Possibly the most important thing with trailer ownership is hooking the trailer to your tow bar.
Done incorrectly can lead to the trailer parting ways with the tow vehicle. Below is a few simple tips to correctly hook the coupling to the tow ball.
- First make sure the tow ball is the correct size to the trailer coupling, we have two common sizes in NZ 50mm and 1 7/8, 1 7/8 is the most common size out there our trailers come standard with this size.
- Use the jockey wheel to lift the trailer above the tow ball
- Once the Vehicle is under the tow ball, lift the leaver or plunger on the coupling and wind the jockey wheel down.
- Lock the pin through the coupling or drop the plunger and fit the R Clip on the braked models.
- Put the plug through the handle, this helps keep it away from the pinch points and keeps it from dragging on the ground.
- If a Single Axle Trailer only one chain is required
- If a Tandem Axle Trailer with a GVM over 2000kg it requires two chains
- When fitting trailers with two chains you want to cross them over, this will stop it hitting the ground if it ever came off.
- Make sure the safety chains aren’t to loose but no to tight you will pull them tight when you turn.
We always bolt our chains to the trailer, we feel this is the best way, some warrant of fitness outfits will allow welded safety chains others won’t and will require it to be bolted, everyone will accept bolted safety chains.
You Should only ever use a Rate Shackle!! A rated shackle will have a safe working load 5 or 6 times the rating of the shackle, A shackle with no rating at all could be rated to less than the empty trailer.
Some tow bars only have one hole, if you are towing over 2000kg you will need to get a second hole fitted.
The photos show the correct way to hook the trailer on.
