What should be done to avoid mixing up the air lines during trailer connection?

To avoid mixing up the air lines during trailer connection, ensuring that the air lines are not crossed is essential. This approach directly addresses the potential issue of incorrect connections, which can lead to serious safety hazards and operational problems.

When connecting a trailer, the air lines control critical functions such as braking and trailer stability. If the lines are crossed, it can result in the trailer not braking correctly or other malfunctions. By checking that the air lines are not crossed, a driver can confirm that each line is connected to its correct counterpart, thus maintaining the intended functionality and safety of the vehicle-trailer combination.

While labeling, color-coding, and securing the air lines with clamps are useful practices to enhance organization and prevent tangling or confusion, they do not directly address the immediate need to verify correct connections during the coupling process. The primary focus should always be on ensuring that the lines are properly aligned before any operation.