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©2022 TAXA INC. v.4.2.010122
©2022 TAXA INC. v.4.2.010122
HITCHING
HITCHING
Our habitats require a 2” diameter hitch ball.
(Overland editions are outfitted with a Lock And
Roll coupler).
Use of any other hitch ball diameter size will
create an extremely dangerous condition that
can result in separation of the coupler and ball,
and/or hitch ball failure. Other than this crucial
2” diameter requirement, there are numerous
habitat hitches and hitching components available
to you for your habitat. Be sure to consult your
tow vehicle manufacturer for hitch and/or hitch
assembly alternatives.
Pre-hitch/coupling/trip considerations and
inspection. Be sure your hitch and tow vehicle
are rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) of your habitat. Remember that the hitch
load rating must be equal to or greater than the
coupler load ( the hitch is attached to the car,
the coupler to the habitat). Be sure the hitch size
matches the coupler size.
Examine all hitch components before hitching,
looking for wear, corrosion, deformations,
stripping, and cracks. Replace worn, corroded
or cracked hitch components before coupling
the habitat to the tow vehicle. Be sure the hitch
components are tight and that the ball-locking
device works freely before coupling the habitat
to the tow vehicle. Remember to also Inspect
the safety chains. Be sure to correct any noted
problems or defects before towing the habitat.
Important Note: be sure to raise all habitat jacks
and close the habitat fully before driving off after
hitching. One of the most common mistakes is to
forget to raise a stabilizer jack and bending it.
Your habitat is equipped with a 7-pin connector,
which synchronizes the lights of your tow vehicle
and habitat. It can also connect their respective
braking systems. Your habitat is equipped with
electric brakes. Use of electric brakes are not
required in every state, however, we strongly
recommend that you use them.
WARNING: THE PROPER SELECTION AND
CONDITION OF THE COUPLER AND HITCH IS
ESSENTIAL TO THE SAFE TOWING OF YOUR
HABITAT. A LOSS OF COUPLING MAY RESULT IN
DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
WARNING: AN IMPROPERLY COUPLED HABITAT
CAN RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
WARNING: USE OF A TOW VEHICLE WITH A
TOWING CAPACITY LESS THAN THE LOAD
RATING OF THE HABITAT CAN RESULT IN
LOSS OF CONTROL, AND MAY LEAD TO
DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
Hitching up your habitat will get easier with
practice. The hitching steps described below
are typical. However, we highly recommend that
you also consult the hitching and unhitching
instructions associated with your particular tow
vehicle and hitching configuration.
Typical hitching steps for 2” ball:
Hitching steps for Lock and Roll (Overland):
1. Crank the tongue of the habitat jack until the
hitch coupler is raised enough to clear the tow
vehicle;
2. Back the tow vehicle to the habitat until the
hitch ball or ‘pin’ is directly under the habitat
coupler. The use of a backing aid mirror may
be helpful, especially if you are hitching alone;
3. Set the parking brake of the tow vehicle;
4. Be sure the coupler latch-locking lever is fully
open, then lower the tongue jack until the ball
is firmly seated in the socket;
5. Close the coupler latch and secure it with a
locking pin or bolt (you can use the pin that
locks the caster wheel on to the front jack, the
Lock and Roll comes with a proprietary pin);
If you cannot get the latch to go down, try
pulling the tow vehicle forward, reversing a tiny
amount to create clearance, or release pressure
(this occurs usually when the habitat or tow
vehicle is on small slope or soft ground).
6. Securely attach the safety chains in a crossing
pattern to the tow vehicle and confirm that
they are properly connected to the habitat.
Do not fasten chains to any part of the hitch
unless the hitch has holes or loops designed
specifically for that purpose, be sure the chains
do not drag during towing;
WARNING: IMPROPER RIGGING OF THE SAFETY
CHAINS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF
THE HABITAT AND TOW VEHICLE, LEADING TO
DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY, IF THE HABITAT
UNCOUPLES FROM THE TOW VEHICLE.
7. The electric brakes need to be controlled with
a proportional brake controller. Some tow
vehicles have these pre-integrated. There are
wired and wireless versions available online, at
towing centers, etc.
8. Connect the breakaway switch. Attach and
secure the breakaway switch cable to the tow
vehicle bumper or frame independently of the
safety chains. The following are guidelines for
attaching the cable:
• The cable should come straight out from
the switch to attach to the tow vehicle
• The switch and cable should be located
and secured on the same side of the
habitat and tow vehicle
• Do not loop the cable over the hitch
ball; the cable may bounce off while the
vehicle is moving
• Before towing you may test the
breakaway assembly by pulling the pin
out of the switch to confirm activation
of the habitat electric brakes. See also
the diagram/depiction in the “Towing”
section.
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