We know it’s embarrassing when you have to bring your trailer into your local trailer repair shop because you failed to hook it up properly. We see a lot of these types of repairs. Though some result from a hurried hook-up, many result from simple ignorance. To ensure safety, we offer this guide on properly hitching up your trailer once you’ve had a trailer hitch safely installed.
Steps for an Easy Trailer Hook Up
Phone a friend or grab a neighbor.
It’s much easier to hitch up your trailer when you have someone outside the vehicle to guide you. Before beginning, ensure you’re both clear on the signals to back up and stop. Your assistant should stand on the driver’s side, by the trailer tongue, in clear sight of your mirror.
Line up your tow vehicle with the trailer.
With the help of your assistant, position your tow vehicle in line with your trailer. This is easier than zigzagging into position. Stop when the two vehicles are a foot away.
Adjust the trailer coupler height.
Adjust the trailer coupler height. It should not be too high, just a few inches above the trailer ball ensures adequate clearance.
Continue backing up.
Once you’ve verified the coupler and trailer ball are at the right height, aligning perfectly, continue backing up, very S-L-O-W-L-Y. Pay careful attention to directions from your helper. If things are not lining up, return forward, and try again. Because trailer leasing companies see a lot of damage resulting from unskilled operators making mistakes at this stage of the game, Ainsworth fleet trailer maintenance professionals frequently deal with repairs to hitch-end connections.
Lower the coupler onto the ball.
Put the vehicle in park, engaging the emergency brake. Check the coupler latch is in the upright, unlocked position. Then, use the trailer jack to lower the coupler, slowly lowering it onto the ball. If the coupler is offset, raise the jack, move your tow vehicle forward, and realign the two vehicles again, properly.
Professional Tip: Greasing the trailer ball before hookup allows for a smoother connection, and prevents premature wear.
Latch the coupler.
Once the coupler is firmly seated, engage the latch and secure it with a coupler lock/safety pin. Once it’s secured, test the connection. Jack up the trailer tongue slightly. If it comes off the ball, the coupler is not seated correctly, and it is unsafe for towing.
Attach the safety chains.
Do not skip this step. Chains are required by law, catching the coupler in the event it becomes disconnected from the ball. Attach chains in a crisscross pattern beneath the coupler, forming a cradle that does NOT touch the ground. This chain must be rated to meet or exceed the gross trailer weight.
Retract the jack.
Next, fully retract the trailer jack, moving it up and out of the way before towing. (Some swivel over and up, others retract into the jack post.)
Connect the trailer wiring.
Connect the wiring harness, ensuring it does not touch the ground. You can limit the slack by wrapping the harness around the trailer tongue, leaving enough length to make turns without tension.
Verify light function.
With the aid of your assistant, make sure your brake, hazard, running lights, and turn signals are all working.
Always Take the Time to Hitch Up Your Trailer Right
Deadly accidents can occur when trailers are not connected properly. It takes only a few moments of attention to save a life. If you can’t figure out how to hook up your trailer and tow vehicle properly, the Ainsworth team will gladly show you how.
Are you suffering trailer hitch troubles? The Ainsworth Trailer Repair crew has you covered. Contact us for help avoiding hitch-up hazards or repairing damage from connection mishaps today.
