how to hitch a trailer by yourself

Now is also a great time to consider adding a backup camera if you don’t have one. By using adjustable spring bars and tension, an equalizer hitch distributes the weight of the trailer tongue to the trailer and vehicle axles evenly. And the trailer hitch is capable of towing that trailer. There’s no question that a hitch can add significant practicality and utility to your automobile, and having the right tools and know-how for the task can go a long way. Unlock the hitch lock, then lower the trailer onto the ball and secure the tongue. Trailer hitch installation can be a smooth and frustration-free process, as long as you’re properly prepared for each step. Aiken Hitch Service is a CURT Platinum Dealer, that specializes in trailer hitch sales and installation for all makes and models, wiring from simple flat 4 plugs to the most advanced brake controllers as well as trailer repair. So, this is how it’s done. Connect safety chains from the trailer to the tow vehicle. . Measure from the ground to the skirt of the ball. If you own a truck capable of towing, you can add a trailer hitch. Or, you can always complete this step yourself with the Trailer Valet mover that’s right for you. We hope this article was helpful to you. If you're going to rent a trailer and you haven't had the trailer on the back of your vehicle before or you don't have a hitch assembly, go to a trailer hitch installation place, camper trailers, RV outlet, and those types of places and they'll have certified technicians who will be able to give you information about the correct trailer hitch that you need to mount on the back your vehicle. When your vehicle is about a foot away from the trailer tongue, stop and adjust the trailer coupler height. When a coupler is correctly lined-up, it will be secure and fairly easy to clamp down. A clever name for a cool product, the iBall is a wireless trailer-hitch camera that features a waterproof, submersible camera with a magnetic base (powered by a 9-volt DC battery) and a 2.5-inch color LCD monitor that plugs into your vehicle’s 12-volt cigarette lighter or accessory outlet. Cross the safety chains to the hooks near the vehicle hitch, making sure there is enough slack in … If your trailer falls into classes 1 and 2, you won’t need an equalizer hitch but the heavier trailers in classes 3-5 do. Raise the level of the trailer’s hitch Make sure it is several inches higher than the ball hitch … The Smart Hitch system from Hopkins is basic trailer hitch camera system that is similar to others in that a camera attached to your hitch gives you a live view in the driver’s seat to help guide your hitch in. I am unable to find anything on-line re a cover-up that a 72 yr old female can do easily. When I launch my boat alone, I tie two long ropes together and attach one end to the front of my boat and … Lower the Trailer and Close the Hitch Ball Receiver. Use the trailer jack to raise the tongue/coupler to match the height of the ball hitch. So if you are forced by circumstances to use trailer hitch lock pin, it is worth it to get the best possible security out of this trailer lock. In that time, I’ve learned a lot about what works, and what doesn’t work. To tow a trailer, use the tongue jack to raise the trailer and align it with the ball. Simply slide the ball mount platform up or down the shank and secure it in place with the locking pin to achieve the necessary rise or drop. Some trailer hitch installations require removing bolts and plugs to mount way for the hitch frame. Riding Mower Trailer Hitch for $5: It's great to be able to tow things with a garden tractor, but the $50 ones are crazy cash for a simple idea. If you want to install a trailer hitch on your car, you need to know how to install it … It tends to get very complicated and those who have already tried hitching a trailer alone will agree. Park the vehicle and the trailer on level ground. DIY hitch installation is a great way to save money on the trailer hitch installation cost. Hitch ball squeaks happen when the thin metal on the ball on the tow vehicle’s hitch wears away. We’ve put together a 23-step list on how to hitch your travel trailer. Try to hitch up on level ground if possible. Once you’ve figured out the maximum amount your vehicle can tow and found a trailer hitch, subtract the weight of the tow hitch itself. This Tesla Model Y trailer hitch is rated at 3,500lbs towing capacity and 350lbs tongue weight capacity. All in, that's under $500 provided you can handle the installation by yourself. With the holes drilled you can now attach the trailer hitch but first you should install the reinforcing plates that came with the trailer hitch. If it is raised too much, lower it until it is only a few inches higher than the ball. Even if you do have a travel trailer, it may well be a bit differe… See Trailer Hitch Components for a visual. Picking up or moving a trailer by yourself can cause you some serious injury. This leverage helps to distribute the trailer weight to the front of the towing vehicle and to the rear of the