FEATHERLITE TRAILERS COACH TRAILERS, Owner'S Manual

Page: 31 / 60

Section 3 – Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
R4 3/30/2017 Page 25
^ WARNING
Coupler-to-hitch mismatch can result in
uncoupling, leading to death or serious
injury.
Make sure the hitch and ball are rated for
the trailer coupling.
Make sure the hitch [ball size] matches the
coupler.
•
Wipe the hitch ball clean and inspect it visually
and by feel for flat spots, cracks and pits.
^ WARNING
A worn, cracked or corroded hitch ball can
fail while towing, and may result in death or
serious injury.
Check the hitch ball for wear, corrosion and
cracks before coupling the trailer.
Replace worn, corroded or cracked hitch
ball before coupling the trailer.
•
Rock the ball to make sure it is tight to the
hitch, and visually check that the hitch ball nut
is solid against the lock washer and hitch frame.
•
Wipe the inside and outside of the coupler
clean and inspect it visually for cracks and
deformations; feel the inside of the coupler for
worn spots and pits.
•
Be sure the coupler is tight to the tongue of the
trailer. All coupler fasteners must be visibly
solid against the trailer frame.
^ WARNING
A loose hitch ball nut can result in
uncoupling, leading to death or serious
injury.
Make sure the hitch ball is tight to the hitch
before coupling the trailer.
3.2.1.b Prepare the Coupler and Hitch
•
Lubricate the hitch ball and the inside of the
coupler with a thin layer of automotive bearing
grease. Using the jack, raise the coupler above
the ball height.
•
Open the coupler locking mechanism. Ball
couplers have a locking mechanism with an
internal moving piece (ball clamp) and an
outside handle, wheel, or latch. See figure 3-3.
•
In the open or released position, the
coupler is able to drop fully onto the hitch
ball.
•
See the coupler instructions for details of
placing the coupler in the open or released
position.
•
Slowly back up the tow vehicle so that the hitch
ball is near or aligned under the coupler.
Ball Hitch Coupler – Figure 3-3
3.2.1.c Couple Trailer to the Tow Vehicle
•
Using the jack, lower the trailer tongue until the
coupler fully engages the hitch ball. If the
coupler does not line up with the hitch ball,
adjust the position of the tow vehicle.
•
Engage the coupler locking mechanism. In the
engaged position, the locking mechanism
securely holds the coupler to the hitch ball.
•
Insert a pin or lock through the hole in the
locking mechanism.
•
Be sure the coupler is all the way on the hitch
ball and the locking mechanism is engaged. A
properly engaged locking mechanism will allow
the coupler to raise the rear of the tow vehicle.
Using the trailer jack, test to see that you can
raise the rear of the tow vehicle by 1 inch, after
the coupler is locked to the hitch.