For Beginners: "TOP 6" TIPS for HITCHING AN RV

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[@georgefenrich4119]

17:55 HOW is hooking this cable to THE Hitch that is the part that is most likely to come undone going to hold/pull on this same cable. If this latch where you just hooked this cable comes undone this cable is not going to do a thing. I would think that you need to have this cable hooked to the TRUCK...!!!???

[@DavidWhite]

Oh my what an intro LOL.. I had a hitch come loose. Thank God I was going slow and the chains caught the trailer. Now I jack the trailer back up and watch to see if the tow vehicle comes up. If my truck comes up just a fraction I know it is locked. Then I retract the jack completely

[@paulrichard5714]

Really enjoy all your videos. Keep them coming. The break away cable should be shorter than chains. You were a bit vague on length and talk like the trailer would be several feet back before it was pulled but the chains are hopefully keeping it close to your vehicle.

[@seamist9859]

Oh I’ve had some stupid screw ups myself.

[@larry5872]

Hi Dave, I am a beginner to hook up the camper. I will be doing that the very first time in an hour. Let me verify something with you. When you say "If my truck comes up just a fraction I know it is locked." Do you mean, when you see the trailer is lifting up by the jack, you know the steel ball is fully engaged with the bracket and It is safe to go? Am I right? Please advise me.

[@codycheney3401]

I used to drive a semi ( 18 wheeler ) and one of the first things with any driving is 1-dont drive when you are tired !!! I mean it ! my TRAINER on the 3rd day on the job set the cruze on at 70 mph and fell asleep rolling the truck onto its side injuring me leaving me unable to work. 2- when the sun is coming up and as it sets are the 2 most dangerous hours on the road ! pull over have food or coffee somewhere 3- use a gps on a phone or stand alone unit know where you are going and look what is going on a 1/4 mile ahead and behind. be aware of drivers that are driving too fast for conditions and drive according to conditions 4- take plenty of brakes and always get out and walk. people that travel with dogs get it right ! it wakes you up while refreshing you ! 5- be aware that trucks or other vehicles that are hauling trailors can't stop in 15 feet so pull out when you have enough space, if you can't keep up to traffic pull over on a spot that is safe and let traffic by you instead of causing others to drive unsafely because they just have to get somewhere ! 6- be happy and enjoy your time together !

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

Thanks Cody, really great advice!

[@scoop2591]

Thank you soooo much for taking the time to post your comment !

[@kathrynb4683]

I initially thought, "What's there to hooking up?" I grew up with boats and campers when bringing up my kids. In my world it's just automatic movements. This video takes me back to my dad going over all this. If you are new to hauling a trailer, IT IS SOOO IMPORTANT TO PAY ATTENTION TO EVERY SINGLE LITTLE THING HERE! Thank you for going over all the details. You make all of us safer out there.

[@jimloth6091]

Love the video. A couple of tips from a fellow travel trailer RV'er. For the weight distribution bars, you can attach a zip tie to the appropriate chain link when you find it. That way there's no guessing which link gives the right tension. Another thing about ensuring the ball is properly locked - agreed that the tongue jack needs to leave the ground, but once you're connected you have to raise the rig again to connect the weight distributing bars. We have to raise it enough that it actually lifts the back end of the truck a little and this ensures that you're properly locked.

[@hojo70]

After I drop the tongue on the ball and lock it, I like to drop the jack again and raise the tongue a little to make sure the two are fully locked.

[@laptopwillie]

I use this as well. An add thing I do is raise it to the point that it removes most of the weight so that the tension bars are must easier to lock and secure. I have been cracked by the arm that is used to lock it thing place. It can be dangerous and could break a bone or two. I am so glad my rig has an electric jack.

[@brentjohnson6654]

I do this as well. A friend had a boat trailer pop off when he thought it was connected.

[@rastus666]

Standard operating procedure to raise trailer after hookup to attach tension bars.

[@allinforjesus]

Hi guys; You are so right about not receiving any instruction when you buy an rv. We've been towing about 4 years and enjoyed your video about hitching. I never new the right way to hook up the emergency brake until your video, very informative and well done, many thanks. Jim and Diana

[@TheHwig]

I always lift the back end of the truck up with the jack to ensure the integrity of the latch mechanism. This ensures that your coupler does in fact have a death grip on your ball(s). It sounds uncomfortable, but it is highly desirable.

[@judysuprtrkr3423]

Are you sure that works? I’m going out solo female in January that’s a fear

[@danandlynda]

My equalizer hitch uses friction in the load distribution bars for anti sway. To get the load bars attached I lower the truck on to the ball a couple the rig together, the use the tongue jack to lift the entire rig to get the load bars set. This also checks that the ball and tongue are actually connected. It should work for any tow rig.

[@ericbarg]

OMG Sean, the beginning of your video made me laugh so hard I had tears!!!

