How To Hitch And Unhitch Trailers | Trailer Guide

• Travel,
• Nov 10, 2021

 

Hitching and unhitching trailers are some of the most important tasks that require proper guidelines. Especially when it comes to hitching, one must pay close attention to everything. In case anything goes wrong or you miss something, you might damage your trailer. Hitch trailer correctly, then you have nothing to worry about anymore.

 

Preparation for Hitching and Unhitching a Trailer:

Every task that we perform requires some sort of preparation, so does the job of unhitching and hitching trailers. To hitch or unhitch a trailer like a pro, one needs to be prepared ahead of time. This article will provide you with perfect guidelines that will make unhitching and hitching easy for you! 

Hitching & Unhitching Supplies

 

Here is a list of a few things that you will probably need before you get started to make your job a little easier:

✓ An Apron or Towel

✓ Proper Lubricants

✓ Duct Tape

✓ Rubber Blocks

✓ Plastic levellers

 

Knowing The Trailer Parts:

Following are the parts of a trailer that are involved in hitching and unhitching:

 

The Coupler:

The coupler is the connection point that is mounted on the trailer, and it connects the trailer to the ball on the vehicle for a more secure connection.

 

The Handle:

It is used to lock the tow ball and also to release it.

 

The Safety Latch:

The safety latch is important because it keeps the coupler intact and doesn't let it jump off during transport. It is essential to ensure that the safety latch is at its place before going on the journey. 

 

The Safety Chain:

Sometimes coupling fails, and to prevent any accidents, safety chains are preset as added protection. These safety chains incorporate a D shackle that connects directly to the vehicle. There are a few trailers that have one safety chain, but most larger trailers have two of them. It is mandatory to cross the two chains before driving off. 

 

The Light Lead Connector:

In order to connect your vehicle's lights to the trailer, the light lead connector is used. These connectors arrive in different types for different cars.

 

Hitching Trailers:

To hitch trailers can be intimidating for the first time. But if you practice a lot, it will become simple and easier for you. With focus, proper time, and this guideline, you will master the art of hitching trailers.  

 

Prepare The Connection To Hook Up Trailer:

Prep the trailer with these steps:

✓ If there is a hitch lock, remove your hitch lock

✓ Raise the front of your trailer using the jack

✓ Put the receiver latch into the vertical position by flipping it up

✓ Extend the jack piston and lubricate it

 

Things to consider before hitching or unhitching a trailer:

If you feel some sort of shift upon raising the trailer, you need to stop at that point and look at the vehicle's wheel chocks. You need to check them up because they are tasked to prevent the trailer from moving when getting it hitched to the car. Besides that, when you start hitching, ensure that you connect the right trailer with the right vehicle cause all trailers can't hitch to all vehicles. In order to hitch the trailer to any car, ensure that it has the right-sized tow ball and the appropriate towing capacity.  The tow ball in Australia needs to be 50mm. In order to know about your vehicle towing capacity information, check your car's user manual. Once all these things are appropriate, the right tow ball and the suitable towing capacity, it's time to hitch your trailer with the car!

 

How To Hitch A Trailer?

Follow the steps below to learn how to hitch camper trailers:

 

1. The first step is to position the hitching coupler over the tow ball carefully. In case your camper has a jockey wheel. You can use it to lower the coupler over the ball. If you do not have one, just lower it by hand carefully.

 

2. As soon as the coupler gets in position, you just need to release the handle, and it will automatically lock into its place.

When the handle locks, then you should insert the safety pin. This safety pin ensures that the coupler is secured.

 

3. After ensuring the pin, attach the safety chains with the vehicle by using the D shackle. It should be noted that instead of being loosely inserted, the screw should be tightened into the shackle thread.

 

4. In order to activate the trailer's lights, connect the light lead with the vehicle. Test the brake lights, taillights, and blinkers to check if the connection is stable and the lead is properly functioning.

 

5. The final step is to stow away the jockey wheel. After that, you are free and ready to go on your journey!

 

Tip: 

Having unsecured things on the trailer is nothing less than a crime. Therefore, ensuring that everything is set up and tied down before setting off is essential.

 

Unhitching Trailers:

Ascending stairs is hard, while descending them is easy. Similar is the case with hitching and unhitching the trailers. While hitching trailers is hard, unhitching it is easy and a lot less dangerous. However, there are a few steps here, too, that need some attention. 

 

Steps to unhitch trailers:

In order to unhitch trailers, follow the steps given below:

 

1. The first step to unhitch a trailer is to ensure that the trailer is on level ground. Also, to prevent the wheels from rolling off, place wedges on them.

 

2. After ensuring that, lift the trailer off the tow by winding up the jockey wheel. In case you do not have a jockey wheel, just lift the trailer off the tow ball with your hands.

 

3. Then you need to disconnect the light lead from the vehicle.

 

4. And in the last step, just unhitch the safety chain and ensure that you do not lose the D shackle.

 

Wrapping Up!

Hitching or unhitching a trailer is a very crucial process. Therefore if you notice that some tig is out of place, ensure that it is hitched correctly! Although this guide will help you with the hitching process, always take guidance from experts if you still have any queries. Follow the steps above and go on wonderful adventures. To make your journey even more beautiful, we at Quick Revs ensure that the owner knows all about their car\s hidden past. If you want to know all the past details of your car, click here now and get your vehicle's history report in a few minutes!