- Check Hitch & Ball Size! Before you hook up to any trailer, make sure the tow vehicles trailer hitch is properly fastened to the vehicle and in good condition. You should also verify the weight rating of the hitch and ball mount is of the proper capacity for the trailer that is being towed. (Remember to add the trailer weight to the payload) Next, check that the hitch ball and trailer coupler are the same size and in good condition. The hitch ball should have the size stamped on it. There are 3 different hitch ball sizes; 1 7/8″, 2″, and 2 5/16″. The coupler should also have the required ball size stamped on it. If there are no markings showing the required ball size, or if they have been worn down you may want to consult The Hitch Man, Inc. or your local towing professional.
- Check Wiring Connector. The next step before hooking up to a trailer is to check the wiring plug. There are 4 basic wiring types in use today; 4-way, 5-way, 6-way, and 7-way (RV). Check that the tow vehicle and trailer have the same plug type and that they are clean and free from debris and corrosion.
- Check Ball Height. Now that you have verified the trailer and tow vehicle are compatible in ball size and wiring type, it is time to hook up to the trailer. Level the trailer front to rear and measure from the ground to the top of the trailer coupler. Now measure from the ground to the top of the tow vehicle ball. This measurement should be the same for a perfectly level trailer. You can have the tow vehicle ball height slightly higher so that the trailer sits slightly higher (1-3 inches) in the front than the rear. But you should never have the trailer lower in the front than the rear.
- Attach Trailer Coupler to Ball. Make sure the trailer coupler is in the “unlatched position” and set the trailer coupler on to the tow vehicle ball. Ensure that the ball recesses completely into the coupler and latch the trailer coupler into the “latched” or “locked” position. If possible, lift up on the front of the trailer and make sure the coupler is securely fastened to the ball. (Many couplers have an adjustment nut inside and underneath the coupler that can be adjusted to tighten the coupler to the ball. Also, a small amount of grease on the ball will help to avoid metal to metal contact while towing and can prolong the life of the coupler and trailer ball.
- Wind Up Tongue Jack! If your trailer is equipped with a tongue jack, now is the time to make sure it is completely wound up or in the upmost position. Many people forget this simple step and pull away, soon to realize they have made a costly mistake, with a bent jack, broken jack support plate, and even a bent coupler.
- Connect Safety Chains. All trailers should be equipped with two safety chains. Inspect the chains to ensure they are in good condition and of the proper weight rating for the trailer being towed. Cross the chains under the ball/coupler and securely fasten to the tow vehicle hitch.
- Connect Wiring/Test Lights. Plug in your wiring connector and test all light functions. Running lights(head lights), left turn, right turn, brake lights, and emergency flashers. Many newer vehicles are equipped with trailer specific fuses in the vehicle fuse panel. Check this first if any light functions are not working. You can find fuse locations and amp rating in your vehicles owners manual. If you still have any lighting issues, you should have repaired before you hit the road. If your trailer has electric brakes, test the vehicle electronic brake controller functions during this step also.
- Connect Break Away Cable. If your trailer has electric brakes, it is required by law that you have an emergency breakaway cable and properly charged battery. The break away cable should be connected to a switch on the tongue of the trailer. To test, pull the cable from the switch and verify the trailer brakes are engaged. Now that you have verified your breakaway system is functioning properly, hook the cable to the tow vehicle hitch or frame. DO NOT hook the breakaway cable to the trailer safety chains or wind it around the chains or trailer frame. The cable should be easily pulled out of the switch if the trailer where ever to detach from the tow vehicle.
- Check Tire Pressure & Lug Nuts. This step is equally important on the tow vehicle as it is for the trailer. Proper tire pressure inflation settings should be listed on the sticker on the door jam of the vehicle and on the trailer VIN sticker. If there is no tire pressure setting on the trailer VIN sticker, default to the pressure stamped on the sidewall of the tire. (Example- max load at __PSI). Under or over inflated tires can lead to premature tire wear or an accident. You should also check that all lug nuts are properly seated into the wheel and torqued to approx. 100 ft./lbs.
- SLOW DOWN & REVIEW! Take a minute to walk around the trailer and review the previous steps. Try to avoid being in a hurry, as this is usually when steps are forgotten. If anything looks suspect, contact The Hitch Man, Inc. or your local towing professional before hitting the open road. Safe travels!