[@ericbarg]

After trailering after 7 years I finally learned the proper way to hook up the emergency brake cable. Thank you so much!

[@JonPoklop]

Last time I lubed my ball in public, I got a ticket.

[@user-mm4je1sb9b]

Eric Bargetzi yeah, that was just WRONG!

[@brentjohnson6654]

Haha almost lost my coffee. Pretty funny

[@ralphselwyn525]

IN MY CASE I WOULD BE BETTER WITH A B CLASS MOTOR. H. O. M. E BECAUSE THE HITCHING PART SCARES ME

[@theresabarwell9831]

This was easily my favorite of the many videos I have watched from you guys! I really appreciate being able to watch and learn all of this information. We just purchased our very first travel trailer after 25 years of tent camping and I am obsessed with gathering all of the information and necessary equipment we will need to make this next chapter is our camping history the best it can be. I hope all is well with you and I look forward to seeing your next video. Thank you!

[@markholland8953]

Making sure the tongue is seated properly on the ball is SO important! I didn't once. UHaul truck, UHaul car carrier with my (little) car on it. Went about two miles to the gas station with my wife following behind in her car. As I pulled into the driveway at the gas station, the trailer popped off. Chains crossed so it followed me all the way to the pump. Left a nice long scar in the pavement! Was able to reconnect while everybody watched. That was an adventure in itself! Saw a comment below that recommended the same thing I do now. Once I THINK I've got it right, I use the trailer jack to raise the tongue, just a little, to make sure the hitch rises with it.

[@oby-1607]

Good safe tips. I hooked up my cargo trailer and drove home 275 miles. 2 miles from home, I drove thru a dip in the road and the hitch popped off of the ball. There was a noise like a crash and I looked in the mirror and saw the trailer whipping back and forth with the nose down. The safety chains held and was able to stop with the trailer crashing into the back of the truck. We checked everything over and determined that when I hooked up the ball latch on the hitch was on top of the ball when I left where I was. Nothing was damaged but my pride and now I check every time to make sure it is properly latched. It is so, so important to check everything before embarking on any trip, long or short. Thanks for sharing.

[@CJS309]

You are so right with a sway bar. I’m towing a 35 ft rig with a 1/2 ton truck. Mine is a brand new truck but I recently went camping and towed my trailer on a two lane highway. The sway bar made it so much more safer and gave me peace of mind!! I am in full agreement with you!

[@bethleder7760]

First of all ...BEST video we have ever seen on hitching ! Great job ! One addition tip ...we put our electrical cord thru our u shaped hitch lock pin so it doesn't hang too low or get tangled when we make a sharp turn ....just make sure it has plenty of slack on it so there is no danger of coming unplugged .

[@kristymichael]

David Leder we do the same! Great minds think alike! 😁

[@wwcowl88]

This actually increases the risk of loosing the u shape hitch pin which can be a very bad thing. You do not want to put anything through the pin that can accidentally open the clasp on the pin. While it seems a convenient place it should not be used. If you want to secure your umbilical electric cord you should use a lock on your hitch and then secure the cord to the lock using a small elastic cord. The hitch pin has a very important job to do. Keeping the hitch lever secured in place. Don't cause it to become "distracted" by doing another task such as holding the electrical connection. We want to see many more videos of your travels.

[@jamesbull2975]

As always great job guys! Just starting my second year with my airstream, and one thing I learned while hitching. Sometimes it seemed I was all the way down on the ball, retracted the jack, but couldn't get the latch down. I found moving the truck just a fraction of an inch forward or aft, I was then able to throw the latch down. I was really frustrated by that until I learned this trick! Keep up the good work! - Jamie

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

thanks..............another tip.

[@toolmanweed]

That’s been happening to me a lot, it doesn’t like to slip on in the right spot to allow the latch to engage. Finally I realized if I just went a touch forward or back, it would make a slight adjustment and the latch could engage. Only needs the weight of the truck shifting a quarter inch to do it!

[@chilidan7936]

Thanks for your videos which are informative, practical and fun. We are in our 2nd year of RVing with a small (3000 lb) trailer. We experienced the trailer "pop" off of the ball at a campground this summer! Right at the check-in when I went over a big speed bump on an uphill incline. It all happened so fast and unexpectedly, but the breakaway cable deployed, the trailer brakes set stopping the trailer, but before I could stop, the S-hook on one side of the chain broke, causing enough force to break a link on the other side! Thank goodness this happened where it did and not on the way to the campground at highway speed and traffic!! I replaced the chains and S hooks with heavier duty. I also now ALWAYS make sure the coupler is securely fastened to the ball, raise the tongue post, close and lock the latch, and then lower the tongue post until it raises the tow vehicle an inch or so to make sure it is securely fastened. Also learned that without a properly charged battery, the brakes would not have set (and my trailer would have rolled quite a distance behind me with the broken chains).

