Attaching a Trailer

Follow the checks below. When in doubt, don’t tow — call 1300 418 285 with your order number.

The Simple Things to Check Before Towing a Trailer
Unlock trailer
Reverse vehicle into position
Lower coupling onto tow ball
Lock hitch handle down
Attach & cross safety chains
Plug in trailer lights
Fold up & stow jockey wheel
Check all lights are working
Check brakes (if fitted)
Test winch/hydraulics (if fitted)
Load strapped tight
Look for damage or issues
Guides by Trailer Type & Size

U Unbraked Trailers (≤ 750 kg)

  1. Before you start: Inspect trailer; tyres ~ 40 psi; lenses/wiring intact.
  2. Hitching: Reverse to 50 mm ball → drop coupling → push handle fully down until it clicks.
  3. Confirm lock: Wind jockey wheel up slightly — if the car lifts, it’s locked. Stow the wheel.
  4. Chain & plug: Cross the safety chain under draw-bar and shackle to tow-bar. Plug in lead.
  5. Lights: Indicators, brake, tail-lights all working.
  6. Loading: Stay under vehicle towing limit & trailer ATM; most weight ahead of axle(≈10% on ball). Strap down.
  7. Final check: ☑ Coupling locked ☑ Chain on ☑ Lights OK ☑ Tyres 40 psi ☑ Load secure

Issue? Don’t tow — call 1300 418 285.

B Trailers with Overrun Brakes (≤ 2,000 kg)

  1. Pre-hire: Inspect; tyres ~ 50 psi; handbrake OFF; 7-pin lead intact.
  2. Hitching: Reverse to 50 mm ball → drop & lock coupling → confirm with jockey wheel → stow.
  3. Chain & plug: Cross chain(s) & shackle; plug in lead; test lights.
  4. Reversing: Close reversing latch before backing (disengages overrun brakes).
  5. Loading: Under limits; weight ahead of axle; strap down.
  6. Final check: ☑ Coupling ☑ Chain ☑ Lights ☑ Tyres 50 psi ☑ Load strapped ☑ Handbrake off

Tip: Apply handbrake when parked.

E Trailers with Electric Brakes (> 2,000 kg)

  1. Pre-hire: Inspect; tyres ~ 55 psi; handbrake OFF; break-away battery LED green; 7-pin intact.
  2. Hitch & links: Reverse → drop & lock → confirm with jockey wheel → stow → cross both chains → plug in → clip break-away cable.
  3. Power Elecbrakes: Headlights ON. Open Elecbrakes app(auto-connect); press brake pedal — see red circle in app.
  4. Set gain: Empty ≈40% • Loaded 80–100% (even, confident braking).
  5. Loading: Under limits; weight ahead of axle (~10% on ball); strap all corners (winch isn’t a tie-down).
  6. Final check: ☑ Coupling ☑ 2 chains ☑ Break-away ☑ Lights ☑ Tyres 55 psi ☑ Gain set

How to Operate Electric Brakes

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