Titan Leaf Pro, Operation & Maintenance Manual

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Coupling to the Tow Vehicle
VEHICLE TYPE : Generally the word “trailer” is used. However, after this you may put a Model #,
or additional descriptor.
3.3. C
OUPLING AND
U
NCOUPLING THE
T
RAILER
A secure coupling (or fastening) of the trailer to the tow vehicle is essential. A loss of coupling
may result in death or serious injury. Therefore, you must understand and follow all of the
instructions for coupling.
The following parts are involved in making a secure coupling between the trailer and tow vehicle:
Coupling : That part of the trailer connecting mechanism by which the connection is actually
made to the trailer hitch. This does not include any structural member, extension of the trailer
frame, or brake controller.
Hitch: That part of the connecting mechanism including the ball support platform and ball and
those components that extend and are attached to the towing vehicle, including bumpers
intended to serve as hitches.)
Weight Distributing Hitch (or Equalizing Hitch): A mechanical device that connects the trailer
to the towing vehicle and by means of leverage applied on both the trailer and towing vehicle
structures, when properly adjusted, distributes the imposed vertical load at the hitch and coupling
connection between structures of the towing vehicle and trailer.
Weight Carrying Hitch: A mechanical and/or structural device that connects the trailer to the
towing vehicle and that does not employ features designed to redistruibute the load imposed at
the hitch and carrying connection.
Safety chains or cables: Chains or cables permanently attached to the trailer such that if the
coupler connection comes loose, the safety chains or cables can keep the trailer attached to the
tow vehicle. With properly rigged safety chains or cables, it is possible to keep the tongue of the
trailer from digging into the road pavement, even if the coupler-to-hitch connection comes apart.
Some states do not allow safety cables, e.g. Pennsylvania; therefore it may be wise to check with
the State Police to see if your state has any restrictions on the use of safety cables, if your trailer
is so equipped.
Trailer lighting (and braking) connector: A device that connects electrical power from the tow
vehicle to the trailer. Electricity is used to turn on brake lights, running lights, and turn signals as
required. In addition, if your trailer has a separate braking system, the electrical connector will
also supply power to the trailer brakes from the tow vehicle.
Breakaway switch: If the trailer becomes de-coupled from the towing vehicle, the breakaway
switch lanyard, attached independently to the tow vehicle hitch, will pull a pin in the emergency
electrical break-away switch on the trailer. The breakaway switch is activated by a separate
battery supply in the trailer such as to energize the trailer brakes independently of the towing
vehicle. It is important to check the state of charge of the emergency break-away battery before
each trip. Simply pull the pin out of the switch by hand and then try to pull the trailer. If you feel a
significant drag force the brakes are activated. Be sure to re-insert the pin in the break-away
switch. Also be sure to allow enough slack in the break-away brake lanyard such that the switch
will only activate (pin pulls out) if the coupler connection comes loose. For additional details refer
to Section 3.3.4
Jack: A device on the trailer that is used to raise and lower the trailer tongue. On larger trailers
the jack is sometimes called the “landing gear.”