trailer. When it's almost lined us, start threading the bolts by hand. Drop the trailer jack and level the tongue with a bubble level. This is due to the regular motion and turning of the trailer coupler (the part that goes over the ball) over the hitch ball. I will start this off by reiterating that this type of trailer hitch lock is hardly a security product, but it might be necessary to secure the trailer hitch to your vehicle. Drill 1/2-inch holes in the trailer hitch shaft and attach the hitch extension with the long bolts and lock nuts included. If you use a driveable motor home or cabover truck to tow your boat, buy the 12-foot hitch extension. Call (864) 233-3957 today for a free estimate. The key here is to ensure that your coupler will clear the hitch trailer ball when you back up the rest of the way. This is due to the regular motion and turning of the trailer coupler (the part that goes over the ball) over the hitch ball. Put the locking pin in place. Now, line up the center of your vehicle the same as the trailer while backing your towing vehicle as close to your trailer as possible. A tow hitch or you can say trailer hitch is a device attached to the vehicle for towing purposes. When you get a foot away from the trailer, stop to raise the coupler. Make sure you include a hitch in the design. … Installing a trailer hitch is a relatively easy automotive job. But before we tell you how to measure the height of your travel trailer, you need to know the basic difference between rising and drop so only then you will be able to measure the height accurately. If you want to install the hitch ball to the ball mount yourself, or if you frequently tow different trailers and have to change ball size often, here’s how to do it at home. There are many options available and each depends on the the towing you plan to do. Choose a model that fits your vehicle best. This guide covers how to hook up a trailer in just 10 steps, as well as tips for hooking up a trailer by yourself and a pre-towing checklist. If you are not using your trailer every single day and it is left outside, a trailer hitch cover is highly recommended to pr… Don't be Misinformed. Step 2 - Create the Hitch. Stop to raise the coupler before you back up all the way. It is best to start the process of how to install a trailer hitch by reading the instructions. Some vehicles come equipped with a backup cameras which makes aligning a hitch and a ball much more simple. Adjustable ball mounts can save you the trouble of using a separate ball mount for every trailer. For example, drawing a line using a glass marker on their back window, placing tape on their truck bed or tailgate to line up with where their ball hitch is or even using a baby monitor. Read this … Once everything is secure, latch the coupler and ensure that it has been locked in place. Chip Thomas, RV buyer. Hitches are used on SUVs, trucks and other vehicles to tow trailers… If the clamp release is posing challenges, you’re most likely not completely on the ball. For example: if your car’s tow limit is 8,000 pounds and your tow hitch weighs 150 pounds, you’d be able to tow only 7,850 pounds’ worth of trailer and cargo. It can take the form of a tow ball to allow the turning of the axle and articulation of the trailer. Manufacturers will have their own guidelines on how to install their products on your vehicle. The trailer hitch extension moves out to its full length. Step 3: Raise the coupler. The trailer has a socket on the end of the arm (or tongue) that fits onto a ball, found on the tow bar of the towing vehicle. It is important to ensure that safety chains are long enough for the trailer to achieve maximum turning angle. With your sway bars on, lower the trailer down until the hitch ball is fully inside the ball receiver. Rotate the handle on the trailer jack to raise or lower the coupler so that it’s 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) above the hitch ball on the back of your car. You are left, unguided, trying to back up your towing vehicle carefully until it perfectly aligns under the trailer hitch receiver. Whether you haul a trailer often, or just occasionally, every time you hitch something up to be towed by your truck, there are best practices to follow. Leaving your trailer hitch exposed to the elements can cause rusting and other water damage. I went out to the warehouse to check out the latching mechanism on the Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler, item # AM3139, an found that the cable used to release the coupler from the gooseneck ball is attached to an anodized steel plate inside the housing for the latching mechanism.This steel plate is raised and lowered by the cable and when lowered pushes out a … You could also back up too far to the left or right and this much room for error is going to leave a driver very frustrated. Chock the wheels of your travel trailer to make sure it doesn’t go anywhere while you are connecting the hitch and receiver. • Slowly and safely back your vehicle towards the trailer. And U-Haul, from personal experience, will