Hitching Up
The Aurora 16BHX is a travel trailer that requires a proper hitch setup on your tow vehicle. Always verify your tow vehicle’s ratings before towing.
Tow vehicle requirements
Section titled “Tow vehicle requirements”| Spec | Aurora 16BHX |
|---|---|
| GVWR | ~4,500–5,000 lbs |
| Hitch ball size | 2-5/16 inch |
| Hitch class | Class III or IV |
| Weight distribution | Recommended if tow vehicle is light |
| Brake controller | Required (electric brakes) |
What you need
Section titled “What you need”- 2-5/16” hitch ball (correct size is critical — wrong size can cause trailer separation)
- Class III or IV receiver hitch
- Weight distribution hitch (if recommended for your setup)
- Sway control (optional but recommended)
- 7-pin trailer wiring connector
- Brake controller (in-cab)
- Safety chains (2)
- Breakaway cable
Hitching up step by step
Section titled “Hitching up step by step”- Back up the tow vehicle until the hitch ball is directly under the trailer coupler.
- Lower the tongue jack until the coupler sits on the ball — don’t go too low.
- Latch the coupler — push the latch lever down and lock it. Give the trailer a firm upward tug to confirm it’s locked.
- Raise the tongue jack fully — pin or crank it up so it clears the ground.
- Attach safety chains — cross them under the tongue in an X pattern. Leave enough slack to turn but not drag.
- Connect the 7-pin connector — plug into the tow vehicle’s trailer socket.
- Connect the breakaway cable — clip to a secure point on the tow vehicle (not the hitch ball mount).
- Test the lights — have someone check brake lights, turn signals, and running lights.
- Test the brakes — pull forward slowly and apply the trailer brake controller manually to verify trailer brakes engage.
Weight distribution hitch (if equipped)
Section titled “Weight distribution hitch (if equipped)”If using a weight distribution hitch:
- Attach the head to the ball mount.
- Insert the spring bars into the head.
- Lift the spring bars using the jack until the tow vehicle returns to its normal ride height.
- Lock the bars in place.
Adjust the tension so the front and rear of the tow vehicle are level (measure before and after hitching).
After hitching — walk-around checklist
Section titled “After hitching — walk-around checklist”- Coupler is latched and locked
- Tongue jack is fully raised
- Safety chains are crossed and attached
- 7-pin connector is plugged in
- Breakaway cable is clipped
- All lights working (brake, turn, running)
- Trailer brakes responding
- All exterior compartments are closed and latched
- Stabilizer jacks are fully raised
- Sewer hose stored in bumper
- Water hose disconnected and stored
- Shore power cord disconnected and stored