What action should you take to the vehicle when using a receiver hitch?

• A. Chock the wheels
• B. Engage the E brake
• C. Both chock the wheels and engage the E brake
• D. Put in park

Answer: (C)

Using a receiver hitch creates a situation where the vehicle could move while you’re hitching or unhooking, so the key safety move is to secure it. Chocking the wheels blocks any rolling in either direction, which is crucial if you’re working near the hitch or on uneven ground. The parking brake adds a second line of defense by holding the wheels and drivetrain in place, so even if a chock shifts or the surface is slick, the vehicle stays put. Together they provide the strongest protection against unexpected movement. Relying on just one measure may leave room for movement under certain conditions, and simply putting the vehicle in park isn’t always appropriate or enough, especially on inclines or with some transmissions, so using both is the safest approach.