Trailer hitch – The sun is shining, you can hear children laughing and music is streaming from the speakers in the parks.
It’s summertime and everyone wants just one thing – to get out of the city and go on vacation!
It’s super easy with a folding caravan.
But there is one important little thing to consider when traveling with a trailer – the trailer coupling.
It ensures that the trailer drawbar is completely enclosed and still remains movable.
The ball socket encloses the ball head and prevents the trailer from detaching from the vehicle.
Here you can find out everything about the different models and what else you need to consider.
Finally, you will find the approximate costs you will incur.
Camping Ratgeber:
Models: Fixed or detachable towbars?
Depending on the type of vehicle, there are various towbars that fulfill their purpose.
If you don’t have one, a roof tent may be an option for you.
For example, the most common towbar for cars is the ball head towbar, as it allows the trailer to be towed safely but flexibly.
The automatic pin coupling is then used for larger vehicles such as trucks or agricultural vehicles.
By swiveling the operating lever in the direction of the truck body, the coupling pin is lifted and locked in this position.
The coupling is connected after the trailer drawbar has been pushed into the coupling jaw and the pin falls through the eye with spring force assistance.
These are the different models of trailer couplings:
- the pin coupling, (agriculture and forestry)
- the ball head coupling (cars and older bicycle trailers)
- Removable
- Fixed/ Rigid
- Pivotable
- the jaw coupling (trucks and tractors)
- the fifth wheel coupling (semitrailers)
D-value: What is it & what does it determine?
The D value is stamped on the type plate of a trailer coupling.
Its unit is kN.
The D-value can be calculated from the permissible total mass of the towing vehicle and the trailer.
The higher the D-value, the greater the mass that can be attached to a coupling.
Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners
Trailer coupling: What to consider?
There are a few details to consider both before and after the purchase.
For example, it is important to find out in advance what support and towing capacity your vehicle can withstand.
A Smart has a different capacity to an SUV.
In addition, you must not ignore the general road traffic regulations when retrofitting.
For example, the license plate must always be visible.
The same applies to rear-end collisions or misuse of the trailer, which must be checked immediately.
Exceeding the load or trying to uproot a tree with the trailer coupling can have fatal consequences.
The trailer coupling can break off completely and the towed load would move around uncontrollably on the road.
- Before buying: check vehicle type, drawbar load and trailer load
- License plate must not be covered (§ 27 of the StVo)
- Immediately to the workshop in the event of a rear-end collision (hairline cracks)
- Damage due to misuse (exceeding load = breakage)
- E-cars and hybrid vehicles not suitable for trailer couplings
When does a trailer coupling have to be registered?
A modern towbar is often registration-free and therefore does not necessarily have to be registered.
Exceptions are towbars without EU approval, where drivers must obtain a “partial certificate for retrofitted parts” from TÜV or DEKRA, which costs around 40 euros.
Costs: Price and installation of a trailer coupling
The cost of a detachable towbar with installation varies depending on the model and accessories.
In total, you should expect to pay between 500 and 1000 euros.
You may also need an adapter, a special lock to protect against theft and, depending on the situation, detachable bike racks.
This drives up the final price.
Nevertheless, this should be done professionally in a specialist workshop, as the vehicle has to be lifted and the installation is a complex task.
The price of a rigid towbar costs less, but is more suitable for drivers who make frequent use of trailers.
Reading tips! Other useful outdoor equipment
Alternatively, if you’re looking for more helpful tips and suggestions on camping, you can read more articles here that will help you get the most out of your camping vacation and enjoy a carefree time.
Maneuvering aid: instructions, variants & advantages
You often return to the campsite late in the evening after a long, eventful day.
You’re already a bit tired, it’s dark and you still have to park your caravan, trailer tent or camper van at your pitch?
It’s not as easy as you might think.
To save yourself this complicated and stressful procedure, you should purchase an appropriate maneuvering aid in advance!
This makes maneuvering and manoeuvring on the campsite super easy and can be done in just a few minutes without much effort, stress or complications.
Read more about a maneuvering aid for your car here.
Tensioning strap: ratchet, hook and clamp lock
When camping, you usually have a lot to think about and, in addition to the essential basic equipment, you usually have to take other useful outdoor equipment with you.
Especially on very long trips, some of this must therefore be secured in the caravan or camper.
To prevent bulky furniture and other items from flying around in the car, you should always have a sturdy, heavy-duty lashing strap with you.
Read more about the different variants and useful tips here.
Drive-on wedges: For caravans or motorhomes
Wheel chocks prevent your car from rolling away and can be particularly useful on uneven ground at the campsite to keep it properly aligned.
To prevent you from rolling out of bed at night or your plates slipping off the table, you should definitely take suitable wedges with you to enjoy a carefree time on the campsite.
Find out everything you need to know about wheel chocks for the road here!
