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Several models of Weight distribution hitches will
render the brakes inoperative. SKEETER cannot
assume responsibility or accept warranty claims in
such instances. Please make sure the Weight
distribution hitch you choose is compatible with
the trailer’s braking system.
Please Note: Hitch ball height is determined by
measuring from the ground to the top of the
coupler ball housing with the trailer frame level
when the trailer is on a level surface. The average
height to the top of the hitch ball is usually from
14 inches to 21 inches above the ground when
loaded. Actual height will vary from trailer to
trailer.
For proper load distribution on tandem and triple torsion
axle trailers, it is very important that the trailer is
parallel to the ground while towing
Every coupler on a SKEETER boat trailer is
permanently marked with:
•Manufacturer’s code, name or trademark;
•SAE ® coupling designation and gross
coupler rating;
•Part number or style model; and Proper
ball diameter.
Coupler and Hitch Ball Operation
Do not use a different size ball shank, or capacity than
recommended and be sure both the hitch ball and hitch
ratings are the same or more than the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating of your trailer.
Keep the latch mechanism clean and lightly oiled.
If the latch mechanism or coupler is bent or
deformed in any manner, do not use the trailer
until a new latch assembly or coupler is installed.
Some replacement assemblies and rebuild kits are
available at your SKEETER dealer.
SKEETER trailers are equipped with XR-84
couplers. An example is shown below.
TO OPEN THE COUPLER (XR-84)
Remove hitch pin from hole on side of the coupler.
Lift handle up and toward the rear until it rests in
the open position. This coupler is self-latching and
does not require the latch handle to be in the open
position to insert the hitch ball.
TO CLOSE COUPLER (XR-84)
Coupler does not need to be in the open position
when placing on hitch ball. To latch coupler onto
hitch ball, make sure hitch pin is removed from
side of coupler and simply lower coupler over ball.
During this process, the coupler handle will rise
and then self close when the coupler is fully seated
onto hitch ball. If handle does not return to the
fully closed position, ball is not fully inserted into
coupler socket, there is a misalignment between
coupler and ball or ball is oversized or egg shaped.
DO NOT FORCE HANDLE. If necessary, replace ball
with a quality unit that meets SAE specifications
and the GVWR of the trailer. Once the handle is
fully closed, insert hitch pin into hole on side of
coupler. Hitch pin should go completely through to
other side of coupler. To close coupler handle, push
handle horizontally toward the front and it will
slide down into the closed position.
You are required to obey local and state laws and
regulations regarding brakes, licensing, and additional
equipment that is needed for your trailer. Contact your
state motor vehicle department for more information.
After the coupler is secured to the hitch ball, raise
the tongue jack all the way. If you have a swing-up
style tongue jack, turn it to the traveling position
and make sure the lock pin is secure in the hole.
Cross the safety chains or cables under the tongue
and attach them to the tow vehicle. Connect the
trailer wiring harness to the lighting system of
your tow vehicle. Remember to check your lights.
Spot check all other trailer components (i.e. tires
and tie-downs).
Hitch Recommendations and Tips
Make sure the jack is in the stored or traveling position
before towing the trailer. If it is not, it can cause the
trailer to separate from the tow vehicle, which may result in
serious injury or death.
Our trailer’s GVWR must not exceed the capacity of your
hitch. Be sure you have the right size ball, shank, and
capacity to match your trailer’s model and coupler size.
The correct ball size and capacity is marked on the coupler
Two types of trailer hitches are normally used:
Weight carrying hitches which attach to the tow
vehicle and support the trailer tongue weight only,
and Weight distributing hitches which transfer
some of the tongue weight to the tow vehicle by
using extra spring bars on each side of the trailer
ball. Bumper hitches are not recommended for
boat trailers.
For most boat trailers, a Weight carrying hitch
is usually adequate. Weight distributing hitches
are recommended for very heavy loads. Before
you decide which hitch to buy, contact your
SKEETER Dealer and read the manufacturer’s
recommendations for your towing vehicle.
SKEETER does not recommend self-installation of
trailer hitches.
If you choose a Weight distributing hitch, contact a
dealer specializing in hitches and hitch installation
to make sure it is properly installed, that it is
compatible with your trailer’s brake system and
that you don’t exceed weight requirements.
Do not use Weight distributing hitches with surge- braked
trailers. Overloading or improper installation of
Weight distributing hitches may not let hydraulic
surge brake actuators work and the tow vehicle and
trailer may take longer to stop.
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IMPORTANT
