Coupling and Uncoupling Your Zone RV

Essential Steps to Follow for Safe and Effective Caravan Attachment and Detachment of cruisemaster DO35 & DO45 hitches

Coupling and uncoupling a caravan can be a daunting task, especially for first-time caravan owners. However, proper coupling and uncoupling are essential for safe and efficient towing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to correctly couple and uncouple your caravan:

Coupling:

1. The caravan should only be coupled on level ground: Park your caravan on level ground before attempting to couple it with the towing vehicle. An uneven surface can cause difficulty in coupling and may lead to damage.

2. Check the towing pin and universal: Ensure that the towing pin and universal is free from sand, dirt, and foreign objects. Use a lightly lubricated cloth to wipe it clean.

3. Adjust the height of the RV jack: Raise the height of the trailer coupling above the vehicle towing pin by adjusting the RV jack. The coupling should be at a height that allows the towing vehicle to drive under it easily.

4. Open the locking plate: Push and hold the lock button down, then push the locking plate back to fully open position until the lock button can spring back.

5. Align the coupling: Align the coupling over the towing pin by moving either the towing vehicle or the trailer. Take caution to ensure that the two parts are in line and will easily fit together.

6. Check that the hitch is seated: Ensure that the hitch is properly seated on the towing pin. This is an essential step to prevent the caravan from becoming detached during transport.

7. Lock the coupling: Push the lock button to release the plate into the locked position.

8. Assemble the dust cover: Assemble the dust cover by snapping in the back edge of the seal first and then pushing on the front. The dust cover should emit an audible snap when correctly assembled.

9. Release the handbrake: Before driving off, ensure that you release the handbrake.

Uncoupling:

1. The trailer should only be uncoupled on level ground: Park the caravan on level ground before uncoupling it from the towing vehicle. This will prevent damage and ensure that the process is safe and efficient.

2. Leave chains on uneven surfaces: If the surface is uneven, leave the chains on until the last minute. This will ensure that the caravan stays in place and does not become detached during the uncoupling process.

3. Engage the handbrake and chock the wheels: To prevent the caravan from rolling away, engage the handbrake and chock the wheels if necessary.

4. Remove all attachments: Remove the dust cover, tow plug, camera lead, brake-safe lanyard, and safety chains.

5. Open the locking plate: Push and hold the lock button down, then push the locking plate to the full open position until the lock button can spring back.

6. Raise the height of the trailer: Lower the jack leg to raise the height of the trailer above the towing pin.

Coupling and uncoupling your caravan may seem like a challenging task at first, but by following these guidelines, you can ensure that it is done safely and effectively. Remember to always refer to your caravan manual for specific instructions and take caution when handling your caravan. Safe towing!