With the trailer laws changing in December 2021, there is no longer a requirement to take the BE towing training or test to tow a trailer. As a result many will be unaware of the correct process of hitching up a trailer and potential consequences of getting it wrong. A video of how to unhitch and hitch up as per the old test is included at the bottom of this page.
This is the correct sequence for hitching your trailer as per the BE towing training. Whilst this is designed to assist you when hitching up we strongly recommend that you take some lessons from a qualified instructor, particularly if you have never towed before:
Hitching up
Reverse to the trailer - if you don’t have a camera or hitching mirror have someone guide you if necessary by holding one arm vertically above the hitch so the driver can see where it is in their rear view mirror.
Connect the breakaway cable to the vehicle first.
Ensure your number plate has been attached to the number plate holder.
Unhitching:
Apply the handbrake. Chock the wheels with a brick or similar item to stop the trailer rolling around.
Disconnect the Electrics. DO NOT pull the cable as you will damage the connections inside the plug.
Wind the jockey wheel anticlockwise and raise the hitch handle at the same time. You will need to pull the coupling lock mechanism backwards to release the handle. The trailer will release from the ball hitch.
Move your vehicle away from the trailer and apply your security device, remembering to lock the integral coupling lock first.
Release the handbrake. DO NOT leave the handbrake applied as this will seize the brakes on.
This is the correct sequence for hitching your trailer as per the BE towing training. Whilst this is designed to assist you when hitching up we strongly recommend that you take some lessons from a qualified instructor, particularly if you have never towed before:
Hitching up
Reverse to the trailer - if you don’t have a camera or hitching mirror have someone guide you if necessary by holding one arm vertically above the hitch so the driver can see where it is in their rear view mirror.
Connect the breakaway cable to the vehicle first.
- Find a securing eye to attach the cable to, or pass it through the tow bar crossmember. This is sometimes out of view under your rear bumper.
- If possible do not just loop it over the ball hitch as it could jump off over potholes etc.
- For twin axle trailers, wind the jockey wheel anticlockwise to raise the coupling head if sideways movement is required, then lower it again when it is in the desired position
- Re-apply the handbrake when the coupling head is lined up over the ball hitch.
- For Ifor Williams Knott Avonride coupling heads you will need to pull the coupling lock mechanism backwards to release the handle.
- The handle will close when the trailer is fully engaged on the ball hitch.
- Wind the jockey wheel anticlockwise slightly to check the trailer is hitched securely. The vehicle should lift slightly.
- Wind the jockey wheel fully clockwise to raise the wheel off the floor before releasing the jockey wheel clamp on the side of the A frame. Then lift the entire jockey wheel assembly into the A-frame and re apply the clamp. The wheel should sit behind the chassis rail.
- If the hitch doesn’t lower all the way onto your vehicle then you can release the side clamp of the jockey wheel to allow it to drop onto the tow ball, but ensure it is correctly lined up first. Alternatively you can use adaptive suspension on your towing vehicle if fitted to raise your vehicle to the hitch coupling. Remember to lower any suspension to normal height before travelling.
- For 7 pin electrics raise the flap and align the gap in the bottom of the plug to the lug in the socket. Push the plug body into the socket. Ensure the flap sits snuggly to retain the plug in position
- For 13 pin electrics raise the flap and align the lug inside the plug with the gap in the socket. Insert the plug and turn clockwise ¼ of a turn until it clicks and so that the disc on top of the plug sits snugly under the flap. If your not sure about this then please watch the video below which shows how it is done.
Ensure your number plate has been attached to the number plate holder.
Unhitching:
Apply the handbrake. Chock the wheels with a brick or similar item to stop the trailer rolling around.
- Ideally place the chock behind the rear wheel and in front of the front wheels on both sides.
- Alternatively place one chock between the wheels on each side if you don’t have enough chocks for each wheel.
Disconnect the Electrics. DO NOT pull the cable as you will damage the connections inside the plug.
- For 7 pin lift the flap and pull the plug body. You may need to wiggle the plug if it is a tight fit.
- For 13 pin lift the flap and rotate the plug body anticlockwise ¼ of a turn before pulling the plug out.
Wind the jockey wheel anticlockwise and raise the hitch handle at the same time. You will need to pull the coupling lock mechanism backwards to release the handle. The trailer will release from the ball hitch.
Move your vehicle away from the trailer and apply your security device, remembering to lock the integral coupling lock first.
Release the handbrake. DO NOT leave the handbrake applied as this will seize the brakes on.