How To Hitch Up A Touring Caravan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nov 14, 2025

Hitching up a touring caravan isn’t rocket science—just precision, patience, and a good cup of tea! Simply align, secure, and double-check your connections for a smooth, safe tow. This quick guide covers every step (plus handy tips on Caravan Awnings) to keep your adventures rolling stress-free.

Pre-Hitching Preparation: The Must-Do Checks

Before hitching your caravan, there are a few must-do preparations. These include checking everything inside and outside the caravan, setting up your tow vehicle, and ensuring your noseweight is spot on.

Internal and External Securing Checklist

Secure Everything Inside

Close and lock all cupboards, drawers, the fridge, windows, and rooflights.
Make sure to stow away the TV, Caravan Awnings, and any loose items that might move about while travelling.

Disconnect Utilities

Switch off the gas at the bottle.
Unplug the 240V hook-up cable—first from the bollard, then from the caravan—and stow it safely.
Empty and store all hoses and waste tanks properly before continuing.

Raise the Caravan Steadies

Wind up all four corner steadies and remove any wheel chocks.
This ensures the caravan is ready to move without risk of strain or drag.

Grey air awning attached to a white caravan, featuring large clear windows and an open entrance, displayed on a white background.

Tow Vehicle Alignment and Nose Weight

Check/Clean the Tow Ball

Check that the tow ball is clean and free from rust, paint, or lubricant.
This is especially important when using a stabiliser hitch, as grease or dirt can reduce grip and stability.

Adjust Hitch Height

Use the jockey wheel to raise the caravan’s hitch head so it sits slightly above the tow ball.
This allows for a smoother and safer coupling once connected.

Check Nose Weight

Noseweight is the downward force the caravan applies to the tow vehicle’s hitch.
It’s crucial for stable towing.
Use a gauge to ensure it’s within legal and recommended limits.
A well-balanced load prevents sway and keeps your vehicle steady on the road.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Secure Coupling

Hitching your caravan properly takes focus and patience, but following these steps will make the process safe and straightforward.

The Main Hitch Connection Sequence

Reverse and Align

Position your car and caravan on level ground.
Slowly reverse until the tow ball is directly beneath the hitch.
Use a rear-view camera or an assistant to guide you and ensure perfect alignment.
Keep the caravan handbrake applied throughout.

Lower and Lock

Use the jockey wheel to lower the hitch onto the tow ball.
You should hear a firm click as it locks into place.
Check the visual indicator—it normally turns green—to confirm it’s properly secured.

The "Lift Test" Check

Wind the jockey wheel back up slightly.
The rear of your car should lift around 25–50 mm.
This small lift proves that the connection is secure and properly engaged.

Grey and black air awning attached to a white caravan on a bright sunny day, set up on a green grassy field.

Connecting Safety and Stabilisation Systems

Attach Breakaway Cable

Attach the breakaway cable securely to your tow vehicle.
Loop it through the designated attachment point or around the tow bar base.
Ensure it has enough slack to move freely during turns but not so much that it risks dragging.

Engage the Stabiliser Hitch

Push the stabiliser handle down until it clicks, confirming a tight connection.
Check the indicator shows green before continuing.
The stabiliser helps control sway and improves overall towing stability.

Secure and Stow the Jockey Wheel

Once everything is connected, wind the jockey wheel fully up.
Clamp it tightly and secure it in the travel position.
This prevents it from dropping or coming loose while driving.

Final Safety Checks and Road Legality

Before setting off, it’s time to run through a few final checks.
These simple but important steps make sure your caravan is road-ready and legal to tow.

Electrical and Lighting Verification

Connect Electrical Plugs

Securely connect the 13-pin or twin 7-pin plugs.
Twist them to lock in place, ensuring the cables are tidy and won’t drag on the ground.

Perform a Full Light Check

With help from an assistant, test your brake lights, indicators, side lights, and rear fog lights.
This step is vital to remain visible and compliant on the road.

Check ATC/Safety Systems

If your caravan has an AL-KO ATC or similar safety system, check that the light shows green.
This indicates the system is active and working correctly.

Final Walk-Around and Legal Requirements

Fit and Adjust Towing Mirrors

Fit your towing mirrors so you can clearly see 4 metres to the side and 20 metres behind the caravan.
This is a legal requirement for safe visibility while towing.

Release Handbrake

Ensure the caravan handbrake is completely released and all wheel chocks are stored away.
A quick check can prevent damage or drag once you move off.

Confirm Correct Number Plate

Check that your caravan’s number plate matches your tow vehicle’s registration.
It’s a small but vital legal detail before setting off.

Two cyclists riding past a camper van with a white and grey awning set up beside a grassy path, surrounded by trees near a scenic outdoor area.

Safety Checks and Journey Preparation

With your caravan now hitched and ready, give everything one final look over.
Ensure the hitch is tight, the stabiliser bar is secure, the breakaway cable is attached, and all lights and electrical connections are working perfectly.

Check your tyre pressures, brakes, and that your essentials—like a first-aid kit, spare tyres, and a basic toolkit—are packed and ready.

By following these simple checks and keeping your caravan in good order, you’re all set for a safe, smooth, and enjoyable journey ahead.

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