Our Wandering Pack

Hitching and unhitching your travel trailer is one of the most essential skills for RV living. Doing it incorrectly can lead to safety hazards, stress, and even damage to your trailer or truck. The first time we tried to unhitch our trailer, we thought it was stuck! We didn’t realize we had to slide the coupler lever backwards. Thankfully, a quick Google search saved the day. If you’re just getting started, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide.

Hitching & Towing Terminology: Know Your Parts

Before you start, it’s important to understand the key components of your towing setup:

• Hitch Receiver – The square tube attached to the frame of your tow vehicle where the hitch is inserted. Check out this hitch receiver on Amazon
• Hitch Ball – The round metal ball mounted on the ball mount; must match the size of your trailer coupler. Find a hitch ball here!
• Coupler – The latching mechanism on the trailer tongue that locks onto the hitch ball. See a heavy-duty coupler here!
• Coupler Pin – A small but essential pin that locks the coupler latch. Check out this coupler pin!
• Ball Mount (Drawbar) – The metal piece connecting the hitch ball to the truck. Find a quality ball mount here!
• Safety Chains – Heavy-duty chains that connect the trailer to the tow vehicle in case of detachment; should always be crossed in an “X” pattern. Grab a set of safety chains here!
• Breakaway Cable – A thin emergency braking cable that activates the trailer’s brakes if it detaches from the tow vehicle. Get a breakaway cable here!
• Tongue Jack – A jack at the front of the trailer that raises and lowers the coupler onto the hitch ball. Find a reliable tongue jack here!
• Weight Distribution Hitch – A system that balances weight across all axles, reducing sag and sway. Check out this weight distribution hitch!
• Sway Control – A system that reduces trailer sway caused by wind or passing vehicles.
• 7-Pin Connector (Trailer Plug) – The electrical plug connecting the truck to the trailer for brake lights and turn signals. Find a 7-pin connector here!
• Wheel Chocks – Blocks placed behind the trailer wheels to prevent rolling. Get wheel chocks here!
• Leveling Blocks – Stacked blocks to help keep the trailer level. Check out leveling blocks!
• Stabilizer Jacks – Small jacks that prevent the trailer from rocking when parked. See stabilizer jacks here!

Step-by-Step Guide to Hitching Your Travel Trailer

1. Park on Level Ground – Ensure your truck and trailer are on a flat surface.
2. Align the Truck and Trailer – Slowly back up the truck to align with the trailer’s coupler.
3. Lower the Trailer Onto the Hitch Ball – Use the tongue jack to lower the coupler onto the hitch ball.
4. Secure the Coupler Latch – Lock it into place and insert the coupler pin.
5. Attach Safety Chains – Cross them in an “X” pattern.
6. Connect the Breakaway Cable – Attach it securely to the truck.
7. Plug in the 7-Pin Connector – Ensure your trailer lights and brakes work.
8. Raise the Tongue Jack – Fully retract it to avoid dragging.
9. Remove Wheel Chocks – Your trailer is now ready to tow!

Step-by-Step Guide to Unhitching Your Travel Trailer

1. Park on Level Ground and Chock the Wheels – Prevent any rolling.
2. Set the Parking Brake – Secure your truck.
3. Unplug the 7-Pin Connector – Store it safely.
4. Detach Safety Chains and Breakaway Cable – Disconnect all connections.
5. Unlock the Coupler Latch – Slide it back to release the hitch ball.
6. Use the Tongue Jack – Raise the trailer slightly to release the hitch ball.
7. Slowly Drive the Truck Forward – Move it away from the trailer.
8. Lower the Trailer Back Down – Rest it on the stabilizers.

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure & Recommended Gear

To make hitching and unhitching your travel trailer easier and safer, we’ve compiled a list of must-have gear. From hitch receivers and weight distribution hitches to safety chains, and wheel chocks, having the right equipment can make all the difference on the road. We’ve included Amazon affiliate links to products we personally trust and recommend—if you purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support Our Wandering Pack so we can continue sharing helpful RV tips and resources! Check out our hand-picked towing essentials here:

🔗 Shop Recommended Hitching & Towing Gear

Hitching and unhitching your trailer properly is crucial for safety and stress-free travels. Taking your time to double-check connections and following a routine will help prevent mishaps. Got any personal hitching stories or tips? Share them in the comments below! Safe travels! 🚐✨