Travel Trailer Hitching Guide

Hitching up a travel trailer for the first time is intimidating. There are so many steps to remember, and you don’t want to mess anything up. Luckily, Schwab’s RV World has created this easy to follow step by step travel trailer hitching guide to make the process a bit easier.

Hitching

If you have a hitch lock, you’ll need to remove it before you can proceed. Put the receiver latch in a vertical open position and lift the front of the trailer using a jack. If the trailer moves, stop and check the wheel checks. 

Next, insert the hitch into the receiver on your tow vehicle. Depending on your hitch model, there may be special considerations to take into account at this time, so be sure to read your owner’s manual thoroughly. Insert and secure the locking pin to ensure that your hitch stays attached while on the road. 

Align your tow vehicle with your trailer. We recommend having a friend or family member act as a spotter for this step. Don’t try to use a backup camera to estimate the alignment, as the camera angle can make it appear as though the trailer and tow vehicle are askew when they are actually aligned. 

If your travel trailer is medium size or larger, we recommend using sway arms to strengthen the connection and minimize trailer sway. Just be sure to attach them before lowering the travel trailer onto the hitch. Otherwise, you might find it difficult to maneuver them. 

The next step in the process is to lower the trailer until the hitch ball fits inside the receiver and close the receiver latch. You can then raise the jack and remove the blocks. Connect the brake and light cables and hook up the safety chains. You’re all done!

Unhitching

When it’s time to unhitch your travel trailer, find a safe and spacious location and fit your wheel chocks on both sides of the camper. Use your jack to make sure that you’re on level ground and then slightly raise the trailer. 

Disconnect the brake cable, safety chains, and emergency brake controller. The trailer should be high enough to reduce the tension of the sway arms if you’re using them (you should remove them as well at this stage). Lower your trailer until it’s putting weight on your tow vehicle. Once you’ve got it down low enough, lift the ball receiver latch and release the hitch ball. Use your jack to lift the trailer up and off the hitch ball.

Drive the tow vehicle slightly forward and use the jack to position the trailer so that it’s level. Stow your hitch somewhere safe, and enjoy a nice trip in your travel trailer!

Shop travel trailers at Schwab’s RV World in Leduc, Alberta. We’re proud to serve communities like Edmonton, Alberta. We also offer parts, servicing, and financing.