Lance 1130, Owner'S Manual

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Couplers
Lance Trailers are produced with a variety of coupler
devices. One of the sections below will pertain to your
trailer.
• Bumper pull (Ball Hitch) Coupler – 2” or 2 5/16”
Ball.
• Gooseneck Fifth Wheel Coupler
If you need information or assistance with your
coupler, call Lance Customer Service at 661-949-
3322 or your Lance Trailer dealer.
Ball Hitch Coupler
A ball hitch coupler connects to a ball that is located
on or under the rear bumper of the tow vehicle. This
system of coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle is some-
times referred to as “bumper pull.”
The ball hitch trailer is fitted with a tongue jack that
can raise and lower the coupler. The tongue jack is
mounted to the A-frame part of the trailer. By rotating
the jack handle clockwise, the jack will extend and
raise the tongue of the trailer.
Trailer hitches come in a variety of shapes and sizes
of various applications. Generally speaking, trailer
hitches are classified either weight carrying or weight
distributing. The best type depends entirely upon
the tow vehicle, trailer size and weight. The weight-
carrying type hitch is used in applications where the
trailer weight is within the weight and suspension
capability of the tow vehicle. Weight distributing
hitches are used when the weight and suspension of
the tow vehicle in relation to the trailer weight requires
redistribution of hitch weight.
The hitch must be equipped with a 2” or 2 5/16” di-
ameter ball, depending on the coupler supplied with
your trailer. Keep the hitch ball as close as practical
to the rear bumper of the tow vehicle to minimize rear
overhang.
Weight distribution is an important factor when load-
ing your trailer. A recreational vehicle with the cargo
distributed properly will result in efficient, trouble-free
towing. Loading the trailer as evenly as possible
and then weighing the loaded trailer can accomplish
proper weight distribution. Keep heavier items as low
as possible and distribute evenly from front to rear
and side to side. Securing your possessions can pre-
vent damage from shifting during towing and main-
tain the weight distribution balance achieved during
preparation for travel.
WEIGHT-CARRYING HITCH
With a weight-carrying hitch, the tow vehicle’s real
axle and tires must carry all the trailer tongue weight.
With heavier trailers this causes the tow vehicle to
lower itself over the rear axle, causing a weight shift
from the front wheels. This weight reduction causes
the front wheel camber to change and affects braking
and steering performance.
WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH
Weight distributing hitches use special equipment to
distribute the tongue load from the trailer to all axles
of the tow vehicle and trailer to help stabilize the tow
vehicle. The hitch is part of the towing vehicle con-
necting mechanism including the ball support plat-
form and ball. The hitch distributes the trailer tongue
weight to both the front and rear wheels of the tow
vehicle. By adjusting the spring bar, the tow vehicle
and trailer are made to ride in a correct position. Do
not use a weight distribution hitch greater than a 1000
lb. rating.
Your towing equipment, its adjustment and how you
load the trailer can affect towing stability and han-
dling. The following will help you select and adjust
your equipment to produce acceptable towing char-
acteristics.
Installation of the hitch, sway control and brake con-
trol equipment must be performed by a competent
hitch installer. Insure the installation conforms to the
tow vehicle and hitch manufacturer’s instructions.