Five More Towing Tips

Step 6: Latch the Coupler

With the coupler fully seated on the ball, engage the latch and secure it with a coupler pin or coupler handle lock. Next, slightly jack up the trailer tongue to test the connection. If the coupler comes off the ball, it means that the coupler was not properly seated before being latched. Unlatch the coupler and try again. You can try shifting the coupler forward, backward and side to side to get it fully seated.

Step 7: Attach the chains under the Coupler
Every state requires the use of safety chains. They should be attached underneath the coupler in a crossing (“X”) pattern to provide support if the coupler ever becomes disconnected from the ball. The X-crossed chains are intended to catch the coupler and keep the front of the trailer from hitting the ground or becoming completely disengaged from the vehicle. Each safety chain should be rated to meet or exceed the gross trailer weight, and they should not touch the ground when attached.

Step 8: Retract the trailer Jack
When the coupler is secure, fully retract the trailer jack. The trailer jack must be raised high enough to not contact the ground during towing. Some jacks feature a swivel bracket that allows them to swing up parallel with the ground. Others simply have a leg that retracts into the jack post.

Step 9: Connect trailer wiring
Plug your vehicle wiring harness into the trailer. The harness should not touch the ground, but it should have enough length to make turns without tension.

Step 10: Confirm the trailer lights work properly
Before traveling, ensure all trailer lights are operating correctly. With your helper standing in view of the trailer lights, turn them on one at a time to make sure they are working. Check your brake lights, hazards, left turn signal and right turn signal. Always check your trailer lights before any trip regardless of how long or short.