Will a trailer fit my car? Tow balls, couplings and plugs

Before you drive to the yard, three things need to line up between the trailer and your car. Get them right and hooking up takes two minutes. Get one wrong and you are back home for an adaptor.

First, the coupling and the tow ball. Most light trailers use a 50mm coupling that drops onto a 50mm tow ball, but some older or heavier trailers differ. Check your tow ball size, and make sure the coupling clamps down and locks, not just rests on top.

Second, the electrical plug. Trailers use a 7-pin flat, a 7-pin round or a 12-pin plug to run the lights and indicators, and your car's socket needs to match. Yards can usually supply an adaptor if the two differ, so tell them your socket type when you book.

Third, and most important, your car's towing capacity. The manufacturer sets a maximum towing weight and a maximum tow ball weight for your vehicle. The loaded trailer must stay under both. A small hatch might be fine for an empty box trailer but not a loaded car carrier, so match the trailer to the car, not the other way around.

Also check you have a tow bar rated for the job, working trailer lights once connected, and enough clearance so the trailer does not scrape on steep driveways. A quick test of the indicators and brake lights before you leave the yard saves a roadside surprise.

If you are not sure what your car can tow, the yard can help once they know the make and model. Trailer Hire Near Me sends you the numbers of local yards, free, so you can confirm the fit before you drive over.