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Attaching a Trailer to a Vehicle: Safe Hitching Guide UK

Correctly attaching a trailer to a vehicle is one of the most important safety steps in towing. Most trailer-related incidents happen not on the road, but at the point of hitching up — missed connections, unsecured couplings, incorrect nose weight or forgotten cables.

The key is to be methodical and consistent every time you hitch up or unhitch. Follow the same routine and you dramatically reduce the chance of missing something critical.


This guide walks through the safe, correct way to attach a trailer, suitable for UK towing rules and best practice.


Before You Hitch Up: Preparation

  • Apply the trailer handbrake

  • Fit towing mirrors if the vehicle mirrors do not give a clear view past the trailer

  • Remove:

    • Towball dust cover

    • Electrical socket cover

    • Any security devices

Check the towball:

  • It should be lightly oiled, not greased

  • ⚠️ Do not lubricate if using a stabiliser coupling (e.g. AL-KO, Winterhoff, BPW)

Wind the jockey wheel to a suitable height so the coupling head can clear the towball.


Lining Up the Tow Vehicle and Trailer

  • If possible, use a reversing helper

    • They should stand where you can see their hands clearly

    • They will guide you if you’re off-line

  • If alone, lean a broom or marker against the coupling so you can see it through the rear window

Reverse slowly and steadily — accuracy matters more than speed.



Positioning the Trailer Correctly

  • Raise the front of the trailer using the jockey wheel to the required height

  • Roll the trailer up to the rear of the vehicle

For tandem axle trailers:

  • Raise the front enough to lift the front axle wheels clear of the ground

  • This makes manoeuvring far easier

⚠️ Never attempt to lift the trailer front manually — always use the jockey wheel.


Lowering Onto the Towball

  • Lower the trailer onto the towball using the jockey wheel

  • Over the final foot:

    • Your helper should indicate the distance between towball and coupling head

  • If you stop short:

    • Judge movement by watching the trailer wheels relative to a ground reference

Some coupling heads:

  • Lock automatically when lowered

  • Others require the handle to be held up

  • Many have visual indicators to confirm correct engagement


Proving the Coupling Is Secure

Once the coupling appears locked:

  1. Lower the jockey wheel a few turns to lift the rear of the vehicle slightly

  2. This proves the coupling is fully engaged

  3. Fully wind the jockey wheel up

  4. Clamp and lock it securely in the raised position

Check that the jockey wheel:

  • Does not interfere with the overrun coupling movement


Breakaway Cable & Safety Connections

Attach the breakaway cable(s) to the rear of the vehicle:

  • This cable applies the trailer handbrake if the trailer becomes detached

Correct attachment:

  • Use the dedicated breakaway ring if fitted

  • Or loop around the towbar (not the towball neck unless no alternative exists)

  • Ensure the cable cannot foul the coupling head

Check cables:

  • Enough slack for cornering

  • Will not drag on the ground


Electrical Connection & Light Checks

  • Plug in the lighting connector (it only fits one way)

  • Align the cut-out with the lug on the socket

  • If two sockets are fitted:

    • Use the black flap socket (standard trailer lighting)

    • The white flap is for caravan supplementary systems

Check all lights:

  • Side lights

  • Tail lights

  • Indicators (vehicle and trailer must match)

  • Brake lights

If alone, use a short stick or tool to hold the brake pedal down while checking.


Mirrors, Loading & Nose Weight

Adjust mirrors so you can see:

  • Down both sides of the trailer

  • The trailer wheels and body

If this isn’t possible, fit extension mirrors.

Loading the Trailer

  • Distribute weight evenly

  • Avoid heavy loads behind the axle(s)

Nose Weight

  • Critical for stability

  • Should be at least 50kg when stationary (unless very light trailer)

  • Always follow:

    • Tow vehicle manufacturer limits

    • Trailer manufacturer limits

Too little nose weight can cause snaking. Too much can overload the vehicle and coupling.


Eye Couplings (If Fitted)

If the trailer uses an eye coupling:

  • Ensure the towing pin safety catch is fully engaged

  • Fit the safety pin or clip

⚠️ If this is not secured, the trailer can detach while towing.



Final Checks Before Driving Off

  • Jockey wheel fully raised and locked

  • Handbrake released

  • Lights working

  • Breakaway cable attached correctly

  • Mirrors adjusted

  • Load secure and legal


Brent’s Bottom Line

Attaching a trailer safely isn’t difficult — but it does demand discipline. Rushing or skipping steps is how trailers become detached, lights fail, or instability starts before you even reach the road.

Follow the same hitching routine every time and you’ll:

  • Tow more confidently

  • Reduce risk

  • Protect your vehicle, trailer and everyone around you

Hitch it right — every time.

-Brent

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