How to de-couple & re-couple a small trailer

I am a DSA ADI and Fleet registered trainer specialising in driving instructor training, fleet driver assessment & training and B+E (trailer test) training.
This video shows a SAFE way to complete the DSA de-couple and re-couple exercise.
Needless to say we are more than happy to help with training. Currently we cover appx 30 mile radius of Chesterfield, Derby, Sheffield & Stockport.
Please visit us at www.safedrivedrivingschool.com

If you are in the Derby area of the UK and looking for training / lessons please visit my web site

www.2ndexit.co.u

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• safedrive
• fleet training
• trailer
• couple
• de-couple
• re-couple
• B+E
• trailer test
• hitch
• decouple
• recouple
• trailer training
• dsa
• driving test
• small trailer
• trailer connect
• trailer disconnect

[Spookyb329]

Its good practise to leave the cable attached until the trailer has been unhitched. This prevents the trailer running away; trailers with a ratchet handbrake will roll backward if the handbrake hasn't been applied fully (it needs to be almost vertical) as the auto-reverse brakes will release as soon as the trailer starts to move backwards. When the handbrake is vertical the auto-reverse brakes are over-ridden. The trailer in the video has an over-centre handbrake that cannot be partially applied

[Spookyb329]

Also, some tips for hitching up; as you reverse to the trailer, align the trailer centrally within the mirrors and this will ensure the hitch is perfectly aligned with the towball. After getting out to do the trailer checks, lower the hitch so its a few mm lower than the towball. (you can make this easier by checking the hitch height against the ball during the unhitching exercise) You can then continue to reverse and will feel the hitch as it clicks over the towball. Perfect every time :)

[peakbusiness]

@Spookyb329 Thanks for that - I am guilty of showing this for DSA test purposes and concentrated on the actual hitching process. Your technique is the one I use personally and indeed teach because like you say - it works every time.

On test they de-couple then re-couple to the same trailer so I teach to just raise the hitch until 'drop off' then when they get in the car this gives an extra 1/2" clearence - not saying I'm fat like :o)

[peakbusiness]

@Spookyb329 Again, excellent point though I was a bit stuck with the trailer I had - as you note being an 'over centre'. Again as this is the one I use for test that is what the video was shot for. However - your point is so valid that I see a re-shoot coming on if I can just borrow a ratchet hitch from somewhere

I like to teach for life - not just for the test and I need to get this sorted.

Your feedback is very much appreciated - and agreed with totally.

[Spookyb329]

@peakbusiness. Thanks for the replies, glad you took it constructively as it was not aimed as a critiscm, more as useful advice for viewers. (I've seen a runaway caravan brought up short by its break-away cable) It was stuff I was taught 18 months ago for my B+E and as you say, once taught, it sticks with you. I pull a trailer weekly and its too heavy to move by hand at 3 tons so you have to get the tow ball placement right :)

[peakbusiness]

@Spookyb329 The test certtainly isn't perfect and needs to be a bit of a 'one size fits all'. In any work situation these days H&S pretty much dictates a banksman for all reversing manoeuvres so you would be guided back. Then as a sole trader or leisure tower there won't be one so I guess that's why DSA still expect a solo couple.

I am very pleased that you took the time to make such a positive contribution to road safety - very rare these days and I wish you and your trailer well :o)

[UnjustifiedRecs]

Really great vid thanks, got my test again today, i failed first time due to not checking handbrake on the recoupling.... plus the examiner was a right miserable git, really put me off. fingers crossed

[peakbusiness]

@mikeandnettyemery cont. . .

If you are able to provide evidence of why looping the cable round onto itself is 'right' yet driect coupling as I show here is 'wrong' I'd be obliged and happy to listen (other than saying "Because that is what the Caravan Club instructions say") I would be pleased to hear the argument.

I accept and so do the DSA and the law that 'looping' is safe and legal (providing it doesn't just loop around the towball).

[peakbusiness]

@mikeandnettyemery

Unless you are able to specify a legal argument for telling me I am wrong please desist from telling me so.

The Caravan Club instructions are NOT, I repeat NOT a legal document.

The system shown herre DOES however comply with the DSA requirements and the law.

I assume that you have actually passed the towing test and not relying on inerited rights.

As a qualified instructor, CPC holder and ex Police officer I think it safe to say I speak with authority on my subject.