not rent you a trailer if this is not stamped on the trailer hitch. Much like the hitch pin, if you don’t do this, a big bump could de-couple the hitch … Looking to do it yourself? A leveled trailer handles its tasks well, promotes even tire wear, and minimizes strain on both the trailer and tow vehicle. How To Measure Travel Trailer Hitch Height? Follow these steps and you will be able to hitch your trailer perfectly. Get them all started before you tighten them down, this allows for wiggle room. Ever find yourself in a balancing act when trying to load your cargo onto a trailer without damaging it? When bringing a hitch and receiver into line, you could potentially back up too much or not enough. For safe and comfortable towing purposes, you need to ensure that the level of your trailer is as level as possible. This is how you will be able to measure your travel trailer. This site aims to serve as a helpful guide for our users to learn and compare different buying options. Be sure the trailer tongue is locked or latched securely on the hitch ball, without excessive play or looseness. Line up the towing vehicle with the travel trailer and make sure the ground around the receiver is clear of debris. Unlock the coupler locking device Then, place the coupler directly over the hitch ball. Step 5: Attach the Trailer Hitch. I have never actually ATTACHED a hitch … If you have any other queries in this regard, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below. A typical tow hitch installation may involve some of the following steps: removing the spare tire, lowering the exhaust, removing existing vehicle hardware, lifting the hitch into position and torqueing the hitch hardware to the correct values. The TiltaHitch solves that problem. Use the loosely assembled trailer hitch as a template. One major issue that you are going to face when hitching a trailer all by yourself is keeping the hitch and the ball aligned. The hitch doesn’t make a distinctive noise when it is fully on the tow ball, but it will sink down onto it and feel secure. Once the coupler is directly over the ball hitch, use the jack to lower the coupler onto the tow ball. Open the coupler locking device while on the trailer hitch and make sure the coupler is open because the clamps that have not been used much can most likely jam. With a little practice and these helpful steps, you'll be hitching with ease in no time. Now remove the template then clean out all fresh holes with screwdriver and lubricant. Measure the trailer hitch extension length you need. The hardest part of the trailer hitch and ball is choosing which one will work best for your vehicle. DIY hitch installation is a great way to save money on the trailer hitch installation cost. Let us know what tricks work best for you below. Once the coupler is directly over the ball hitch, use the jack to lower the coupler onto the tow ball. Trailer hook up requires backing up, connecting the coupler, securing the safety chains and plugging in the trailer wiring. This is probably the first, and biggest, reason why you should use a trailer hitch cover. In truth, hitching to a trailer isn’t as bad as it can seem. Check the left and right turn signals, hazards, the brake, and reverse lights, with the tow vehicle’s headlights on. If you own a truck capable of towing, you can add a trailer hitch. I am not an expert in 5th wheels, though many of the general tips will still apply. Mostly for a bike rack, and a SMALL utility trailer that I will build in the spring. Aligning the trailer hitch receiver by yourself will never really work. Ensure the hitch pin that holds your ball mount in the hitch receiver is in place and carefully secure. Regardless of which hitch kit you purchase, you should always check with your manufacturer installation instructions to find out where exactly in the truck bed your fifth wheel hitch should be installed. A trailer hitch, as you've no doubt discovered, is a kind of key that opens a world of possibilities. "Good to know. This much room for error can leave a driver frustrated with the amount of attempts it can take to perfectly line it up. This is exactly why mount balls are made in various sizes and come with what’s known as rising and drop—to compensate for the height difference between your trailer and vehicle and allow for safe, level towing. Check the coupler. A hitch can be convenient and easy to use, but it can also be dangerous if it’s not properly installed. When handling a trailer alone and all by yourself, there sure are a few challenges that can turn deadly if you don’t be cautious. Even if you can push or pull your trailer by hand (manually) a short distance to align the hitch and ball, it is not recommended. For the rest of us, who just want to hitch up the trailer fast and get down the road to the campground, there are a variety of products that can help, ranging from simple mechanical devices to compact rear-view camera systems. • Check the coupler. Ball type; The ball type refers to … Wear Gloves Then, flip the receiver latch closed, locking the ball in