Free RV manual
How to Hitch a Travel Trailer
Coupler, safety chains, breakaway cable and lights. A simple routine to hitch up the same way every time.
Know your numbers
Your truck has a towing limit and a hitch limit. The trailer has a weight on its sticker, usually near the door. The loaded trailer must weigh less than the truck's rating. If you are not sure, ask before you book or buy.
Hitching up
- Raise the tongue jack so the coupler sits above the ball.
- Back the truck in slowly with a spotter until the ball is under the coupler.
- Lower the jack until the coupler seats on the ball. Close the latch and put in the safety pin.
- Raise the jack a little. The back of the truck should lift. If it does not, the coupler is not locked.
- Hook up the weight distribution bars if you have them, as the hitch maker shows.
- Cross the safety chains under the tongue and hook them to the hitch.
- Clip the breakaway cable to the truck, not to the chains.
- Plug in the 7 pin cord and check the turn signals, brake lights and running lights.
- Raise the jack all the way and remove the wheel chocks.
Before you pull out
Test the trailer brakes at walking speed. You should feel the trailer pull back. Set the gain on the brake controller so the stop feels smooth, not grabby.
Walk all the way around one last time. Look for steps, antennas, vents, slides and the awning.
On the road
Leave more room to stop than you think you need. Take wide turns. Slow down in wind, and pull over if the trailer starts to sway.
When to call a shop
Call a shop if the trailer sways often, the brakes do nothing, or the lights work only part of the time. Those are setup or wiring problems that get worse at speed.
The maker's own manuals
These guides cover how most RVs work. Your own rig may differ, so check the manual for your make and model.
- Forest River · Owner manuals and component manuals
- Jayco · Owner manuals by year
- Every maker we link to