If you own a travel trailer, you will need to learn how to hitch it to your tow vehicle. The process is not challenging, but there are several steps involved. We created the following guide that walks you through the process. If you have any questions or want to explore travel trailers for sale in the Tri-Cities, Washington, visit Broadmoor RV. We are a travel trailer dealer that also serves those in Seattle and Spokane, Washington.
Consult The Owner’s Manual
The first step is to check the travel trailer’s owner’s manual. It may offer hitching advice that is tailored to your specific model, which can make the process much easier.
Get The Supplies
There are a few key items that will make everything go smoother and faster.
- A grease gun with high friction grease, which will be used to lubricate the hitch ball and ball receiver.
- WD-40 to lubricate the jack at the front of the RV.
- Something to wipe any lubrication off of your hands, such as an apron or towel.
- Rubber blocks that can give great traction between the trailer jack and the ground, which decreases the likelihood of the travel trailer coming off of the blocks.
Get The Travel Trailer Ready For Travel
Always take a minute to ensure the travel trailer is prepared for transportation.
Run through this quick checklist to avoid any problems on the road:
- Secure the awning.
- Ensure any antennas are put away.
- Turn off any appliances, such as the refrigerator and air conditioning.
- Make sure all utilities are disconnected.
- Close the windows, hatches, and vents.
- Make sure there are no loose items inside and that everything is secure.
- Raise the steps.
- Raise the stabilizers.
- Make sure the wheel chocks are in position and tucked close against the wheels.
Get The Travel Trailer Ready For Hitching
If your model uses a hitch lock, remove it. Put the receiver latch into a vertical open position. Use the jack to raise the front of the travel trailer. Lubricate the jack piston while it is extended.
The travel trailer may shift while it gets raised. If it does, you will want to check the wheel chocks. If they are securely in place, the travel trailer wouldn’t move around.
Connect The Hitch And Tow Vehicle
The next step is to get the hitch connected. Keep in mind that travel trailer hitches are heavy! Be careful. You can make the lifting process easier with a few strategies:
- Keep the hitch stored in a container with handles, whic makes it easier to transport from storage.
- Always lift with knees and never your back.
- Plan out where you will grab the hitch and clean off any grease from those areas.
- Make sure to wear closed toed shoes…just in case.
When you are ready to connect the hitch, put it into position and slide it into the hitch receiver. Secure the hitch locking pin. It helps to use a pin with a lock, which adds extra security. Take the grease gun and put a little grease on the hitch ball. If the hitch ball is dirty, clean off the debris before applying grease.
Connect The Tow Vehicle And Travel Trailer
The last part of the process is to connect the tow vehicle to the travel trailer. The following steps will be easier if you have a spotter, but it is possible to do on your own.
- Back up the tow vehicle so it is aligned with the travel trailer.
- Engage the safety break.
- Attach the weight distribution bars and/or the sway control bars.
- Lower the travel trailer and get the hitch ball inside the hitch receiver.
- Lock the ball in place by flipping the receiver latch closed.
- Raise the jack up and remove the jack blocks.
- Check that there is the right amount of tension on the sway bars.
- Get the brakes, lights, and safety chains connected.
- Take away the wheel chocks.
- Do one final test of the lights to ensure everything is working.
Once these steps are down, you are ready to head out on vacation!
We hope you found this guide helpful! For more advice or to shop travel trailers for sale in the Tri-Cities, Washington, head over to Broadmoor RV. Our friendly staff can assist with whatever you need, from making personalized model suggestions to replacing broken RV parts. We are based in the Tri-Cities, Washington, and proudly serve those in Seattle and Spokane as well.
