5 Tips for Hooking Up a Trailer by Yourself
Content Provided By Trailer Safety Week Partner CURT Manufacturing
Tip #1: Go Slowly
Going slowly is a good tip any time you are hitching up a trailer, whether you have someone helping or not. Take your time and don't be afraid to redo a step if needed.
Tip #2: Manually Move the Trailer
If your trailer is lightweight enough, push or pull it to the vehicle rather than trying to back the vehicle up to the trailer. Don't strain yourself. If the trailer is too heavy, this trick may not be an option.
Trailer Safety Week Tip: To ensure safety, consider using chocks or stoppers to prevent your trailer from rolling back and only moving forward. Remember, for your safety, do not push your trailer if you can't see your hitch.
Tip #3: Place a Marker on Your Vehicle
If you don’t have a backup camera, CURT Manufacturing suggests placing a piece of tape on the center of your rear window to indicate the location of the trailer ball. If you are using a stick or flag to mark the coupler, line up the tape with the marker.
Tip #4: Open the Driver Door
With only a foot or two left between your vehicle and the coupler, open your driver-side door and pick a spot on the ground as a reference point. Use the point as you back up to judge the remaining distance. Remember to have your coupler raised above the trailer ball to avoid damage.
Tip #5: Use a Backup Camera
Use a backup camera to better see the trailer as you back up. If your vehicle is not equipped with a rear camera, use a brightly colored stick or flag attached to the coupler to better see your target. Point the stick straight up so that you can see it through the back window of your vehicle.
Trailer Safety Week Tip: Be sure to keep in mind how much the hitch on your vehicle sticks out and account for that measurement when backing up so you do not damage your vehicle or the trailer.
For more Hitching Tips visit the Trailer Safety Week official Towing Safely Guide:
Important Safety Resources
To Report Safety Problems and Obtain More Information
If you discover a potentially serious safety problem with your vehicle, or if information is missing from your trailer certification label, call the DOT Auto Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236/TDD (800) 424-9153, or visit www.safercar.gov.
For questions regarding your tow vehicle, please contact your automobile dealer or manufacturer.
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1 (888) 327-4236 | www.nhtsa.gov
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(785) 272-4433 | TrailerSafetyWeek@natm.com
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www.NATM.com | (785) 272-4433 | NATMHQ@natm.com