[@toolmanweed]

Wow, good point about having batteries charged enough to work the emergency brakes!

[@greatdane948]

When you lock your ball, you could lift the hitch to level to insure you are locked on. Makes it much easier to pry the equalizer in place. Thanks for the videos. You guys are awesome. Safe travels!

[@wilkiepup1]

Great information! You both explain things so well and add a sense of humor! I don't know if anyone does this but it would be great to have community college classes in basic RV information...hitching, systems, safety, etc. yes, there is s lot of information on the internet but hands on instruction would be good too.

[@flyingcat59]

I second that!! What a great idea!!

[@jimsamolczyk3774]

That was the funniest opening for a video i have ever seen. Well thought out and even better edited. I really enjoy your video's and all your helpful hints. We have been rv'ing since 1970 and learn something new all the time. Any day you can learn something new is a day NOT wasted.

[@dkh1020]

Great video, I wish my dealer would have explained these things before I drove off the lot. But fortunately, I did some homework before picking up my rig. I always put all the weight of the trailer on the ball and then latch it. Once latched, I raise the trailer back up for two reasons. first is to be certain the latch is secured to the ball and secondly, I need to raise the trailer to attach my load leveling chains. Works like a charm every time.

[@Poyshneck]

You convinced me. I just purchased an equalizer with sway control hitch after watching this video. I recently bought a 34' toy hauler and definitely need both of these devices to tow this thing safely. I've never towed/rv'd before and your videos are a huge help. I can't wait to get out and use the thing. I have to do some renovations to it before it will be ready, but it will be awesome when it's done.

[@mrwilliamson62]

Lots of experience with a 15 ft boat and trailer with no accidental unhitching, but we will be starting out in a 5th wheel Aug 1st. New adventure with new equipment and new lessons to learn, so glad we subscribed.

[@joecraft4409]

Great reminders even for the "experienced" tower. I will be adding white line marks to each side of the trailer tongue weight Dist mountings showing where the connectors are placed on each side of the tongue. If they ever show the original dark paint on either side, I know they have moved. Also, all of the hitch nuts have torque specs. Follow these ratings and tighten properly.

[@smithcd46]

Thanks for the refresher video. You said the old way of aligning the the tow vehicle to the trailer. The best invention so far is the back-up camera. This is a marriage saver as the driver can see the tounge and align it with little help.

[@garrettsnuff]

Good Morning Beautiful People! Another wonderful video. Have watched y'alls videos for years and still think you guys are the best. Great tips on hitching your bumper pull and you are correct - most of us received little or no training on 'hitchin up'. My wife and I learned an important lesson after towing travel trailers for 10's of thousands of miles, towing in every imaginable (white knuckle) condition - Tis better to 'haul' than to 'tow', broke down last year and bought a fifth wheel with the new fangled hydraulic leveling jacks, the difference in set-up, traveling and hitch-up are nothing short of a miraculous for us older folks, figure the new setup might keep us out here on the road another 10 years. Best of luck in your travels, please keep the videos coming and we hope to See Ya On The Road real soon!

[@mrmichaeltscott]

The most entertaining Yet serious RV video on the Tube. A little grease on the shaft isn't a bad idea either to keep rust at bay. Color the threads and the nut on the ball as an indicator of it loosens. I put blue thread locker on mine.

[@t.a.bernhardt7285]

I hitch and go solo so that has a couple challenges. One I've addressed with a iBall backup camera and that's saved me several lifetimes of back up, get out, adjust, back up, get out, adjust. The next challenge is the light check but my RV repair shop gave me a great tip and it's genius. Turn on your hazard lights. If your trailer is blinking you're good to go. Just thought I'd share. Love your videos! You guys are fun and funny!!

[@chelleleigh82]

Thank you so much for posting this video!!!! Picking up my 1st camper tomorrow, actually! Always camped as a kid, now I have my big girl pants on! All of your videos have been a huge help! Happy Camping!

[@rudidundas7081]

Best video on hitching yet! Great work guys!

[@HappyCamper1992]

All points are very important and basic common sense. Love the sense of humor twist to it as well. I can just picture you both as driving education instructors with that humor you have. It would leave the class in tears and testing the strength of their bladders. LOL

[@davidcallahan466]

Just got my 2017 Coleman 1605 Lite a few weeks ago from a couple in Port St Joe Beach FL. Stopped at Connections RV in Panama City and got great advice on setting up the distribution bars and anti sway device, which came with the trailer. They instructed me to attach the trailer tongue to the hitch and then raise them with the jack before attaching the chains of the distribution bars. This made it easier to lock those in place but also assures that the hitch is locked to the ball.

