How to Attach a Trailer – Empire Trailer Hire
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How to Attach a Trailer

Follow these steps before every tow. If anything doesn't feel right, don't drive — call 1300 418 285.

Never tow if something seems wrong. If the coupling won't lock, chains won't reach, or lights aren't working — stop and call us on 1300 418 285 before you leave the site.
At a Glance
4 Steps to Connect Quick Ref

Know what you're doing? Use this as a quick reminder. New to towing? Open each detailed step below.

1
Prep Remove hitch lock, check tyres and lights, reverse car to trailer.
2
Couple Up Lift latch, lower onto tow ball, confirm locked — then lift test.
3
Chains & Lights Cross chains under drawbar, attach shackles, plug in lead, test lights.
4
Brakes & Go Set up electric brakes if fitted. Jockey wheel up. Final walk-around.
Step-by-Step Guide Detailed

Tap any step to expand the full instructions. We recommend going through all of them your first time.

1
Prep the Trailer Before you reverse the car in
▾
  • 1
    Remove the hitch lock and stow it safely in the toolbox.
  • 2
    Do a quick walk-around — check tyres look firm, wiring is intact, and there's no obvious damage. If something looks off, call us before proceeding.
  • 3
    Raise the trailer using the jockey wheel so the coupling sits just above your tow ball height, then slowly reverse your car into position.
  • 4
    If a handbrake is fitted, ensure it is OFF before coupling.
2
Couple onto the Tow Ball The most critical connection
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  • 1
    Use small movements to line the tow ball directly under the coupling head.
  • 2
    Lift the coupling latch and handle up to the unlocked position.
  • 3
    Lower the jockey wheel until the coupling drops over the ball and the handle falls flat — this is the locked position.
  • 4
    Do a lift test: Try to lift the coupling off the ball. It should not move. If it lifts, it is not locked — adjust and retry.
  • 5
    Wind the jockey wheel fully up, rotate it to the horizontal position, and lock it so it won't drag.
Handle won't drop flat? Raise or lower the jockey wheel slightly to adjust the height, then try again. Double-check the hitch lock is fully removed.
3
Safety Chains & Electrical Your backup if the coupling fails
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  • 1
    Cross the chains under the drawbar — left chain to right towbar point, right chain to left. This forms a cradle that catches the coupling if it ever detaches, stopping the drawbar hitting the road.
  • 2
    Attach each chain using the D-shackles provided. Chains must be short enough not to drag, but long enough for full-lock turns without pulling tight.
  • 3
    Plug in the 7-pin flat connector. Route the lead through the towbar handle to prevent it dragging. Adapters are in the red toolbox on the drawbar if needed.
  • 4
    Turn on your vehicle lights and check: tail lights, brake lights, and indicators all working on the trailer.
Why cross the chains? If the coupling ever fails at speed, crossed chains cradle the hitch and keep the trailer's drawbar off the road — giving you a chance to stop safely. It's not a legal requirement in QLD but is strongly recommended.
4
Brakes Overrun and electric brake setup
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  • Overrun brakes: The reversing latch must be up to tow (brakes active) and down to reverse (brakes disengaged). Always check this before driving.
  • Handbrake: Pull back and lock = on. Lift and release = off. Must be off before towing.
Electric brakes fitted? See the separate Electric Brakes Guide →
5
Final Checks Before You Drive 60 seconds that could save your life
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  • 1
    Load is secured with straps or ropes. Heavier items sit forward of the axle — aim for a 60/40 front-to-rear weight split.
  • 2
    Jockey wheel is fully up and locked in the horizontal position.
  • 3
    Nothing loose, nothing dragging, number plate is visible.
  • 4
    Walk all the way around the trailer one final time.
  • 5
    Do a short, slow brake test in a safe area before hitting the main road.
Related Guides Up Next

Now the trailer's attached, here's what to read next.

How to Set Up Electric Brakes Connecting and calibrating the Elecbrakes system
→
Full Safety Checklist Tick-by-tick checklist before every trip
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Driving Tips with a Trailer Reversing, braking distances, and road confidence
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Need Help? Report an Issue Something not right with your trailer? Let us know.
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