Hitching Up

Hitching Up
  • If you have a particularly heavy trailer or caravan the easiest method is to reverse the car up to it.
  • If you are in a tight space and need to manoeuvre a double axle trailer, it will be easier, if you raise the front wheels off the floor using the jockey wheel.
  • Step 1 - Adjust the jockey wheel so that the coupling head is approximately 2” to 3” above the ball hitch on the back of the car.
  • Step 2 - When reversing the vehicle up to the trailer it is helpful to have a companion to guide you, so that the ball is underneath the coupling head of the trailer.
  • Step 3 - Lower the jockey wheel and lock the coupling head onto the ball, making sure it is properly locked on. Continue winding the jockey wheel to fully retract it into its outer case. Release the clamp lever and raise the whole unit and firmly re-clamp, attach a breakaway cable or securing chain to the hook on the tow bar, not the ball, and connect electric plugs to car.
  • Step 4 - Check all lights are working, the correct number plate is attached to the rear of the trailer and the trailer handbrake is off. Finally stand back and check the vehicle and trailer are level. If the back of the car is too low and the nose weight is correct and the car tow ball is the correct height, then there is either too much weight in the back of the car or the suspension springs require up-rating to stiffer items.