Tech Talk - How To Properly Hook Up A Trailer

Our Series of Boats
Resources
Discover Sportsman Design Studio Pricing Compare Store Find a Dealer →
Series

Open

9 Models • 21' → 40'

Built for families who want serious offshore capability, premium comfort and the freedom to fish, cruise or entertain.

Side image of the Open 402

Open 402

Side image of the Open 352

Open 352

Side image of the Open 322

Open 322

Side image of the Open 302

Open 302

Side image of the Open 282

Open 282

Side image of the Open 262

Open 262

Side image of the Open 252

Open 252

Side image of the Open 232

Open 232

Side image of the Open 212

Open 212

Series

Heritage

4 Models • 23' → 32'

A refined crossover lineup designed for coastal cruising, ample seating, family days and some fishing when the moment calls for it.

Side image of the Heritage 321

Heritage 321

Side image of the Heritage 261

Heritage 261

Side image of the Heritage 251

Heritage 251

Side image of the Heritage 231

Heritage 231

Series

Masters

6 Models • 22' → 28'

Shallow-water performance, fishing-focused layouts and everyday comfort built for family life and fishing.

Side image of the Masters 287

Masters 287

Side image of the Masters 267OE

Masters 267

Side image of the Masters 267OE

Masters 267OE

Side image of the Masters 247

Masters 247

Side image of the Masters 247OE

Masters 247OE

Side image of the Masters 227

Masters 227

 
Blog > Tech Talk - How To Properly Hook Up A Trailer

In this episode of Tech Talk, Technical Sales Rep, Chase takes you through the essential steps of properly hooking up a trailer to your truck. Whether you're a seasoned trailer pro or a newbie, you'll find Chase's expert guidance invaluable. He'll walk you through each step with precision, ensuring that your trailer is securely attached, and you're ready for a safe and stress-free towing experience.

October 26, 2023
Tech Talk
Cover image for the post Tech Talk - How To Properly Hook Up A Trailer
Michael Cheser
Marketing Content Supervisor
  • Verify that the ball and coupler sizes match and that the trailer is seated on the ball before hooking up.
  • Follow the proper hookup sequence and secure safety features: lock the coupler, insert the safety pin, cross the safety chains, connect the brake cord and plug in the electrical connector.
  • Perform a quick post hookup safety check of lights, tires and straps before towing.

It may seem like common knowledge, especially if you're a boat owner. However, a quick refresher is never a bad thing and for those who are new this may be your first lesson on the topic. So, what's the proper way to hook up a trailer? It's very important we get all of these steps correctly so we are safe on the road and don't break any laws.

Hooking up a trailer is a fairly easy process with just a few steps and it's becoming easier and easier as new technology is brought to life in modern vehicles. This is easily done with one person if you have a backup camera, if you're new and don't have a camera you may want to enlist the help of a family member or neighbor for this one because no one wants the tongue of their trailer to hit their bumper or even worse the tailgate of their truck.

Follow Chase's steps and you're going to be good to go.

1) Backup to the trailer tongue and ensure it's raised high enough that the ball on your trailer hitch sits just below the tongue.

2) Make sure the ball and tongue size are the same, in the case of this video we are using a 2" trailer and ball.

3) Get out the muscles and start lower that trailer with the attached jack onto the ball.

4) Once it's seated lock the coupler in place on the ball.

5) Insert the safety pin into the coupler. This will keep the coupler from opening while going down the highway.

6) Hook your safety chains to the receiver on your vehicle. We recommend crossing them for added safety.

7) Connect the emergency trailer brake cord to the vehicles receiver as well.

8) Lastly, connect your electronic trailer plug to the vehicle.

These are the simple steps to connecting a trailer to your vehicle. For added safety we recommend doing a quick double check of everything then walking around your vehicle and trailer to make sure all lights are working, tires have good tire pressure and any safety straps are tight. With that complete you're ready for a safe towing experience on your way to the boat ramp.