Step 3 – Attach the Hitch Head to the Shank
Tools Needed:
• Torque wrench capable of 250 ft-lbs
• 1 1/8” Socket with ratchet (Shank bolts)
• 1 1/16” Socket with ratchet (Shank nuts)
• 15/16” Socket or box-end wrench (Angle set bolt)
Level the Trailer (Parallel to the Ground)
Measure to the ground at the front and back of the trailer frame and
adjust the trailer to be parallel to the ground. Both front and back
measurements should be the same.
Attach Head to Shank
Insert the adjustable shank into the receiver on the tow vehicle and
secure it with the hitch pin.
Insert the spacer rivet with washers into the back of the hitch head.
Start with 5 spacer washers for most setups. (Figure 1)
Slide the hitch head onto the shank with the top of the hitch ball
between 0 — 1” above the top of the trailer coupler. (Figure 2) In some
cases you may need to turn the shank upward or use a bigger rise/drop
Fastway shank to place the hitch ball at the correct height. (Figure 3)
Use the ¾” bolts, conical toothed washers, and nuts to secure the head
to the shank at the correct height. Hand tighten the nuts. (Figure 4)
Use a wrench to tighten the angle set bolt until the spacer rivet is
firmly against the shank. (Figure 5)
Reduced Turning Radius or Clearance
Extended bumper guards, truck campers or rear mounted spare
tires can limit your turning radius. In a tight turn this can lead to a
collision between your tow vehicle and trailer. If you are not able to
turn tightly with the standard length (12”) shank, consult with your
dealer about purchasing a longer (18”) Fastway shank. Certain trailer
configurations and safety chain orientation can reduce the amount
of clearance needed for safe towing. Check these items first to ensure
proper clearance.
Step 4 – Assemble the Sway Brackets
Tools Needed:
• 3/4” Box-end or socket wrench (Link plates and L-brackets)
• Measuring tape
Sway Bracket Location
1. Install the bracket assemblies between 24” — 27” from the center
of the coupler. (Figure 6) This range should allow you to avoid most
obstructions on the trailer tongue like battery supports or propane
tanks.
2. Measure along the frame from the center of the coupler to the
center of the brackets.
3. Both brackets should be the same distance from the coupler.
4. If necessary, relocate items on the frame to allow installation of the
brackets within this range.
Á
CAUTION
Do not use an impact wrench to tighten the link plate or
L-bracket bolts.
Assemble the Link Plates
Partially assemble the brackets:
1. Insert one ½” x 4” through the outside link plate going the opposite
direction as the L-bracket mounting bolts.
2. That same bolt should pass through the top hole of the inside link
plate.
3. The bolt heads should fit completely into the recessed slots.
4. Slide a ½” split washer onto the frame bolts and thread on a ½” nut
a few turns. Do not use lock nuts on these bolts. (Figure 8)
Identify your coupler style and follow the correct step for your style.
[FIGURE 9]
Typical Installation - Top-mounted Couplers
1. Slide the link plate assembly down over the frame hanging from the
top bolt with the mounting bolts facing out.
2. Insert the second ½” x 4” bolt through the open hole closest to the
bottom of the trailer frame. (Figure 10)
0 - 1”
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 5
Figure 4
Figure 6
24” min / 27” max
Figure 8
Top-Mounted
Inverted
Figure 8
Figure 10
