How do you connect a trailer?

Nina Geuskens
25 January 2023

Whether you are moving or going on holiday, a trailer often comes in handy to transport all your luggage from A to B. Earlier you also read a number of tips for driving with a trailer. It always seems like a hassle to attach these, but it is actually done in no time. You can attach your trailer yourself in a few steps. Of course, you want to be sure that this is done safely and that you do not have to turn around on the way because the trailer is not attached correctly. Read the step-by-step plan here!

The order in which you connect your trailer

The step-by-step plan for connecting an unbraked trailer in brief:

  1. Remove the wheel stops
  2. Position the towing vehicle as straight as possible in front of the trailer
  3. Pull up the handbrake
  4. Place the ball coupling on the tow bar and attach the catch cable to the auxiliary coupling
  5. Provide sufficient pressure so that the ball coupling engages
  6. Check if the safety indicator is green/positive. Check it with a pull-off test
  7. Connect the plug to the towing vehicle. Check the lighting
  8. Load up, get in, and go!

Usually you know in advance how to proceed. When it comes down to it, you still wonder where to start. First check whether it concerns an unbraked or braked trailer. A braked trailer (from 750kg to 350kg) is equipped with a breakaway cable, which means that as soon as it is released from the trailer, the brakes are immediately applied. Otherwise, the step-by-step plan remains identical to that of an unbraked trailer (up to 750kg). As you can see, the order for coupling a trailer is not difficult and is fairly self-explanatory. That is why it is so important to check each step to see if it works correctly. Also make sure that you are aware of all the regulations and that you know how much weight your car can tow.

In addition, now that you are driving with extra load, it is even more important to check the tires for wear and tire pressure. This prevents dangerous situations or a blowout. Also do not forget to check the lights of both the towing vehicle and the trailer and to place the license plate on the trailer (if necessary).

trailer

Trailer uncoupling sequence

After use, it is time to disconnect the trailer from the towing vehicle. Now you are thinking 'I know how to connect a trailer, so this is also a piece of cake'. That is correct, but just to be sure, go through the short step-by-step plan:

  1. Remove the plug from the towing vehicle (at the same time tie it to the corresponding holder on the trailer)
  2. Pull the tow ball coupling handle up and remove the catch cable
  3. Remove the ball coupling from the tow bar
  4. Place the wheel stoppers

Again; it is not difficult, but it is a matter of checking. In this case it is good to check that you put everything back in the right place and safely and are not surprised the next time when connecting by missing or worn items.

You now have all the knowledge available to connect a trailer. However, are you still looking for the right car with a tow bar? At Adrem Car Rental Limburg there are many possibilities from small to compact cars and manual to automatic. Whether you are looking for a car, van or passenger bus, it is ready for you! Contact us and feel free to ask about the possibilities. You can often also rent a car with a tow bar as a holiday car. Read in this blog why this is useful.

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