Ashleigh Romero
Unhitching a camper trailer is a complex process that requires careful attention to ensure safety. The first step is to put down the trailer's steps and enter the trailer to check for any issues that may have occurred during transit. Next, place blocks or pads under the trailer's jacks, followed by chocks under the tires to prevent the trailer from rolling when detached. After unlocking and removing any anti-theft devices, the weight distribution hitch can be detached, and the tongue of the trailer brought back to level. The safety cables, emergency brake cable, and brake controller cable can then be disconnected, and the trailer can be lowered onto the blocks. Finally, the tow vehicle can be moved forward to clear the trailer's hitch, and the trailer can be levelled and stabilized.
What You'll Learn
Unhooking a camper with a weight distribution system
Firstly, ensure that your trailer is level and that the tires are chocked to prevent any accidental rolling. This is an important safety measure. Next, disconnect the electrical connection and safety chains. If you have a breakaway cable, be sure to disconnect it as well.
Now, you will need to raise the tongue of the camper with a jack. Raise it high enough to take most of the weight off of the spring bars. If your weight distribution system has snap-up brackets, remove any safety clips. Then, carefully lower the bracket and release the chain. Ensure that most of the tension is off the spring bars when lowering the bracket. If there is still tension, it can cause the handle to jerk out of your hands. To release more tension, simply raise the tongue of the trailer further.
After the spring bars are unhooked, you can lower the tongue of the trailer. Unlock the latch of the coupler and raise the tongue again until the coupler is clear of the trailer. Now, you can move the tow vehicle away from the trailer tongue.
If you are having trouble removing the weight distribution spring bars from their lift brackets, you may need to use your trailer tongue jack to lift the trailer tongue and take the tension off the bars before disengaging them. Then, lower the jack and uncouple the trailer.
It is important to note that coupling and uncoupling your trailer can be the most dangerous part of the process, so always ensure that your trailer's wheels are securely chocked to prevent any accidental movement.
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Unhooking a ball-hitch
Before beginning the unhooking process, ensure that your camper is parked in a large and safe spot. The first step is to fit your wheel chocks snugly on both sides of the camper's tires. This is important to prevent the camper from rolling once it is detached from the tow vehicle.
Next, use a jack to lift the front end of the camper slightly off the ground. It is important to ensure that the jack is on level ground. Once the camper is lifted, you can begin the process of unhooking the ball-hitch.
Start by disconnecting the brake cable, safety chains, and emergency brake controller. If you have sway bars, remove them as well. Make sure that the camper is lifted high enough to release the tension from the sway bars, otherwise, the chains may whip around when removed.
Now, lower the camper until it is resting on the tow vehicle, ensuring that it is secure and stable. Then, lift the ball receiver latch and release the hitch ball. Use the jack to carefully lift the camper up and off the hitch ball. Be cautious during this step, as the tension between the vehicles may cause the camper to raise up instead of uncoupling. Do not raise the camper too high, as this could cause damage to the interior when it suddenly lowers.
Once the camper is freed from the tow vehicle, carefully drive the tow vehicle forward and use the jack to level the camper. Finally, store your hitch away for future use.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively unhook a ball-hitch for your camper, ensuring a secure and enjoyable camping experience.
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Positioning your camper on level ground
Finding the Right Spot
Start by assessing if your camper will fit onto the site. Check the ground surface and its drainage capabilities. Consider if it will get muddy when wet, or if there are pests like ants present. Also, think about privacy and whether you can set up your awning, TV, or satellite dish. While a flatter site is generally preferable, keep in mind that the best locations might not be as level as you'd like.
Using Tools for Levelling
To ensure your camper is level, use tools like a spirit level, levelling ramps, and chocks. A spirit level will help you determine how level your camper is from left to right and front to rear. Levelling ramps can be applied to the right or left of your camper to adjust as needed. Chocks are wedges of tough plastic that you can drive up to level out your vehicle. Ensure your tyres are securely located in the middle of each chock to prevent slippage.
Manual Levelling Process
First, check if your chosen site is level from left to right. If not, apply levelling ramps or dig just in front of or behind the side that needs adjusting. Move your vehicle slowly onto the ramps or the lower area, then check the result. You may need to adjust the height or process multiple times. Once the left-to-right level is achieved, it's time to adjust the front-to-rear level. Unhook your camper to adjust the front and rear levels using the jockey wheel to raise or lower the front as needed.
