Hitch Connection
Using the proper hitch on the tow vehicle is critical for
maximum safety when towing a travel trailer. Load-
leveling or load-equalizing hitches with anti-sway bars are
recommended for added stability and maneuvering.
Several factors need to be considered when selecting the
proper hitch including:
§
Gross weight of the trailer.
§
Tongue weight.
§
A welded or bolted weight-carrying hitch on the frame
or body of the tow vehicle.
§
A 2 5/16 inches hitch ball. (Lubricate the hitch ball
periodically).
Consult your dealer and/or a representative of your tow
vehicle manufacturer in selecting a hitch and accessories
for your trailer.
SAFETY CHAINS
The Department of Transportation federally mandates use
of safety chains on travel trailers. Safe towing
recommendations include:
§
Attach safety chains to the tow vehicle separate from
the hitch.
§
Leave only enough slack in each length of chain to
permit the vehicle to turn during normal driving.
§
The chains should not contact the ground or road
surface.
§
Cross the chains from the trailer hitch to the tow
vehicle.
§
When all connections are secure, be certain the 7-pin
electrical connector cord and the breakaway switch
lanyard cable are longer than the extended safety
chains.
§
Should the hitch ball become disengaged from the
coupler, the safety chains will extend, the 7-pin
connector should remain connected to the tow vehicle
for braking and the breakaway switch should not
engage.
VEHICLE & TRAILER HOOK-UP
Connecting the tow vehicle hitch to the coupler on the
travel trailer or fifth wheel is a simple procedure, described
by the following:
TRAVEL TRAILERS
1.Before dropping the coupler over the hitch ball, the
coupler-locking arm must be in an unlocked position.
2.The coupler should be slightly behind the ball (away
from the tow vehicle), permitting the coupler to slide
down over the ball positively.
3.After locking the coupler over the ball, be certain the
ball is fully engaged with the coupler.
4.Attach the safety chains to the tow vehicle. Be sure to
cross the chains from the trailer hitch to the tow
vehicle. Be careful to leave slack in each length of
chain to permit the vehicle to turn during normal
driving.
5.Check the vehicle’s turning capabilities.
6.Attach the connector plug on the trailer to the electrical
connection on the tow vehicle. Be sure there is slack
in the cord to make sharp turns.
7.The breakaway device is located on the trailer tongue.
It has a steel cable fastened to it, which will reach to
the frame of the tow vehicle. The steel cable (lanyard)
should be attached to a secure part of the tow vehicle,
separate from the hitch, such as the frame.
8.The breakaway device is connected to the trailer
battery and will operate independently to apply the
trailer brakes should the trailer become disconnected
from the tow vehicle.
9.Apply trailer brakes only and proceed very slowly to
confirm proper engagement of the hitch and brake
operation.
10.Test all exterior lights on the trailer.
FIFTH WHEELS
1.Open the hitch locking device in the truck.
2.Lower the tailgate of the truck. NOTE: If not required,
the rear tailgate can be removed to simplify coupling
and uncoupling.
3.Back the truck to engage the kingpin in the hitch latch
plate. It is important the pinbox and hitch latch plate
are as level as possible.
4.Latch plates will engage the kingpin automatically on
some hitches, but the handle grip must be pushed to
the locked position (see manufacturer’s instructions
for full details). On other hitches, the lever will be
used to engage the kingpin (manually) and to lock it
in position.
5.Visually check that the hitch is locked to the small
diameter portion of the kingpin.
6.Raise the tailgate of the truck.
7.Raise the front jacks of the fifth wheel trailer.
8.Plug the electrical connector cord into the receptacle
on the truck.
9.Attach the safety cable for the breakaway device to
part of the truck hitch. Keep the cable in a straight
line with the switch on the trailer as much as possible
and allow enough slack for turns.
10.Apply trailer brakes only and proceed very slowly
to confirm proper engagement of the hitch.
11.Test operation of all exterior lights on the trailer.
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