5 Crucial Steps to Safely Hitch Up Your New Caravan

As part of the new caravanning playlist on the channel, we present a comprehensive guide on how to connect a caravan. The process of hitching up a caravan is largely the same regardless of whether it is equipped with a Winterhoff hitch or an Alko hitch.
Maypole 12″ Caravan Leg Winding Extended
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13 Pin to Twin 7 Pin Plug Towing Socket,12V Twin 7 pin
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[@christophertripp8092]

After selling my last caravan over 18 years ago I've been camping in a Citroen van this year and have enjoyed it very much but I need more space when being away for a week or more so I've bought another caravan these types of videos are very helpful to refresh my memory and especially as I will be caravaning on my own

[@CaravanTrails]

We do love the caravan for the room. Camper vans do have their benefits as well, like just rocking up to a campsite and being set up in a few minutes, unlike a caravan where it takes you 20 minutes or so. Hope you’re enjoying caravan life again 👍

[@kevinlawrence2127]

Just one tip I've done over the years, is never leaving the caravan brake "On", when caravan is left in storage after the leg steadies are down. It stops the potential issue of the caravan brake being seized on, especially when left over winter storage, and or when I have setup onsite, unless the pitch is on a slope. Keep the tips coming. It's not just for "Newbies" but also as a reminder for experienced caravaners

[@CaravanTrails]

Thanks for the tip and appreciate the kind feedback 😁

[@francesstoryteller]

Love your videos. It's always good to be reminded of hitching up as so dangerous if it's not done right. Good for new and old caravaners alike.

[@CaravanTrails]

Thank you ☺️ I thought it would hopefully help some newcomers to the caravan scene. I know when we started caravanning, we KZbin everything, and it really helped.

[@andrewtreweek254]

Hi Lee, very thorough video. The only thing I would add, is when moving the van to the car, either by mover or brute strength, reduce the length of the jockey wheel. Make sure the inner shaft can still turn though. This will help prevent excessive strain on the shaft and save having to replace it. Then when near the tow bar. Raist the jockey wheel for those last few inches .

[@CaravanTrails]

Thank you, that’s really helpful advice. I didn’t even think about that, but it makes sense and could save you a few pounds. 👍

[@andylinder132]

Great informative video buddy. I’ve added this to my favourites as I’m new to caravanning. I’ve only had my van just over a year and have only been out in it twice. I purchased an Elddis odyssey 482 2007 which also has the winterhoff type Hitchlock . And always forget something when hitching up. 🙄. Looking forward to your next adventure away video with you both. Andy from Norfolk. 👍👍

[@CaravanTrails]

Hi Andy Didn’t realise you had the same make caravan as us ( you may have told us before but might have forgotten 😂). Hopefully, you will be able to get out more next year once the spring comes round again. Glad the video helped, and we do have 2 more weekend trips planned before Xmas 👍

[@garethmorris3691]

Hiya mate, great video as always very informative for new caravaners. The only thing I would of mentioned is when hooking up to a alko hitch do the jockey wheel test (winding it back up once hitched) with the red handle up as you did, don't do it with it down as the friction pads will still grip the ball. But other than that top video looks forward to the next one. 👍

[@CaravanTrails]

Thanks mate, yes I did forget to mention that, but I am glad you left this comment for other people to read that are new to caravanning, as personally I don’t have an alko hitch on my van and I wouldn’t have known to do the test before you put the handle down. So I have learn something new as well 👍

[@pjc4651]

Great video. We were advised at towing course to test the detachable hitch by stepping on it before you connect the caravan. You can also move it by hand if it doesnt quite line up. We always pull up the caravan handbreak and move forward to open the bellows before we detach the caravan. Like you it is surprising how far it expands and hits the car.

[@CaravanTrails]

Thank you, we do have a green marker to say when the tow bar is locked into place, but there is no harm in doing the steps you mentioned just to be on the safe side, to be honest. That’s what I usually do: I put the hand brake up, then move forward a tiny bit. I didn’t say that in the video as I am sure some people would say that’s not the right way of doing it. 😂 It did catch me out the first time it happened though.

[@Richardcourt]

You nailed it on the head, it’s exactly what I do. I don’t know if it helps, but I put a bungee cord around the A-frame to hold the wheel up just in case it wants to drop down in transit.

[@CaravanTrails]

Thank you. I do worry about that jockey wheel just falling down while you’re going alone, so that’s a good idea with the bungee. Better to be safe than sorry. 👍

[@Hattersfan]

very informative video, great for the newbies, well done, keep up the good work

[@CaravanTrails]

Thank you very much 😁

[@stevengeeson7267]

Never used a 13 pin socket or double socket. Always just plugged my caravan into 240vday before and it's been perfectly cold after a 6 hour journey

[@CaravanTrails]

Unfortunately, ours is in a storage yard, so we haven’t got the ability to plug it into the mains, but we can see how you would have a nice cold fridge for your journey if you don’t use a 13-pin, though what do you do about your break lights indicators on the caravan?

[@dabulltattoo]

Great video, i had black and grey on my van, but bought some 13 core cable and a 13 pin socket didnt cost a great deal either, we have the alko and i find it great for stability. great video and ill say now, even when not a newbie a lot of these simple tasks get missed

[@CaravanTrails]

Thank you. I think at some point it’s going to have to be a job I do, as the grey 7-pin plug casing is starting to feel brittle.

[@Richardcourt]

You nailed it on the head, it’s exactly what I do. I don’t know if it helps, but I put a bungee cord around the A-frame to hold the wheel up just in case it wants to drop down in transit.

[@CaravanTrails]

Thank you. I know people have their own ways of hitching up, and I think after a while, you do get into your own routine. I am always worried about the jockey wheel falling down, so that’s not a bad idea. 👍