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What this PDF covers
Unhitching, setup, and hitching procedures for travel trailers. Use this printable checklist as a practical walk-through before, during, or after the RV task.
Safe Unhitching Process
- Position trailer straight in site (avoid sharp angles)
- Block wheels with wheel chocks rated for trailer weight
- Lower tongue jack to take weight off hitch ball
- Disconnect safety chains FIRST, then electrical (reverse for hitching)
- Raise hitch coupler off ball and engage coupler lock
- Fully extend tongue jack for maximum stability
Leveling & Stabilization
- Check level side-to-side with bubble level (most critical)
- Adjust using tongue jack and/or leveling blocks under wheels
- Deploy stabilizing jacks at all corners (don't over-extend)
- Extend slide-outs only after confirming trailer is level
- Test that doors and drawers operate smoothly (levelness check)
- Double-check stability before adding full water/supplies weight
Re-hitching for Departure
- Retract slide-outs and all stabilizer jacks completely
- Raise tongue jack to proper hitching height (slightly high)
- Back tow vehicle slowly to align with coupler
- Lower coupler onto hitch ball until fully seated and lock
- Connect safety chains crossing under tongue (prevents dragging)
- Connect electrical plug and test ALL lights (brake, turn, running)
- Remove wheel chocks and do final 360-degree walk-around