Electric Levelling Systems
Newer or more deluxe campers may have electric levelling systems. Even with these systems, it's important to first park on relatively even ground. Use levelling blocks to even up your camper from side to side and place them in front of the wheels on the side that needs raising. Pull forward slowly until the wheels are on top of the blocks, then place wheel chocks to prevent rolling. Put levelling blocks or pads beneath the stabilizer jacks to reduce the space they need to cover before making contact with a stable surface. Now you can engage your electric levelling system and let it do the work.
Remember, levelling your camper is essential for your comfort and the proper functioning of appliances like fridges and plumbing. Taking the time to position your camper on level ground will enhance your camping experience.
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The order of unhooking utilities
Unhooking your camper's utilities is a simple process when you know the order to follow. The first thing to do is to unhook the electrical cable. It is important to remember to turn off the electric outlet's breaker switch before you begin.
Next, you will unhook the water supply. It is important to remember to wear disposable gloves when handling the water hose and to store the water hose and fittings separately from the sewage hose and fittings.
Finally, you will unhook the sewage. It is recommended to use the gray water tank to rinse out the sewage hose if needed.
The order of unhooking is the same as hooking up, so it is easy to remember. It is also important to use antibacterial soap after handling the sewer hose.
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Benefits of staying hooked up overnight
Staying hooked up to your camper overnight has several benefits, especially if you're only stopping for one night. Here are some advantages to consider:
Save Time and Energy
If you're arriving late or leaving early, staying hooked up can save you time and effort in setting up and packing up your campsite. This is especially useful if you've had a long or tiring day of travelling and just need a quick stopover for the night.
Increased Safety
In an emergency, staying hooked up means you can get going quickly without the stress of hitching up your camper. You can simply pull in any slides, raise any jacks, and be on your way, which is much safer and less chaotic than trying to hook up during a stressful situation.
Early Morning Departures
If you're an early bird, staying hooked up can make for a smoother departure. You can get a head start on the road without having to spend time hitching up your camper in the morning.
Comfort and Convenience
Staying hooked up can provide a more comfortable night's sleep, especially if you're parked on level ground. You can also use stabilizers to reduce movement and wobbling inside the camper. Additionally, if you're staying in a campground, you may have access to amenities like electricity, water, and sewer hookups, making your stay more convenient.
Spacious Parking
When staying hooked up, you'll need to find a spacious parking spot to accommodate both your camper and tow vehicle. This can be beneficial if you're concerned about having enough room to manoeuvre and set up your campsite.
Rest Stop Accessibility
In some cases, staying hooked up can give you access to rest stops along highways and interstates. These areas are designed for travellers to take a break, use the bathroom, stretch their legs, and even get a good night's sleep in their RVs. Many rest areas are spacious, well-maintained, and offer various amenities like bathrooms, WiFi, and dog runs, making them a convenient option for a quick overnight stay.
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Frequently asked questions
First, make sure the trailer is level and chock the tires so they will not roll. Then, disconnect the electrical connection, safety chains, and breakaway cable if you have one. Next, raise the tongue of the camper with a jack to take the weight off the spring bars. If your weight distribution has snap-up brackets, remove any safety clips. Lower the bracket and release the chain, being careful to ensure that most of the tension is off the spring bars. After the spring bars are unhooked, lower the tongue of the trailer. Unlock the latch of the coupler and raise the tongue until the coupler is clear, then move the tow vehicle away.
Block the trailer downhill side tires, then both front and rear tires on both sides. Disconnect the umbilical and safety chains, and attempt to move the hitch lock to the unlocked position. If it won't unlock, the trailer is in the "push" position, with its weight moving toward your tow vehicle. Move your tow vehicle forward a tiny bit until the trailer wheels come up against the wheel chocks. This will stretch out the hitch, taking the pressure off the hitch lock. Pull up on the hitch lock. Now, lower your landing jack until you can see the rear of your tow vehicle start to rise. Put your tow vehicle in reverse, and as soon as it moves, the ball will drop down out of the hitch. Put the vehicle in park, then finish cranking the tongue jack until the hitch clears the ball.
Ensure that the trailer is level and chock the tires so they will not roll. Disconnect the electrical connection and safety chains. If you have a breakaway cable, disconnect it as well. Raise the tongue of the camper with a jack to take the weight off the ball. Unlock the latch of the coupler and raise the tongue until the coupler is clear, then move the tow vehicle away.