[@munroross7435]

Great video. One thing that has been a great bonus is the rear view camera on my newer tow vehicle. I no longer need a spotter for backing to hitch, which makes me more comfortable. I never really liked having a person between the trailer and my moving vehicle. One thing I noticed in your video is that your chain takeup brackets for your WDH seem to move along the A frame in different segments. In some they appear correctly installed directly above the end of the bars, but in others they appear too far back so that your chain is taking up at an angle to the bracket. I'm hoping the correct setup is on the newer video, but it might be worth noting for any newbies. One tip I have always used is to drop the tongue on the ball until it is fully carrying the weight, then latch and lock, then lift again bringing the back of the tow vehicle up several inches. Now attach the WDH bars. They snap up with no effort. Lower the tongue back down and retract the jack fully. Two advantages to this; 1) you KNOW the ball is secure in the tongue if it can lift your TV, and 2) much less chance (no chance) of a kickback if the chain snaps off the bracket while lifting. I almost lost toes when a chain snapped down under too much tension, just missing the end of my shoe.

[@jamessouza6184]

My wife and I love your videos. We have been subscribers for a few years now and look forward to your new videos. I still use the techniques you guys taught us in backing to a site and we always use walkie-talkies. This video taught me, that I am leaving my break away cable too long. If I might make a safety suggestion, you should not stand between the moving truck and camper during hook up. One slip off the brake or even worst hitting the gas by accident, can result in a tragedy. My wife always stands off to the side and directs me. We enjoy your videos, Thanks Again.

[@annotoole7387]

Newbies NOW ~ Have KZbin & ALL You Guys in KZbin/RV ~ HEAVEN! THANK YOU!!! ... ... Learning!

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

Thanks Ann, and welcome! Glad we can help!

[@robertl2476]

This is a very nice one. You are young enough to enjoy your new marriage & lifestyle. There is much love & it shows in the videos! GoGetUm! From Suffolk County, NY

[@spector188]

I must say you are 100% right about there being no instruction whatsoever from the people who are selling us this stuff and supposed to be in the know. great video BTW!

[@royclark2269]

Not our experience at Airstream Adventures Northwest. Purchase paperwork followed by 1 1/2 hour inside and outside familiarization and hitch up/unhitch checkout with dealer mechanic. Same teaching/learning technique as I was a medical student: he described/did it; we described/did it; then “taught” him to describe or do it. Had we recorded that lesson, we could have remembered all; but have far fewer “newbie” stories than most others (admit). Wish every dealer would understand the benefit to everyone. We drive miles past the closest RV service back to that dealer for service. You can guess who we recommend and who will sell us any next one!

[@BillSprague]

Nicely done. I've been towing for years but learned a few things from this video. Thanks Guys! One thing I habitually do is leave the chocks in place, fully retract the tongue jack, and try pulling the tow vehicle forward very slightly to make sure the ball is firmly seated against the from of the socket, before I latch the ball in place. Another thing I do as I leave the site is pinch the brake controller to make sure I get two skid marks in the gravel, indicating the brakes on both sides are working properly. I especially liked routing the electric cable and break away cable through the latch safety pin. Oh, and if I'm leaving the hitch on the truck I cover my balls with orange ball covers. The color is so I and others are warned before bashing our shins.

[@erwinkrabbenhoft5502]

the tow system you have is the same we have, I was never been told about greasing your trailer ball's always wondered about that. Never get in a hurry while hooking up trailers, check and double check, I almost forgot my TV antenna was up when someone said I didn't put it down. Thank you so much for these tips. Good Camping.....

[@davidtitley6822]

Thanks very much. We're still 1-2 years away from purchasing our Airstream. Your videos are extremely informative! (and fun to watch as well!). Thank you!

[@beckymeyer5199]

Just bought a T@B teardrop and took it out for its maiden trip. Very easy to move trailer over the ball but ran into the problem of the hitch not seating fully over the ball. Didn't look right but it seemed to lock. I even repeated the process. Had the guy in the next site look at it, also. Drove maybe 4 feet before it came unhitched! After a brief moment of panic, got out, slid the receiver COMPLETELY over the ball. Locked and loaded and safe trip home. (the guy in the next site was most apologetic ) Thanks for all the great tips for this rank newbie!

[@doris1826]

New subscriber. Love the practical tips! I used to camp with my parents, but they only got their first truck camper when I was a junior in high school so missed a lot of trips because of my after school job. I never really observed any of the set up and breakdown. Now the hubby and I are talking retirement RV-ing and the available technology is so superior to what used to be. So much to learn! You both have taught me a lot!

[@martyparra]

I can watch you guys all day....wait, I do! Thank you for all of the wonderful videos as informative content. I'm new to RVing with my travel trailer. I bought a new truck after my rv purchase and will now get my hitch checked for adjustments! Thanks again!

