Before you can embark on your first camping adventure with a new travel trailer, there are some important steps you need to take. First and foremost, do you know how to safely hitch your travel trailer to your tow vehicle? Creating a secure connection between your camper and tow vehicle is a critical safety measure, and it can take a little practice.
Not sure where to start? This guide explains all the steps involved in hitching your travel trailer RV, so you can proceed with confidence!
Getting Started
The first step to hitching your travel trailer is to remove the hitch lock. Next, place the receiver latch in an open vertical position. You can now use a jack to raise the front end of your travel trailer. Remember to lubricate the jack pistons while your jack is extended. If you notice the camper is moving around during this process, stop and adjust the wheel chocks.
Connecting the Hitch
To ensure a smooth hitching process, place the hitch as close as possible to the receiver. Some hitches come with a removable sway control arm, which makes maneuvering the hitch a little easier. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual to check for any special, model-specific considerations that might apply to your particular hitch.
The next step is to insert the locking pin and secure it in place. This is one of the most critical steps in the process, and failure to create a secure attachment can result in the trailer separating from the tow vehicle. Pay close attention during this step!
Now you’ll need to carefully align your travel trailer RV and tow vehicle before hitching them together. We recommend having a spotter to assist you during this process. It might take a few attempts to get the proper alignment, so be patient and try not to rush it.
Once everything is in place, slowly lower the trailer so that the hitch ball fits inside the receiver. Close the receiver latch, then raise the jack and remove the jack blocks. Remember to connect the brake and light cables so your tow vehicle can send signals to the travel trailer.
Finally, connect the safety chains and remove the wheel chocks. The safety chains serve as a backup in case the hitch ball falls out of the receiver while in transit.
We hope you found this guide helpful! If you’re in the market for a new camper, check out our selection of travel trailers for sale here at JTS RV Super Center. We are your local travel trailer dealer located in Grafton, OH, proudly serving all those in Cleveland. Our friendly staff looks forward to serving you!