Determine your vehicle's tow capacity. Generally, a subcompact or compact vehicle uses a Class 1 hitch, referred to as a receiver. Larger vehicles require Class 2 or Class 3 hitches.
Select a ball mount with a shaft size matching the receiver. Ball mounts allow you to raise or lower the ball mount to the hitch to level the trailer with your towing vehicle.
Install a sway control device that reduces trailer sway. Class 3 hitches require sway control devices on SUV's and large pickup trucks.
Towing vehicles on public roads requires working trailer lights, which generally come with any trailer.
Request a friend to help you with directions when backing your vehicle up to the trailer.
Bring the trailer to your vehicle if it is light enough, by pushing it towards the back of your vehicle. With heavier trailers, back the vehicle up to the trailer.
Crank the trailer jack up high enough that the tow ball mount does not hit the coupler.
Estimate the distance needed to move when backing up to the trailer by leaving the vehicle door open and checking while backing up.
Use the trailer jack to lower the coupler onto the ball when you have your trailer ball in the correct position, under the coupler. Ensure the coupler is loose and the clamp is dropped open.
Feel the clamp with your hand to make sure the clamp is around the bottom of the ball.
Connect every part of the hitch and ensure the coupler clamp lock is in the down position and the latch hooked securely.
Install a coupler safety lock to keep the lever from coming open
Check the hitch pin clip in the hitch receiver on the towing vehicle. Hitch pin clip locks and holds the ball mount in place.
Install the safety chains and cross them under the coupler to ensure the coupler falls on the chains. This is a safety precaution in case the trailer breaks away.
Connect the trailer lights to your vehicle's connector and ensure they are working.
