How to Connect a Rental Trailer
Enjoying the finer things!
I talk to people daily about connecting trailers. I have found that since many people have never done it before, they are often intimidated by the process. I’m here to tell you that you should not be intimidated and that you can connect a trailer.
I am going to take a guess and predict that you have moved at least once in your lifetime. Since we all move, renting a trailer is frequently the first time many of us ever tow a trailer. So let me help you. Let’s go over what you need to know about connecting a rental trailer from U-Haul. (Note: U-Haul will inspect your vehicle for towing and connect the trailer for you before you hit the road, but it is always a good idea to know how to connect the trailer yourself.)
Connect the Coupler to the Hitch Ball
1. Push down on the latch (C) and fully loosen the hand-wheel (D) by turning counterclockwise. Lower the coupler (B) onto the hitch ball (A) as shown.
2. Check that the ball clamp (E) is positioned below the hitch ball (A). The coupler should completely engulf the hitch ball (A).
3. Hand-tighten the coupler by pushing down on the latch (C) while turning the hand wheel (D) clockwise. As you tighten the hand-wheel, the ball clamp (E) will rise inside the coupler and press firmly against the hitch ball. When you think the hand-wheel is as tight as it can get, stop and give the trailer a push, pushing it away from your vehicle. After doing that, attempt to get more turns on the hand-wheel. This easy double check will help make sure that the hitch ball is properly seated inside the coupler and that the hand-wheel is fully tightened.
Connect the Safety Chains
Cross the chains underneath the trailer tongue (B). You will feed the right chain through or around the left side of the hitch structure. Do not attach chains to the ball or a ball mount that is removable. Feed the left chain through or around the right side of the hitch structure.
The “S”-hooks (D) can be placed through a link in the chain. Crossing the chains under the tongue allows the necessary amount of slack for turning. Create less slack (you don’t want the chains dragging on the road) by hooking the chain back to itself or by twisting the links to shorten chain. Be sure the “S”-hooks are secured with a rubber retainer (D).
Do you have any tips on how you connect your trailer? Are you a towing expert? Let us know in the comments below.
