Coupling your car and caravan

Our 7 steps to correct coupling up

1. Understanding the process 

Ask your dealer to demonstrate how to couple a caravan to a tow vehicle. This is important for both new and experienced caravanners, because equipment changes over time. Get the dealer to demonstrate several times if necessary. Complacency is dangerous. 


2. Positioning of the vehicles 

Don’t manoeuvre the caravan by yourself, especially if the ground is uneven. If possible, get someone to help you. Use the jockey wheel to adjust the height of the caravan hitch so that it is higher than the towball before reversing the car. 

3. Correct attachment of breakaway cable 

A towbar will ideally have a breakaway attachment point near the towball (all newer towbars will have this). However, if you need a little more information, our advice on how to choose a towbar will keep you well-informed. 

The breakaway cable is designed to apply a trailer’s brakes if it becomes separated from its towing vehicle. The cable assembly is then designed to part, allowing the trailer to come to a halt away from the towing vehicle. 

Make sure there’s enough slack in the cable so that it does not become taut during normal use – even at extremes of steering lock and trailer articulation. 


4. Coupling to the towball 

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. There are various types of coupling heads, each with their own method of attachment. Many feature a coloured visual indicator, you must check this to confirm the attachment was successful . Hitches with an integral stabiliser are now almost universal and require extra vigilance. Some require a second handle to be operated and may give an audible click on correct location. Check the instructions and if in doubt: ASK. 


5. Double check the coupling 

Double check that the coupling is fully engaged over the towball, with handles correctly located. 


6. Stowing the jockey wheel

After checking the coupling, the jockey wheel must be fully retracted. Fully wind up the wheel forks into the slots of the outer tube. Loosen the clamp on the A-frame and lift the entire assembly, ensuring the wheel is as high as possible, then retighten the clamp. 

Important: the clamp and handle are designed for hand use - do not over tighten - deformation of the clamp or damage to the threads may result. 

Alternatively, the jockey wheel assembly may be removed from the clamp altogether and stored in the car or the caravan. 


7. Connecting the electrics

Older outfits may still use the 12N and 12S 7-pin double socket arrangement, but newer (post 2008) outfits will typically use the 13-pin twist socket. Ask the dealer to show you how to locate this and how far to twist it to achieve secure connection. Ask your partner to test brakes, both indicators, fog lights and headlights before pulling away.