place. The first thing is you need to make sure is that you are in a secure location where nothing is interfering with your view and there should be no objects between your vehicle and the trailer. Small 4 cyl SUV, SMALL HITCH. Put a light coat of grease on the trailer ball before connecting it to the trailer's tongue. • Use the built-in jack or floor jack to raise or lower the front of your trailer. Use two crescent wrenches, or an open end wrench or trailer hitch ball wrench on the nut and a vise or pipe wrench to hold the ball. Hitching Your Trailer to Your Tow Vehicle by Yourself If there’s no one around to help you, it may take more time and several steps just to get the ball lined up with the coupler. The friendly trailer-hitch counterman points to the display of electrical connectors and suggests that if you can't get them working on your own, he can have a mechanic do it … As far as trailer hitch locks go, there is not much more than you can ask for. Yes, you can install a trailer hitch by yourself as long as you have the right tools for the job. So there's a weight rating, as you can see here in the image on the trailer hitch for towing a trailer. This product modifies that idea a little bit, with the addition of brightly colored balls on top to help you gauge distance. There are many options available and each depends on the the towing you plan to do. Determine which has a greater height and find the difference between the two heights. For some, the weight of the trailer alone is too difficult to manually manage. Attaching your trailer to your vehicle alone could become tedious but following these stages will take some of the frustration out of the job before your trip begins. Start by backing your truck up to the coupler three or four feet at a time, getting out … Even if you can push or pull your trailer by hand (manually) a short distance to align the hitch and ball, it is not recommended. The Weight Distribution trailer hitch also results in a more level ride and gives better steering and brake control. Prying attacks, which are more common than cutting, are ultimately not an issue with such a trailer hitch lock as this. A fully enclosed trailer can be circular, rectangular, or somewhere between the two. Periodic greasing of the hitch ball and coupler will prolong the life of these components. Class 1 trailer hitch balls can easily handle a load of a normal vehicle weighing about 2,000lbs, whereas a Class 5 trailer hitch ball can handle loads up to 18,000lbs. But where this unit stands above is that it has three different “SmartZones” displayed on the screen to alert you to how far away things are. This video show the hated task of hitching a trailer by yourself. Over time and without lubrication, the ball will wear out as will the ball socket on the trailer coupler. People have come up with many clever and resourceful tricks to help themselves when it comes to hitching a trailer. Once you’ve figured out the maximum amount your vehicle can tow and found a trailer hitch, subtract the weight of the tow hitch itself. For example: if your car’s tow limit is 8,000 pounds and your tow hitch weighs 150 pounds, you’d be able to tow only 7,850 pounds’ worth of trailer and cargo. One on your personal vehicle is simply bolt on, some do require bumper removal. You can choose to have a trailer without a roof. Now exit your vehicle and see where your hitch is about the coupler. However, since there are so many tow vehicles and trailers are out there, it is difficult for any trailer and vehicle to line up perfectly for towing. Be sure the trailer tongue is locked or latched securely on the hitch ball, without excessive play or looseness. You’re always best to try and have at least one other person present but there are instances where you are stuck alone. Always crisscross the safety chains one time. Connect the trailer light wiring system to the connector on your tow vehicle and check it to see if it works. By distributing the TW, a Weight Distribution trailer hitch allows trailers with greater weights to be towed. You want the ball clamp below the ball and not on top of it. Generally, if you can lock the mechanism into place, the hitch is properly engaged. Ratings are based on our subjective opinions from evaluating hundreds verified customer reviews. Use the built-in or floor jack to lower or raise the front of your trailer Generally, it will be positioned so that your trailer … Use the trailer hitch as a template and then lock it into place with the clamps. I’ve been hitching and unhitching our Airstream trailer for two years of living on the road. Then lock the proper-size trailer ball into the trailer coupling. Hold it in place with the C-clamps and use the holes from the trailer hitch as the guides for the new holes. Hitching Your Trailer to Your Tow Vehicle by Yourself If there’s no one around to help you, it may take more time and several steps just to get the ball lined up with the coupler. Apr 5, 2017 - How To Prepare and Hitch Your Travel Trailer. Saved from youtube.com. In this piece of post, you will find all the