Attaching a Trailer

How to Connect a Trailer

If anything isn’t right, don’t tow — call 1300 418 285.

Quick 4‑Step Check

Confident user? Do these four things first.
For step‑by‑step detail, scroll down to Detailed Steps.

1 Prep

Remove hitch lock, reverse vehicle under coupling.

2 Coupling

Lift latch, lower onto ball, confirm locked with lift test.

3 Chains & Lead

Cross chains, Attach D‑shackle, Plug in lead , test lights.

4 Brakes

Overrun: Reversing latch up. Set up electric brakes if fitted.

Detailed Steps

Beginner? Open each section below for every action in detail.

1. Prep the trailer
  1. Remove the hitch lock. Stow it safely.
  2. Walk‑around: tyres look firm, lights/wiring intact, no obvious damage.
  3. Raise the trailer using the jockey wheel so the coupling is just above tow‑ball height. Reverse the car to the trailer.
  4. If fitted, handbrake must be OFF.
2. Couple onto the tow ball
  1. Line the tow ball directly under the coupling with small movements.
  2. Lift the latch and handle up to unlock.
  3. Lower the coupling until the handle drops flat — locked position.
  4. Wind the jockey wheel fully up, rotate to horizontal, and lock it.
2a. Stuck? Quick fixes
  • Handle won’t drop: Raise or lower the jockey wheel slightly and retry. Confirm the hitch lock is removed.
  • Chains too long: Give each a half‑twist before shackling.
3. Safety chains & electrical
  1. Connect safety chain(s) using D‑shackles. Cross them under the drawbar so they form a cradle. Avoid dragging.
  2. Plug in the 7‑pin flat connector.
    • Adapters supplied — check drawbar or red toolbox.
    • Route the lead through the tow‑bar handle to prevent dragging.
  3. Turn on lights; check indicators, brake, and tail lights.
4. Braked trailers
  • Overrun brakes: Down to reverse (disengages). Up to tow (active).
  • Handbrake: Pull back and lock = on. Lift/release = off for towing.
5. Electric brakes — breakaway & Elecbrakes
  1. Clip breakaway cable to a fixed tow‑bar point, separate from chains.
  2. Check breakaway battery LED is green.
  3. Power Elecbrakes: headlights ON → open app → connect to trailer → shows brakes operating.
  4. Set brake gain: empty ≈40%; loaded 80–100%.
6. Final checks
  1. Load secured with straps/ropes. Heavier items ahead of axle (≈60/40 split).
  2. Jockey wheel up and locked horizontally.
  3. Nothing loose or dragging. Plate visible.
  4. On slopes, use wheel chocks when parked.
  5. Do a short, low‑speed brake test in a safe area.