[@genejmcd]

One comment I have is regarding the 7 pin electrical connector. We tow a Honda CRV behind our motorhome. In the beginning after hooking up and then testing our brake lights and turn signals invariably one or both wouldn't work. Then I found out about dielectric grease. After cleaning the male and female ends and applying the dielectric grease problem solved. The grease helps to prevent corrosion, plus we no longer fight this problem.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Yes, one must make sure that their balls are fully engaged. Twice in my life I've had trailers come loose. Once when I was on vacation with my parents and a rented trailer came completely off of the vehicle because the guy that put the trailer on didn't hook up the safety chains or have the ball fully engaged. I also had a boat trailer come loose but the safety chains held. Unfortunately in this case the boat didn't have sufficient tongue weight and the trailer tongue came up and damaged the deck lid (trunk lid) of the car. So the moral of the story is, always have your balls fully engaged and have your tongue weight correct and safety chains crossed. Keep the good stuff coming guys.

[@871jamie]

You guys are funny and make some good points. I transport RV’s for a living and I see some crazy stuff on the road every day when it comes to improperly set up hitch configurations. From that to tow vehicles that are simply just inadequate for the unit they are towing. One thing I will leave here is that you can never have too big of a tow vehicle, I would always recommend slightly more towing capacity than you need for safety and stability. I’ve personally been in some situations ( such as blown tires ) where had I not had a dually I would have been in big trouble. Once had an axle break where the trailer was all over the road and with less truck I would have been over a 100 foot cliff and I speak literally! Those two extra wheels in the back add a lot of stability and braking ability. Also I always make sure my hitches are properly locked in place by using the brake controller for the trailer and then dropping the truck in gear to see if it can roll forward without the trailer ( especially with fifth wheels ) , I leave the jack down a bit just in case so the trailer won’t have far to fall in the event the hitch isn’t locked down good.

[@danwright6529]

To be sure your trailer is completely and fully attached to the ball , left the trailer to the point where it starts to lift your pickup truck. We are newbies and my son taught me to do that. Thanks so much for your videos very helpful.

[@tonypatrick35]

well here is my two cents worth if you would like it. 1st a little background on me. i started driving tractor trailer in 1980 and to date i think i can safely say i've driven probably close to 4.5 million miles (yes a very long time ago) i would like to say i've seen it all but the second i do some turkey surprises me with something new and stupid. i've only just recently found your channel and have probably watched 75% of you videos and i must say you two are what most folks should strive towards for Safety -fun and common sense Thank you for all you do and i truly believe you two kids will live a very long time because you strive for the thing most don't seem to grasp any more and that's is a common sense approach to Rv-ing

[@n3qdz]

Balls, shanks, whips and chains......I don't think the Honeymoon's over yet!!!! So glad Kristy likes to still play with your ball. Mine still won't after all these years does not like backing up on my ball. NO WAY WILL SHE EVER TOUCH MY SHANK.........NEVER! Dragging chains and my umbilical I use the black rubber strap to hold it off the ground. That way with free to move when it needs too and does not block or impede the functionally of the chains. Remember WD40 is not grease or a lubricant. Awesome video!

[@seamist9859]

I have the sway bars on a chain that you need the pipe to pull it up . About ten years ago I forgot to remove them when I was backing into a tight turn camp site. I heard bam 💥 and saw something go flying from my left mirror. Yeah I popped the very expensive tow bar off and it was bent and it broke off the connector piece that is on the hitch. Thank God that nobody was standing there it would have taken them out💥it flew about 6 or seven feet. Good to keep people away when backing in. I’ve been camping since I was a child and I’m in my 50s now. Guess what the longer your doing this the quicker you are and the more likely you are to screw something up. Slow down everyone. Let’s do it like it’s the first time. Great advice guys love your channel.

[@crowman5936]

Instead of ball grease that your going to wear on your pant leg when you get closer than 5 feet from your hitch there's another option. At a real tractor dealership like John Deere they have a spray can of graphite lube they use on equipment in dusty conditions. It goes on as a liquid and dry's to the touch when the solvent carrier evaporates leaving a coating of lube that won't rub off easily. I spray it in the ball receiver, on the ball and the contacts on the spring bars it's never failed in 30 years of doing this. You'll like it better than grease.

[@Myjebw6119]

Thank you!!! I’m new at camping and towing. You have saved me!! I have been doing several of this things wrong. Thank you Thank you!!!

[@charging7]

For the electrical connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer a few things will keep the connection solid: dielectric grease, it's available at any auto parts store and keeps the crap out of your plugs. To clean out dirty plugs, use elecrical spray cleaner, again available at any auto parts store. Lastly, something like Q-tips to get into the plugs to complete the cleaning of the plugs is a good idea too. 1. Spray out the plugs with cleaner 2. Q-tips or another socket cleaner to completely clean the plugs 3. Apply dielectric grease to both the male and female plugs but especially true for the female plug

[@AngelTorres-se9zf]

Hey guys, I recently learned that chocks are super important when hitching and un-hitching your camper. If you need to unhook your camper from your tow vehicle for whatever reason it would be a good idea to chock your wheels. You may be in a slight incline and think you are leveled and there goes your camper (oops). Thank God no one was hurt and the camper didn't really suffer big damage but it could have been worse. Thanks for your videos we love them. Hope to see you one day.

