What do I need to know about…

hooking up a hot dog cart?  Not that much, it's actually pretty simple, but if you haven't ever pulled a trailer, some of the terms and equipment may sound foreign.  This little episode will have you hooked up and towing in no time.  You might even be able to throw out a little towing lingo next time you stop in at that roadside truckstop.

Now that was easy, right?  There are some helpful tips about trailering that will save you some time and shorten that learning curve, just click the link here:  Trailering PDF from NHTSA

Here are some handy tools to help you, but keep in mind; hot dog carts are relatively easy to push or pull, so trying to back up to hitch it, although good practice, would not speed things up.  These helpful hitch accessories are more for the concession trailer types or any trailer that you can't easily move by hand.

Magnetic little ball and pole kit.  Simply attach to the hitch and receiver magnetically and back up.  When the balls are aligned, you are good to go.  https://amzn.to/3MP5XO5

Mount this little device and it will self align, but keep in mind, you must have the trailer at the correct level and be able to get within about a 12″ error range for it to work.  https://amzn.to/4d9aaXF

Now we're talking!  A hitch alignment camera.  This is for those with deeper pockets.  It's just over $120 but comes with the monitor and camera, a complete kit.  I'll slap the first hot dog vendor that gets one of these for his cart.  Just kidding, but I would only spend this kind of money if I had a big concession trailer and didn't know about the magnetic alignment kit above.  Check it HERE

This I would really recommend buying, no matter what.  This little doohicky lock goes in the top of the lever that locks your tongue to your hitch.  So when you run into SamsClub or BJ's real quick, you will not have to worry about some cart thief unhooking and hauling your cart away.   Check it HERE