Hitching up Trailers
Raise the trailer tongue until there is enough room for the hitch ball to go underneath.
Back the tow vehicle up until the ball is directly under the coupler. It is help if there is someone that can assist you with this, but it can be done solo.
Open the coupler latch mechanism and lower the coupler onto the ball just enough so that there is a little bit of weight on the ball. This should allow the latch mechanism to engage correctly so that you can lock it in place with a pin or lock.
Attach the safety chains to a permanent part on the tow vehicle, usually the hitch receiver. Cross the chains (like an X) under the hitch. This will form a cradle for the coupler and prevent it from hitting the ground should the hitch come out of the receiver or the coupler come off the ball. Make sure the chains are long enough to allow the tow vehicle and trailer to turn sharply, but not too long that they might drag along the ground.
Attach the breakaway cable to a permanent fixture on the tow vehicle. This should not be attached to any other part that is used to pull or support the trailer tongue, like the bumper or receiver platform. Should the bumper or receiver fail and the breakaway cable is attached to it, the trailer brakes will not come on as intended, which could lead to serious injury or property damage to someone else.
Plug the trailer electrical cord into the receptacle on the tow vehicle and make sure all lights work correctly.
Travel Trailers with a
Weight Distribution System
A Weight Distribution System provides a more level ride and greater steering and brake control.
Trailer weight distribution is accomplished by distributing the weight of the actual tongue connection to all tow vehicle and trailer wheels.
Sway Controls
In addition to weight distribution you might also want Sway Control. Sway control helps dampen sway caused by traffic and crosswinds.
Brake ControllersThe Brake Controller basically supplies power to the trailer brakes when the tow vehicle brakes are applied. They are adjustable to fit the particular tow vehicle and trailer combination as well as the driver’s braking habits
Unhitching a trailer
>Before unhitching, make sure the trailer is as level from side to side as you can get it by placing boards or blocks under all of the tires on the low side.
Chock the trailer tires so they won’t roll.
Disconnect the electrical cord from the tow vehicle.
Disconnect the safety chains.
Disconnect the breakaway cable.
Release the coupler latch mechanism.
Raise the coupler until there is enough room to move the tow vehicle forward and the hitch out from underneath the coupler.
Start Your Camping Vacation!
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