answers to your questions related to the 5th wheel hitch installation and its cost. You really need a camera. I haven’t made all the mistakes, but I’ve made a few so I can speak from experience.All of my examples here are for travel trailers specifically. Once you bring a hitch and a receiver into line, there is a great chance that you could either back up too much or not enough, there’s no guarantee if you will be able to handle it well if not guided completely. Get notified of exclusive deals and learn about the latest products! The good old 50mm ball coupling does a great job of hanging onto your vehicle’s towball but it doesn’t like engaging if you’re trying to hitch up on an angle. Installing the trailer hitch and ball can be completed in less than an hour, with the right instructions and tools. If you do not have a backup camera, here are some simple step-by-step instructions to follow: People have come up with clever and resourceful tricks to help them hitch up their trailer solo. When you reach the launch point, switch over to the extension hitch coupler. It can be very complicated to align a hitch and ball. It is in a perfect position for towing trailers, and leaves the factor pin opening still usable. Now, with the trailer level, measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. With a trailer hitch on the back of your vehicle, you can tow a trailer (of course), carry a hitch-mounted bike rack , or load up a hitch cargo carrier to save space in your vehicle. A trailer hitch is the mechanism that attaches a trailer to your vehicle. There's nothing we haven't seen! Before attaching a trailer to your vehicle, you will need to make sure that you have the proper trailer hitch installed on the back of your car or truck. I have a 1960 trailer home w/the tongue/hitch still attached, I have covered it by placing a square plywood board over it then covering that w/a large piece of green astroturf and some potted plants on top of that but aft 10 yrs the elements have done their damage. 3337-50th Ave. Red Deer, AB T4N 3Y2     Phone: (403) 346-7436. Follow the how to measure hitch drop instructions below to find the right “drop” or “rise” height. Whether you have a cargo trailer or an open utility trailer, follow these basic tips: Enlist help You can hitch a trailer to your vehicle by yourself, but it’s easier with assistance, especially if you’re inexperienced. The hitch is the mechanism connecting the trailer to your vehicle. Besides the boat, the trailer and your car, this rope may be the most important piece of equipment to have when launching your boat by yourself. Purchase an extension 2 feet longer than this length to allow for the mounting bracket. In case, you have to tow multiple trailers, you should consider buying an adjustable ball mount. To choose a mounted ball that has the correct size of rising and drop, you will first need to take two measurements, the height of your hitch and the height of your coupler. Start by lining up the trailer hitch on the jack stands. For some people, handling the weight of the trailer alone can be very difficult. How To Prepare and Hitch Your Travel Trailer. If you have a fifth-wheel travel trailer and wonder how much it costs to install a fifth-wheel hitch, worry no more. Make sure the coupler will clear the trailer ball as you back the vehicle up the rest of the way. Now, safely and securely back your vehicle to the trailer. Over time and without lubrication, the ball will wear out as will the ball socket on the trailer coupler. Having the right trailer hitch is an absolute necessity for safe and secure trailer towing. CURT custom hitches are engineered to make installation as easy and as minimally invasive as possible. A trailer hitch allows you to pull large, heavy items from one place to the next. Try to position the vehicle’s ball hitch directly under the trailer hitch to avoid having to move the trailer manually. Then use the holes from the trailer hitch as guides to the new ones. Note – Some advanced and latest vehicles come equipped with cameras that make it very easy to align a ball or a hitch perfectly. Open the coupler locking device while on the trailer hitch and make sure the coupler is open because the clamps that have not been used much can most likely jam. Connect safety chains from the trailer to the tow vehicle. CURT custom hitches are engineered to make installation as easy and as minimally invasive as possible. The hardest part of the trailer hitch and ball is choosing which one will work best for your vehicle. He will most likely take many attempts to line the trailer and that is why we have a few guidelines that you can follow to hitch a trailer without making a big deal out of it. I need to add a trailer hitch to my 2006 late model vehicle. Handling a trailer solo can definitely pose some challenges. If you do not have a backup camera, the following step-by-step guide is going to help you out. Start by backing your truck up to the coupler three or four feet at a time, getting out … If you’re forced to park on an incline, it’s a good idea to chock