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•
Slowly back the tow vehicle so that the ball is near or aligned under the coupler.
2.2.1.3 Coupling the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle
If your trailer does not have a jack, you will have to lift the coupler and place it over the ball.
•
If you have a jack, lower the trailer until the coupler fully engages the hitch ball. If the
coupler does not line up with the 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 by 1 inch, after the coupler is locked to the hitch ball.
NOTICE
IF THE COUPLER CANNOT BE SECURED TO THE HITCH BALL, DO NOT TOW THE TRAILER.
CONTACT A SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE THE TRAILER INSPECTED IMMEDIATELY.
•
Lower the trailer so that its entire tongue weight is held by the hitch, and continue
retracting the jack to its fully retracted position.
2.2.1.4 Rigging the Safety Chains
•
Visually inspect the safety chains and hooks for wear damage. Replace worn or
damaged safety chains and hooks before towing.
•
Rig the safety chains so that they:
o
Cross underneath the coupler
o
Loop around a frame member of the tow vehicle or to holes in the hitch
system (but, do not attach them to an interchangeable part of the hitch
assembly)
o
Have enough slack to permit tight turns, but not too close to the road
surface, so if the trailer uncouples, the safety chains can hold the tongue up
above the road.
WARNING
Overloading can damage the tongue jack. Do not use the tongue jack to raise the tow
vehicle more than 1 inch. This is 1 inch of suspension travel on the tow vehicle, NOT
the tires 1 inch off the ground.
Improper rigging of the safety chains can result in loss of control of the trailer
and tow vehicle, leading to death or serious injury, if the trailer uncouples from
the tow vehicle.
Fasten chains to the frame of the tow vehicle. Do not fasten the chains to any
part of the hitch unless the hitch has holes or loops specifically for that purpose.
Cross chains underneath hitch and coupler with enough slack to permit turning
and to hold up the tongue, if the trailer comes uncoupled.
Summary of Contents for Gooseneck
Page 1: ...Owner sManual ...
