Q&A for How to Hook Up a Trailer

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

I want to place my Airstream in a place where the tow vehicle would be at a slight angle to the trailer when unhitching/hitching. Is it possible to approach for hookup at an angle, instead of truck and trailer being in a straight line?

Community Answer

Yes. A little more difficult to line up, but you can technically hook up while at a 90-degree angle to the trailer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
Question

Can I put the safety cable over the ball and then attach the coupler?

Community Answer

No, if the safety chains are too long, shorten them to the necessary length.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 11
Question

How do I wire a 7-blade trailer connector to a 2011 Ford transit?

Community Answer

Your 2011 Transit is not capable of towing a trailer requiring 7 pins. Transit Vans are generally not able to tow any type of trailer, let alone one requiring electric brakes (7-pin). Ford does not recommend installing a trailer hitch on their transit vans for this reason. It may also void your warranty by installing a hitch on this van.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 6
Question

Does the vehicle have to be level to hook up and unhook from the ball?

Community Answer

No. But use your judgement. If the truck is sitting so far down that the coupler won't engage, then it won't work.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

What if the tongue coupler does not lock in?

Community Answer

Then either the coupler is broken, unaligned, or you have done something wrong.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

How do I make the rear light cable easier to slip together when attaching to the tow vehicle outlet and the trailer? Can I use soap or WD-40?

Community Answer

No, it should have some resistance. Adding any other substances could cause a faulty connection.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
Question

How far should a trailer lower the vehicle back end? What is the range in inches?

Community Answer

There isn't really a range. It depends on the truck and trailer. Generally, the trailer should look mostly level.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 1
Question

Do I have to be in front of the trailer to hook up the ball hitch, or can I do it from the side?

Community Answer

You have to be in front of the trailer to hook it up. hooking it from the side would cause it to not attach properly.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
Question

What is the purpose of the wire hanging loosely from the truck and hooked to a small lever on the trailer?

Community Answer

It's an emergency brake. You should definitely make sure that it is hooked up to the truck and not under too much pressure.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
Question

Does the trailer actually have to be connected to the hitch ball in order to test the lights?

Mr Tinker

Community Answer

No, the trailer does not have to be hooked up to test the lights. Just back up close enough to the trailer so that you can plug in the wiring and see if the lights work. Just don't forget to unhook it when you want to pull away.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1