton Pass rewards drivers who prepare. A few minutes completing WY22 SAFE PASS, a careful inspection before you leave and a hitch that’s properly matched to your trailer can turn one of the region’s toughest climbs into a highlight of your trip. Whether you’re pulling a pop-up camper to Grand Teton National Park or a toy hauler to a Jackson Hole campground, the right preparation lets you keep your attention on the road and your mind on the adventure ahead.

From new mountain pass rules to real-world tips from fellow towers, Equal-i-zer is here to help you tow with confidence. Find your hitch size, locate an Equal-i-zer dealer, or shop the Equal-i-zer Hitch before your next trip over the pass. And keep checking the Equal-i-zer blog for the latest towing news.