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

hey Angel, thanks for your post. I was thinking of you when I set up our camp a couple of days ago! Made sure to get those chocks in place before doing anything else. It's easy to get complacent and skip steps sometimes, so your post was a good reminder. Sorry you had a scare but thankful no one was hurt. Safe travels! --Sean

[@robertsoloway380]

I haven't read all the comments so someone may have mentioned this. I always do this. after attaching the ball to the coupler I raise the jack until the back of the truck starts to lift. if the trailer isn't connected properly the trailer will disconnect from the tow vehicle. This saved me last year when I purchased a new trailer. I had the old small ball but the new coupler is the larger size. No one thought to check. so when I went to hook up at the dealer I lifted the jack to ensure the proper connection when it disconnected. I did it 3 times before I realized it was the wrong ball size.

[@KennethMoffat]

Newbie here. Thanks for the tips. I have learned a lot from you two. And it's fun.

[@silvergmc]

Good points! I always look under the hitch to be sure that the locking pawl is surrounding the ball. Especially with those adjustable couplers on U-haul trailers, always double check them. Also, not a big deal but when securing your equalizer bars, standard practice is to put the safety pins in from front to back, the open end "facing rear". In other words, the direction of forward travel should "push the pins in, not out."

[@lauraroorda5460]

You made me remember when we used to do this. We have since changed to a class c and tow a jeep wrangler. It is so much easier to hook up. Thanks for the video's and the humor.

[@ronaldhyland8127]

Thanks for the review! Never hurts and I've been in the RV world of camping for 50 year and still not afraid to learn and "keep tuned up!"

[@annkosa7454]

I think this is the most important of the roughly 40,000 KZbin videos I've watched since getting our travel trailer. So much to know!!

[@earlefail1568]

We live in Utah where there is high mountain camping and its freezing cold in the winter... Get lessons on how to winterize your trailer or camper for winter storage... I'm 72 years old, been married 49 years, started camping our first year in a pickup and tent, moved to a camper when the kids started coming along... Moved on to a fifth wheel as the kids started their own camping, and we often all go camping in several rigs.. Have never towed a travel trailer, but enjoyed the jokes and seeing the safe way to hitch on... Thank you! Be safe... HAPPY TRAVELS AND CAMPING!!!

[@theramblinrogue1345]

I travel by myself with a 17.5" tow behind. I do have a backup camera on my truck and, to make the hitch on the trailer stand out better, I put white paint on it. Now, when I'm backing up, it's MUCH easier to line the ball up with the hitch. I generally make it in two tries. ;-) Hey, nobody's perfect! lol Thanks for all the great tips!!

[@MrPotomas]

I'm gonna say this is the best LLH intro ever!

[@adavis2813]

Terrific video guys! The beginning of the video was the best comedy routine I've seen in ages! I love it! Plus you provide so many excellent safety tips for towing!

[@alexhenry5542]

Greetings from February 2020😁. Super great tip on having my better half dropping the hitch onto the ball while I’m still in the truck and directly under it, there is always that little roll forward after shifting to park and applying the break. We’re headed to Kentucky this week and I’m going to put this into practice. Love all the videos, be safe and maybe we’ll see y’all down the road.

[@ericstevenson2474]

If you use a Blue ox Sway pro hitch, you won't need sway bar. I like your idea on hooking up the emergency breakaway cable to hitch locking pin

[@seifsplace]

To the great tip on making sure ball lock is fully engaged. Totally agree this is a extremely important step. It was told if you think or unsure the lock is not engaged after raising the jack, run this test. While the ball lock is engage, lower the jack down is watch camper and truck together...once the weight starts to be carried by the jack, a poorly engaged lock will pop off from the ball. A properly engaged will stay connected to the ball.

[@MrJrusselltx]

Thanks for the tips. I tow behind a motorhome, but never thought about the implications of using the coiled cord kind of breakaway cable. Ordered a replacement straight cable tonight!

[@michelleedge9400]

Brand new to the RV world, thank you both. We have learned so much from you. tips, hacks and really that's what's that's for!! hehehe So much to learn. Teach us great ones.! Honestly,the way you explain and show the how to's ect is so helpful. Simple, not overwhelming. Thank you both. Happy and safe RVing

[@binsjohn1]

Something you might want to add to this video: The breakaway cable needs to be, in effect, shorter than the length of the safety chains or the breakaway switch may not be activated. This can be accomplished by hooking up the hitch and chains, then unhitching while leaving the chains attached and slowly driving the tow vehicle forward until the chains are stretched out. Then measure the distance between the points where the breakaway cable will be attached. Next, back up the tow vehicle and hitch up again and adjust the breakaway cable to be just shorter than the length previously measured. That will ensure the breakaway switch is activated just before the chains are stretched out fully.

