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How to Hitch a Trailer
This is an excellent video by Patrick McCormick. We would like to add Two additional points: 1) When disconnecting your trailer take the chains off last. If you get into this habit then if you are on a slight grade and your chocks slip you are still safe. 2) Double check that the Breakaway Brake cable plunger is fully pushed in.
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How to Back Up a Trailer
Yes, learning to back a trailer seems daunting. There is indeed a bit of a learning curve but you can do it. First of all it takes practice. Find an empty parking lot or field and just take your time practicing. Remember that the steering is backwards when you are backing. Place your hands at the bottom of the steering wheel to help you visualize which way you are turning the trailer. Know that with a small trailer responds quickly and that taking it slowly and making tiny adjustments is the best plan. This article has some great pointers. And when you are ready to back into a campsite, The Scoop video at left shows the best technique we’ve found for getting in easily.
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Chains Management
- Chains should be crossed to catch the tongue if it comes off the hitch. Chains need to be short enough to catch and carry the tongue and keep it from touching the ground.
- Breakaway brake cable should be attached with a carabiner independently from the chains.
- Breakaway brake cable and power cable should both be longer than chains to allow for controlled stopping in the event of a trailer disconnection.
- The breakaway brake should engage only in the event of chains failure.