Towing Advice Part Two: Hitching Up

Hitching up a caravan can be a stressful business. The kids are in the car, the neighbours are watching expectantly and the beginning (or the end) of the trip is dependant on smooth hitching. Many a marriage has been tested by the hitching up process. Follow our tried and tested steps to make sure that you hitch up without any problems.

1. Check the handbrake. Your handbrake is probably on anyway, but it is worth double checking.
2. Next up, chock your wheels. This is even more important if you are on a slope.
3. Lift up the corner steadies.
4. Raise the jockey wheel so that it is high enough for your tow bar to slide underneath without obstruction.
5. Reverse the car until the tow ball is underneath the hitch head. This can be harder than it sounds. If you don’t have a rear camera to help, you ideally need two people: one to reverse slowly and another to stand on the driver’s side, next to the jockey wheel and give directions. Failing that, engage your motor mover and bring the caravan to the car (it’s a cheat, but it works brilliantly). If driving the car to the caravan, remember that when the driver gets out, the vehicle might move forward a cm or two.
6. With the hitch coupling directly over the tow ball, slowly lower the jockey wheel until the coupling clicks into place. This tells you that the hitch is securely over the ball.
7. Check that the hitch is secure by wheeling the jockey wheel back up; it should raise the car, too.
8. Bring the stabiliser handle down, locking the coupling into place.
9. Connect the breakaway cable to the attachment point; this will hold your caravan if the tow bar fails.
10. Wind the jockey wheel up as far as you can.
11. Release the clamp and lift the jockey wheel shaft all the way up. Make sure that you twist the jockey wheel so that it fits snugly out of the way, flat against the caravan.
12. Connect the electrics.
13. Check that all lights are working.
14. Double check that your coupling is locked, breakaway cable is attached, and handbrake is off. If you used the motor mover, check that it is disconnected.
15. Chocks away! Collect your chocks and you are ready to go!

If you are unsure about whether your tow bar is suitable for towing a caravan, pop in to see your local mechanic; they will be able to provide guidance and ensure that you are towing safely.

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