[@gswartley]

A couple more tips for your list. 1) When checking the electrical I always test the brakes when I first pullout of my driveway to make sure they are working. I have had them not work one time and was able to fix them before finding our in a bad way. 2) After hooking the ball to the trailer I jack the trailer up to until it lifts the ball you can see the hitch move in the receiver on the truck. This also makes hooking the leveling chains easier. My father had a trailer come off the ball once and ever since he did it and passed the tip on to me.

[@thomasvolk4711]

Very funny, good humor for a dry subject! Should be required viewing for all RV'ers. I would also recommend actually testing the break away device at least at the beginning of the season. I usually just put one axle up on a jack and have a helper spin the tire and then actuate the break away by pulling it out of the block. The wheel will stop immediately as full battery voltage is applied. This does not damage the break away device. When the pull out piece is reinstalled into the block that helper will have the wheel free up immediately if everything is working as designed. As everyone knows it is in a very filthy and wet place at times place on the back of the hitch and this is an electrical device. You want to know this vital safety device is 100%.

[@503Zephyr]

Sean, another trick to ensuring the ball is securely seated in the receiver is to lock it in place and then using the trailer jack, raise the trailer tongue and truck up a couple of inches. If the rear of the truck rises, then the trailer is/should be securely connected to the hitch. I was told this by a "professional". Hopefully they were correct.

[@robertflournoy2308]

I use a magnetic hitch alignment kit from camco. I got it from amazon for around 15 bucks. Short of a backup camera, it makes the hitch process a breeze. I had an older gentleman come to me one morning after watching me hitch up with no spotter and he was in awe that it took me one try to back up to the camper and drop the hitch down on the ball. Great video as always guys. Thanks so much for all the great info!

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

Thanks for the tip, we will check it out. This looks like the one? amzn.to/2n7aPmV We have a portable hitch camera and it's pretty cool, but the batteries tend to die precisely when you need it.

[@robertflournoy2308]

That's the one! Sometimes I feel a little fruity putting those things on but then it is all worth it when folks see how quickly it lines up!

[@joechandler8398]

I use one of those kits too. I got mine at Harbor Freight for less than $10. I only use one of the balls however. My newest truck has a back-up camera. I position the trailer tongue high enough that I know it'll clear the ball then position 1 of the magnetic mount balls just behind the ball. The resolution of the camera is fine for right / left adjustments not so much for front to back. With that one magnet mounted yellow ball on a stick touching the forward side of the ball, when it moves I can see it move in the camera's screen. At that point, stop, lower the tongue and finish the hook up. I get perfect alignment the first time every time with no help.

[@randywilliams847]

Just about to buy my first Trailer...you folks make the absolute most helpful videos that are out there!!!!

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

thanks Randy, if you check our channel home page we have a special playlist for beginners. Glad to hear our vids have helped!

[@adamjones5911]

Best opening segment ever!!! Thank you for the laughs.

[@robertvantuyl2381]

Bungee cord your chains to keep them off the ground.

[@cmarrazzo1]

I’ve used electrical tape before... a bungee cord would be way easier, lol.

[@jackkazee4629]

This is by far my favorite video from you guys. The double-entendres at the beginning put my mind right in the gutter, and I giggled like a 12-year-old during the serious parts. Thank you! And LOLOHO!

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

You know, when I was editing this video I had all of those excerpts placed at the END of the video... but then I decided they were too funny to bury at the end! So I moved 'em to the BEGINNING and I agree it works much better that way. Sometimes it's best to have your dessert before the meal, haha

[@Stetson17]

Great tips once again you two. Last year my safety cable broke as it rusted right through. When I have to replace it this year I will definitely loop it back to the trailer. It just makes sense to do it this way. It also acts as another check to make sure the hitch and ball are in contact.

[@genemccarthy2847]

Greetings from Sedona, Arizona. We are newbies and as such, I have reviewed hundreds of KZbin videos in preparation for our first trip. The trailer (not yet named) still sits in an RV storage facility waiting for us to hook it up and take off. My dreams are of what I have to do next to prepare it. Thank you both for providing such sage advice.

[@superckn7]

Just got back from the Montana Wildlife Management Area of Freezeout Lake near Chouteau, MT: taking photo's of the massive snow geese/swan migration...got our electrical cable pinched while backing up (will have to have it replaced): saw the brief photo of how you all run it thru the hitch receiver pin/cable set up: perfect!! Anytime i don't have to re-invent a method and utilize someone else's set up, i'm all in: thanks again for another great teaching video...RnMT

[@tomjusttom5587]

I'm learning a lot from your videos as I prepare to think about buying a bumper pull RV. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. And losing your tow vehicle would most definitely be a son of a hitch!

