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A secure hookup helps keep your travel trailer connected and ready for a safer trip. Follow the instructions for your specific trailer, coupler, hitch, and brake controller; hitch designs and hookup steps can vary.
Park on firm, level ground and keep the tow vehicle’s parking brake set. Chock the trailer wheels so it cannot roll. Make sure the stabilizer jacks are fully retracted before towing; they are not designed to support the trailer during hookup or travel.
Raise the tongue with the trailer jack until the coupler is slightly higher than the tow vehicle’s hitch ball. Slowly back the tow vehicle until the ball is centered beneath the coupler. Use a spotter if available, and stop before the vehicle or hitch contacts the trailer.
Open the coupler latch, then lower the coupler onto the hitch ball with the tongue jack. Check that the ball is fully seated in the coupler. Close the latch and secure it with the manufacturer-approved pin or lock. Follow the coupler instructions to confirm it is locked.
If your hitch uses a weight-distribution hitch or sway-control equipment, install and adjust it according to the hitch manufacturer’s instructions. The order of those steps can vary by hitch design.
Attach the safety chains to the tow vehicle’s designated chain anchors, crossing the chains beneath the coupler. Leave enough slack for turns, while keeping the chains clear of the ground.
Attach the breakaway switch cable to a separate, secure point on the tow vehicle—not to the safety chains or the hitch ball. Route it so it will not drag, snag, or pull tight during turns. Confirm the breakaway switch pin is fully inserted in its housing.
Plug the trailer’s 7-way cord into the tow vehicle and make sure it has enough slack for turns without dragging.
Once the coupler and any hitch equipment are secured, fully retract the tongue jack and stabilizer jacks. Store the wheel chocks only when the trailer is securely connected and you are ready to move.
With help from another person, test the trailer’s running lights, turn signals, and brake lights. Check reverse lights if the trailer is equipped with them. Confirm the 7-way cord is connected and all cables and chains are clear of the ground, tires, and moving parts.
Before driving, do a final visual check of the coupler latch, safety-chain attachments, breakaway cable, jack, and hitch equipment.
In a safe, open area, move forward slowly and test the trailer brakes using the brake controller’s manual control, following the controller and trailer manufacturers’ instructions. Confirm the brakes respond as expected before entering traffic.
A careful hookup and final walk-around can help catch problems before you leave. For hitch setup, weight-distribution adjustments, and brake-controller settings, follow the instructions for your specific equipment. Happy travels!
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be true and accurate at the time of publication. However, due to the evolving nature of our products and services, there may be changes or updates that occur after this article was published. We encourage users to verify the contents and consult with their dealer or Keystone RV for the most current information. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or reach out to Keystone RV directly.