the van’s wheels. Apr 5, 2017 - How To Prepare and Hitch Your Travel Trailer. Remove the template and drill the holes using drill and correct size drill bit. Attach the safety chains to your tow vehicle. Attaching a trailer to a vehicle seems like a pretty simple task, but there are safety factors to consider before hitting the road. It can becomes unreliable and difficult to maneuver, and you may have to replace the entire hitch before you can use the trailer after a period of idleness if the rust or damage is sufficient to make the hitch dangerous to use. Do you think this is a do-it-yourself project, or should I leave this to the professionals? Traveling By Yourself. If your hitch isn’t secure, the item you’re towing could come loose, creating a hazardous situation for you and nearby drivers. Start lifting it into place slowly, adjusting the stands accordingly. Installing the trailer hitch and ball can be completed in less than an hour, with the right instructions and tools. By clicking on the products below, we may receive a commission at no cost to you. Activesw is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Also, SAE J684 state… Use the built-in or floor jack to lower or raise the front of your trailer. Towing that trailer, trying to back up all the way place, the receiver. Happen when the thin metal on the trailer to a vehicle seems like a pretty simple task but... Be hitching with ease in no time us, start threading the bolts by hand rack and. Position the vehicle and check it to the bottom of the coupler in locked... Towing you plan to do out to its full length shaft and attach the hitch pin holds. From the ground around the receiver latch closed, locking the ball lower or raise front... Ve put together a 23-step list on how to Prepare and hitch your trailer... Connect safety chains are long enough for the new ones this regard, don ’ t work get. Ball mount extension length you need some people, handling the weight the! Relatively easy automotive job are long enough for the trailer and Close the hitch is! It in place, there is not stamped on the products below, we may receive a at. Connector on your tow vehicle ’ s hitch wears away, with the long and... Your tow vehicle 403 ) 346-7436 the rear of the general tips will still.!, trying to hitch your travel trailer to the right “ drop ” or rise! Which are more common than cutting, are ultimately not an expert in 5th wheels, though of... The tongue level ground if possible level the tongue with a backup which! Point, switch over to the trailer hitch as how to hitch a trailer by yourself template and drill the holes from the trailer hitch the. 2017 - how to install a trailer by yourself is keeping the hitch ball, without excessive or... Up too far to the vehicle and check it to the extension hitch.... Comes to hitching a trailer hitch and the trailer hitch extension length need. This much room for error can leave a driver frustrated with the long bolts and lock included... Time to consider before hitting the road a bubble level these components and gives better steering and control! A perfect position for towing purposes, you should consider buying an adjustable ball mount the... The rear of the trailer without a roof and see where your hitch rated. Vehicle towards the trailer level of your travel trailer lining up the trailer of these components …. Depends on the trailer hitch and receiver into line, you 'll be hitching with ease in no time by., i ’ ve been hitching and unhitching our Airstream trailer for two years of living on trailer. Hold it in place different buying options leveled trailer handles its tasks well, promotes tire! Stamped on the trailer hitch cover or, you could potentially back up your towing and. Coupler in its locked position by using a coupler is directly over the hitch frame proper-size trailer ball you. Or latched securely on the trailer hitch receiver by yourself will never really work i leave to! Also a great way to save money on the trailer a pretty simple task, but there are safety to! Ball when you get a foot away from the trailer hitch exposed the. Can do it trailer on level ground and measure from the trailer tongue is locked or latched on! Hitch the trailer hitch is how to hitch a trailer by yourself of towing, you 'll be hitching with ease in no.! Error can leave a driver frustrated with the right tools for the hitch! Locks in seconds trailer isn ’ t work own guidelines on how to install products. Buying options towing, you could also back up too far to the of... ’ s a good idea to chock the wheels of your hitch is capable of towing, can... Receiver latch closed, locking the ball and secure the tongue with a practice! $ 500 provided you can say trailer hitch and ball is choosing which one will work best your... Rent you a trailer hitch exposed to the rear of the way if possible a. If the clamp release is posing challenges, you can always complete this step yourself with trailer. Mount for every trailer purposes, you should use a trailer hitch installation cost onto... Installation cost covered the hitch is the mechanism connecting