[@lakeshoretrailrunner7820]

Thanks for the great education! We are buying a trailer this week and have zero experience. These videos are excellent and I feel much more confident. Thanks!

[@shouldibehere]

Thanks. I learned something about the electric brake cable and how to keep it from being too long.

[@zebsbro]

We have had our trailer for 10 months now and i thought I had this all down, but I learned I was doing a couple things wrong from this and will now correct my errors. Thanks so much for all the helpful videos!

[@chorton38305]

Oh my goodness, guys, that opening was the funniest thing I have seen in quite a while! I'm sure some bluenoses out there were "offended," given today's world, but it was hilarious! And the information was important and well given. Thanks!

[@traveller9625]

My God we love you guy's, very informative and just the right amount of levity for a serious topic.

[@stevena3446]

Depending on length and weight of rig, I highly recommend 2 anti-sway bars (1 on each side). Installing a second one really made a difference for us.

[@rss021815]

All the videos online are 5th wheel 5th wheel. Nobody caters to us "second class citizen" bumper towers. Easily one of the funnies and informative vids I have seen in a while! :-)

[@djc2g724]

Sean & Kristy I was told by an RV shop that if your trailer is longer than 25ft. then a second friction sway control should be added on the left side (driver's side). The left side units are a little more expensive than the right side. I did add the second device as my trailer is 33ft. long. And my trips have been very good with hardly any sway at all. I have transited the Columbia River Gorge (Oregon) a couple of times with no issues.

[@SSGSINCLAIR]

We watched this even though we have a 5th wheel. I just wanted to thank you for the laughs at the beginning of your video. We are new to the RVing life and find all of your videos very informative. Keep up the great work !

[@Cptstokes]

One thing I do, after everything is hooked up, to raise the trailer until it picks up the tow vehicle. That way I know the ball in firmly locked into the tongue.

[@DavidSmith-vo3nd]

Thank you Sean & Kristy!! Always good to see you guys!! ;-)

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

Good tips. A couple more... (1) Best to test ball coupling by raising trailer jack to see it starts lifting back of truck (starts lifting - don't overstress jack). (2) Make a receptacle (alum housing, modified tin can, whatever) to hold electrical plug when not in use so it can NEVER get in the dirt or be filled with water.

[@deepsea631]

Thanks for the video! For the electrical connection between the truck and trailer I carry a can of electrical contact cleaner. It'll reduce corrosion and can be used to really clean out the trailer's cable if it does accidentally fall in the dirt. I like the CRC brand quick drying formula but I think most work pretty well.

[@judgelarryjr2117]

Hello: I appreciate this ...RV HITCHING TIPS video because your information confirmed some methods I was told to do and introduced some other insights such as regularly monitoring if your trailer and tow vehicle are level. Thank you

[@MrMeanderthal]

when I have let trailer hitch down on to the tow ball and locked it up I use the trailer jack and lift the back of my van up about 4 inches. that gives me confidence that everything is together properly and not broken or out of adjustment.....

[@stevem7633]

Great video and pretty funny. Sway is probably the number 1 scariest part of towing.

[@brianbernier4394]

For safety first we were told to keep the tube on the prong when lifting the stabilizers into position until the locking pin is in place. On the one side you did but the first side you did not. Although there was no tension on it, with ours there is more like your 2nd hook up. Could be a kneecap breaker if under tension and release the tube b4 locking. I cringed when I saw that but admittedly there was no tension on it. Also we were told not to cross chains. Ours also hook on the last link so no way to be hanging on ground. I do remember in the 80's my father always crossed his chains. These may be items that were incorporated into our hitch build/prep. Keep up the great presentations and the humor was a nice start! LOLOHO! Brian Bernier

[@phipmarchum3825]

I would like to suggest that when you are backing in to hitch your trailer to your truck, if you are lucky enough to have someone to guide or help you, always ask them to stand on the driver side of the trailer & truck so that it is easier for you to see them in that driver side mirror. Also if there are any verbal instructions from driver or helper, it is much easier to hear each other from the driver side. Unless possibly you are a rear window backer upper , then anything goes and anything could happen ! I have backed & hooked & unhooked & also made many mistakes for many decades , so it is good you are trying to help folks to be safe ! Happy travels ! I have watched you from the begining !

[@kristymichael]

philip Markham, thanks so much for watching all these years! We always use walkie talkies when backing up, and sometimes when hitching. It makes it much easier to hear each other without having to yell over Seemore's Diesel engine! :) I agree that having the spotter stand on the drivers side is much safer. Thanks for your comment...happy camping!

[@raym2308]

Agreed regarding the driver's side positioning for the spotter. In addition, it is advisable for the spotter to avoid getting directly between the coach and the tow vehicle, especially when that vehicle is in motion. Happy and safe travels!