Connecting a trailer to the tow hook in the wrong way can cause serious damage to both the vehicle and the trailer itself; in addition, there is a risk of causing an accident if you lose your trolley while driving. However, it is a simple and elementary procedure.
Steps
Step 1. Raise the bar with the coupling clamp or anchor ball to the height of the vehicle towbar
Step 2. Align the center of the car with that of the trolley
Use the kickstand that is attached to the tow bar. Make sure you raise the anchor system just enough to avoid hitting the cart
Step 3. Stop the car when the coupling clamp is over the ball of the tow hitch
- Bring the gear lever to the park position;
- Turn off the engine;
- Engage the parking brake.
Step 4. Lower the bar with the clamp so that it engages with the ball of the hitch until the hitch is supporting the full weight of the trailer
Step 5. Close the clamp by attaching it firmly to the hook
Step 6. Lock the clamp in place using the supplied pin or the appropriate lock
Step 7. Slide the safety chains under the bar so that they cross each other
This prevents the bar from accidentally hitting the ground if the fastening system accidentally loosens during movement.
Step 8. Wire the electrical connections for the truck lights and, if possible, also connect the electrical brake to the vehicle
Step 9. You should also make sure that the tow bar and clamp are securely joined
Use the trolley stand to lift the bar and check that the clamp does not detach from the ball.
Step 10. Pull the kickstand extension back and lift it out of the way
Secure or remove it so it doesn't fall off while you're driving.
Step 11. Tow the trailer for a few meters
Step 12. Stop, put the shift lever in park position, set the handbrake and turn on the car lights
Step 13. Inspect the entire vehicle to make sure that the headlights and brake lights are in perfect working order and that nothing is hanging from the hook
Advice
- It's not easy to check your trailer brake lights if you don't have a person who can press the brake pedal while you stand behind the vehicle. If you are alone, take a mirror or other reflective surface and place it behind the vehicle so you can see it from the driver's seat. Press the brake pedal, if you notice a red glow, the brake lights work; this is a good opportunity to check the direction indicators as well.
- Visual aids simplify the alignment and reversing of the trailer. To do this, you can use a piece of masking tape positioned in the center of the towbar and visible from the driver's seat together with a flag attached with a magnet in the center of the bar and behind the towbar.
- The coupling clamp may be stiff and difficult to close. You can add a little oil or grease to close and open this element more easily.
- Check that the tow hook and coupling clamp are securely fastened; use the carriage of the bar to lift the bar and check that the fastening system does not open.
Warnings
- Always check that there are no animals or children behind the vehicle before starting to reverse.
- Always inspect the hook connections, tires and moving parts of the car before setting off after a break or refueling.
- When backing up to bring the vehicle closer to the trailer, never ask a person to stay between the two to help you maneuver.
