How To:Hook up a trailer.

Submitted By: chris4x4gill2


Overview

Most trucks and truck-based SUV's come equipped to tow at least a small trailer. In this article, we will cover the correct way to hook your trailer to your truck. Small specifics will change with the different types of trailers, but the basics will stay the same.

This article will cover a standard ball hitch, which will include both receiver hitch and bumper mounted balls. This article does not cover Load Distribution hitches, however, if you have one of those you should already be familiar with it.

Make sure the trailer weight and tongue weight do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the bumper or frame-mounted hitch.




Required Material
Procedure

1. Begin by backing the truck up towards the trailer. Have someone stand at the trailer tongue and direct you back. If it is not possible to get someone to help, you will need to stop frequently and check on your progress. This way you can see what corrections you need to make. You don’t have to have it perfect, in fact it is better to stop a little bit short of being directly under the coupling.

2. WITH THE TRAILER COUPLING OPEN lower the trailer onto the ball. You should have stopped slightly in front of the coupling. Stopping slightly before the front of the coupling makes it easier to slide the coupling over the ball, thus ensures that it is seated properly on the ball and that there is no binding.


You can see here how the coupling is sliding onto the ball as it is lowered.

3. Once the trailer coupling is lowered completely onto the ball, continue raising the jack stand located on the trailer until it is completely up and out of the way.

4. Secure the coupling with a locking pin. Make sure the locking pin is secured properly as it is what keeps the coupling from coming open.


Here you can see the locking pin through the coupling.

5. Connect the safety chains from the trailer to the vehicle. The safety chains should be crossed underneath the trailer tongue and then attached to the proper place under the bumper or on the receiver. These chains exist so that if the coupling fails or breaks, the tongue will be caught by the chains, preventing the trailer from leaving the vehicle and possibly causing an accident. If using "S" hooks, make sure that they are hooked over the top and not from the bottom. If your safety chains are too long and drag on the ground, twist them together to take up the slack before hooking them to the truck. Make sure enough slack is left in the chains for turning.


6. Connect trailer lights via the connector from the trailer. The trailer lights will only connect one way. For a flat connecter it should be obvious how the connectors mate. For 6 or 7 pole round connectors, there is a groove on the trucks female connector that must be lined up with a matching groove on the male connector from the trailer. If the trailer has a 6 or 7-way connector and the vehicle only has a 4-way connector, consult a reputable trailer/hitch shop to see whether you need to have an electric brake controller installed in the towing vehicle.


7. Have someone check your brake lights and turn signals. If you are alone, turn on your hazard lights and check yourself.

Now your trailer is safely and successfully hitched to your vehicle. Have fun towing your trailer!


Ford Motor Company Trademarks used by permission.
All posted content is © fordrides.com.