Coupling up a caravan/trailer
This is quite easy if you follow and stick to a safe routine.
It is so important to get this right as mistakes can be
extremely costly and hazardous.
Rules 1. Always work methodically and carefully. DO NOT
rush and always double check everything to make sure of
safety. Find a routine that works and covers everything
and stick to it
2. Apply
the handbrake and make sure that both the caravan
and the towing vehicle are secure and solid and
under control.3.
Always consider the health and safety of those around
you
4. Check that
the coupling is successful and secure. As the driver you
are responsible for towing on a public highway and therefore
any mishaps can and will be blamed on you.
5. Always make sure that you have read and understood
any instructions. There should be no doubts. You should
know exactly what your are doing before you tow a caravan/trailer
on a public highway.
6. If possible get some extra help with coupling
up. Its always easier and someone else can spot something
that you have missed. And it's easier to be guided by
a second party when reversing up to make the coupling.
7. Vehicle Positioning. Things will be easier if the
coupling is higher than the tow ball before you attempt
to connect them. Use the jockey wheel to adjust the height
before you even start reversing your car to make connection.
8. Make sure that the connection is good as per
the manufacturers instructions. Many feature a visual
indicator which must be checked to ensure a safe connection.
Some have an audible click or a second mechanism which
must be checked.
9. When you have checked that the coupling is secure
make sure that the jockey wheel is fully retracted. This
is VERY IMPORTANT as if it is left down it can hit the
road surface on a bump and break the coupling disconnecting
your trailer/caravan.
10. Connect the electrics. Make sure that the plugs
are firmly connected together and test the contact by
turning on your side lights and making sure that the trailer/caravans
side lights come on also. If you have a second person
with you it is a good time to check all the lights. See
our section on electrics
11. Connect the break away cable if there is one.
Check the instructions or advice sheet if necessary.
12. Check the general condition of your caravan/trailer.
Make sure that the tyres are good and the the trailer/caravan
sits level. Incorrect positioning of luggage etc can upset
the correct ride of the trailer/caravan which will in
turn upset the handling
of
the vehicles.
Check list 1. Is the Hitch fully down over the tow ball?
2. Is the hitch
lever fully closed?
3. Are the visual indicator (If fitted) showing the right
colour?
4. Wind down the jockey wheel fully to raise the back
of the car to make sure that the coupling does not disconnect
(Make sure you return the jockey wheel to its full upright
position
5. Is the breakaway cable connected properly?
6. Is the stabilizer (if fitted) correctly attached with
any stabilizing mechanism engaged and any visual indicator
displaying a correct operation.
7. Is the jockey wheel fully retracted or stowed correctly?
8. Are the electrics attached properly?
9. Make all checks twice!!
