Complete Guide to Hitching and Unhitching Your RV

 

The Husky Towing Super Brute Power Tongue Jack is an electric tongue jack designed for ease in hitching and unhitching trailers. It has a lift capacity of 4000 lbs, a 20mm ball screw design for efficient lifting, and features such as weather-protected switches, a 3-sided LED light system, and an 18” stroke.

The jack includes several accessories like a manual crank handle, emergency brake release, and a bubble level. For more information on the Husky Jack and its benefits, as well as general tips and safety measures to be aware of while hitching, read on:

Hitching Your RV: Tips and Procedures

1. Preparation:
   • Ensure your RV and towing vehicle are on a level surface.
   • Check that the towing vehicle's hitch and the RV's hitch receiver are compatible and in good condition.
   • Lift your RV to the desired height.
2. Aligning the Vehicle and RV:
   • Align the towing vehicle with the RV's hitch. This may require a spotter to guide you.
3. Lowering the RV onto the Hitch:
   • Using the Husky Jack, lower the RV's tongue onto the hitch ball of the towing vehicle. Ensure it's securely attached.
4. Securing the Connection:
   • Lock the hitch coupler and insert the hitch pin.
   • Attach the safety chains in a crisscross pattern under the hitch.
5. Electrical Connections and Brake Controller:
   • Connect the RV's electrical system to the towing vehicle.
   • Ensure the brake controller is working (if applicable).
6. Final Checks:
   • Check all lights and signals.
   • Ensure the RV is level and the Husky Jack is fully retracted.

Unhitching Your RV

The process for unhitching your RV is not altogether different from hitching, you’re simply performing some of the steps in reverse. That being said, there are still some things you need to be aware of in terms of prep and how you use your tongue jack, as well as basic safety measures to be aware of.

1. Preparation:
   • Park on a level surface and apply the towing vehicle's parking brake.
2. Chocking the Wheels:
   • Place wheel chocks around the RV's tires to prevent rolling.
3. Disconnecting Electrical and Safety Chains:
   • Disconnect the electrical connections and remove the safety chains.
4. Using the Husky Jack:
   • Extend the Husky Jack to lift the RV's tongue off the hitch ball.
5. Separating the Vehicle and RV:
   • Slowly drive the towing vehicle forward until clear of the hitch.
6. Stabilizing the RV:
   • Lower and adjust RV stabilizing jacks for firm contact with the ground.

As you can see the process for both hitching and unhitching is fairly straightforward. One of the keys to making it a seamless process every time is having a reliable jack on hand. This not only makes the process easier and less time consuming, it also makes it safer.

Best Practices and Safety Precautions

• Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your RV's hitch system and the Husky Jack itself.
• Weight Distribution: Ensure your load is evenly distributed in the RV.
• Double-Check Connections: Always double-check the hitch connection, safety chains, and electrical connections before moving.
• Proper Use of Jack: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the Husky Jack to avoid damage or injury.
• Safety Gear: Wear appropriate safety gear, like gloves, when hitching or unhitching.
• Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the weight capacity of your towing setup or the Husky Jack.
• Training and Practice: If you're new to RVing, consider getting training and practice in a safe environment.

Remember, hitching and unhitching your RV is a critical process that requires attention to detail and adherence to safety practices. The Husky Jack, with its features and capabilities, can make this process more efficient and less strenuous.

The Importance of Using a Quality RV Jack

Using a high-quality jack, like the Husky Jack for RVs, is important for several reasons:

Safety: A high-quality jack is designed to reliably support the weight of your RV, reducing the risk of accidents or injury.

Durability: Quality jacks are built to withstand repeated use and harsh conditions, ensuring long-term reliability.

Stability: They provide stable support, which is crucial when your RV is parked, especially in uneven terrains.

Ease of Use: High-quality jacks often come with features that make them easier to operate, like electric lifting, which can be a significant advantage over manual jacks.

Protection of Investment: Your RV is a significant investment, and using a dependable jack helps protect that investment by ensuring proper handling during hitching and unhitching.

Other Important Things to be Aware Of

When hitching or unhitching an RV, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and to make sure you understand the process before actually diving in. Here are some other tips on hitching that are worth noting:

Clear Area: Check the surrounding area for obstacles or hazards. It’s important that both your RV and your towing vehicle have ample room to move around in, otherwise the process will be more difficult than it needs to be.

Correct Load Distribution: Ensure the load within the RV is evenly distributed to maintain balance.

Understand Weight Limits: Be fully aware of the weight limits of your RV, towing vehicle, and hitching equipment.

Weather Conditions: Be cautious in adverse weather conditions, which can affect the stability and safety of your setup.

Level Surface: Always try to hitch and unhitch on a level surface to prevent the RV from moving unexpectedly. While campgrounds aren’t always the most level, it’s something to be aware of.

Communication: If you're working with a partner, maintain clear communication throughout the process. Everyone involved should be aware of what goes into the hitching process and should be able to operate the jack as well.

These precautions help ensure a safe and successful hitching or unhitching process even in less than ideal conditions.

Find Everything You Need to Hitch and Unhitch Your RV Right Here

Now that you know more about the hitching process, it’s time to shop for what you need. Whether that’s a brand new Husky Jack, wheel chocks, or anything else that you might need while on the road or during your trip, we have you covered. Here at RV Upgrades we carry a wide assortment of quality RV accessories, appliances, tools, and more. Browse through our website to see for yourself, so you can equip your RV for any outing!