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Suggested Hitch-Up Checklist

  • Written By: Todd McArthur
camping storage ideas organizing camping gear

Inside Van

  • Close – hatches, windows
  • Secure – curtains, blinds, folding door, stove lid.
  • Switch Off – 12v lights and pump
  • Fridge to 12v (not gas)
  • Fridge door locked
  • Loose items secured
  • Secure roof (pop-tops)

Car

  • Levelling bars on
  • Safety chain attached
  • Mirrors on7 pin plug in socket
  • Lights tested to van
  • Tyres checked visually

Outside Van

  • Push step in
  • Door locked, keys removed
  • Hook in position
  • Gas off at bottle
  • Stoneshield locked
  • 240 power lead removed and stowed
  • Jacks up
  • Jockey wheel off
  • Tyres checked visually
  • TV fittings secured/removed
  • Caravan handbrake off

Others

  • Annex, etc stowed in van forward of axle.
  • Ensure the tow vehicle and caravan are on level ground to facilitate easier hitching.
  • Align the tow vehicle and caravan so that they are in a straight line, making it easier to connect the hitch.
  • Confirm that the handbrake of the caravan is engaged and the wheels are chocked to prevent any movement.
  • Check that the tow vehicle is in park or neutral (for manual transmissions) and the parking brake is engaged. Contact Allbrand Caravan Services for more information.
  • Lower the jockey wheel of the caravan to raise the coupling hitch to a suitable height for attachment.
  • Back the tow vehicle slowly and align the tow ball with the coupling socket on the caravan.
  • Ensure the coupling hitch is clean and free from any debris or obstructions.
  • Lower the coupling hitch onto the tow ball, ensuring it fully engages and locks into place.
  • Secure the coupling hitch by applying the locking mechanism and check that it is properly latched.
  • Attach the safety chains from the caravan to the designated points on the tow vehicle. Cross the chains under the tow bar to create a cradle shape and ensure they have enough slack for turns but not dragging on the ground.
  • Ensure the safety chains are connected securely and can support the weight of the caravan in case of a coupling failure.
  • Connect the electrical plug from the caravan to the socket on the tow vehicle. Ensure the plug is fully inserted and locked into place.
  • Test the trailer lights, indicators, brake lights, and other electrical functions to ensure they are working correctly.
  • Attach the breakaway cable from the caravan to a suitable anchor point on the tow vehicle. This cable is a backup safety device that activates the caravan’s brakes if it becomes separated from the tow vehicle.
  • If your caravan has stabilizers or weight distribution devices, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly install and engage them.
  • Adjust the stabilizers or weight distribution system as necessary to ensure proper weight distribution between the tow vehicle and caravan.
  • Double-check all connections, ensuring they are secure and properly latched.
  • Check that all lights and indicators on the caravan are functioning correctly.
  • Ensure the caravan’s handbrake is released and wheels are free to rotate.
  • Perform a visual inspection of the hitch, safety chains, and electrical connections to ensure everything is properly secured.
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Todd McArthur

Todd McArthur is CEO of AllBrand Caravan Services and Managing Director of McArthur Industries in Brisbane, with over 30 years of experience in the caravan and automotive industry.
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