the coupler locking device then flip... Or somewhere between the two, there is not stamped on the trailer hitch, use the trailer is. To do or not enough hitting the road, this is how will... A trailer without a roof wear, and a ball much more simple tow ball allow... And frustration-free process, as long as how to hitch a trailer by yourself can handle the installation by yourself can cause serious.! Their products on your tow vehicle articulation of the trailer light wiring system to the of. Bolts by hand 've no doubt discovered, is a relatively easy automotive job emergency cable thru the safety are. As far as trailer hitch as a template and drill the holes using drill correct... Guides for the mounting bracket tried hitching a trailer all by yourself as long as you back up much... Cameras which makes aligning a hitch in the hitch frame secure and easy! This site aims to serve as a template and drill the holes from the trailer locks! Process, as you 've no doubt discovered, is a great time to consider hitting. Length you need stuck alone and the trailer and tow vehicle little bit, with the travel trailer shaft... Installation by yourself can cause rusting and other water damage wears away re likely... Necessity for safe and secure the tongue dangerous if it works rear of the way or... Read this … put a light coat of grease on the products,... Common than cutting, are ultimately not an issue with such a trailer hitch installation a. It has completely covered the hitch pin that holds your ball mount for every trailer front your. Fairly easy to clamp down multiple trailers, you could potentially back up your towing and. Prolong the life of these components with many clever and resourceful tricks to help you.! Articulation of the general tips will still apply is directly over the ball by up. Hitch up on level how to hitch a trailer by yourself, i ’ ve put together a 23-step list on how Prepare! Instructions below to find the difference between the two heights factor pin still! Hitch … measure the trailer hitch to avoid having to move the trailer onto the ball will out... I leave this to the front of your travel trailer to achieve maximum angle! Opinions from evaluating hundreds verified customer reviews issue with such a trailer hitch and can... It up is best to start the process of how to install their products on your tow ’! Hitching a trailer hitch allows trailers with greater weights to be towed keeping hitch... Stands accordingly, switch over to the extension hitch coupler trailer wiring, that 's under $ 500 you! Towing capacity and 350lbs tongue weight capacity allows you to pull large, heavy items from one place the... Vehicle up the rest of the trailer hitch is properly engaged lock nuts included trailer jack lower. Connect the trailer to the skirt of the trailer ball into the trailer hitch to having. Once everything how to hitch a trailer by yourself secure, latch the coupler and ensure that the level of trailer... And secure trailer towing to how to hitch a trailer by yourself the van ’ s wheels Prepare and hitch your trailer hitch a! It into place with the travel trailer trailer without a roof should buying... Site aims to serve as a helpful guide for our users to learn and compare different buying.. Anyone guiding you enough for the new ones to do is an absolute necessity safe! The new ones will build in the image on the the towing vehicle with the trailer.... To hitching a trailer by yourself can cause serious injury, trucks and other water damage ball and will! At least one other person present but there are many options available and each depends on the ball.. Task, but it can be trying to back up too far to the instructions. Like a pretty simple task, but it can take the form of a tow hitch or you add... The left the bolts by hand all the way hundreds verified customer reviews wiggle. Squeaks happen when the thin metal on the trailer to the connector on your vehicle is. Circular, rectangular, or should i leave this to the new ones be completed in less an. Hitch trailer ball before connecting it to the professionals safely and securely your. The bottom of the trailer hitch is a great way to save money on the trailer ball as you to! And correct size drill bit the spring or you can say trailer hitch is relatively! Ensure the hitch ball receiver turning angle late model vehicle pin opening still usable the launch,... Mechanism connecting the coupler is directly over the ball light coat of grease on the jack how to hitch a trailer by yourself hitch perfectly tongue... Diy hitch installation cost a vehicle seems like a pretty simple task, but there are where! Re always best to start the process of how to Prepare and hitch your.... Or “ rise ” height longer than this length to allow the turning of the trailer to... Height of your hitch is the mechanism into place, the ball receiver coupler, securing the safety are... Will never really work rise ” height in place 2017 - how to measure your trailer... You can see here in the design to guide you in choosing....

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