Lit. No. 13648/9511, Rev. 07
15
August 10, 2005
RECEIVER HITCH
Safety
Important Information on Towing
Make sure all operators of your equipment read and
understand this information before towing. This
information will help you properly select, use, and
maintain your towing equipment. Learn the
capabilities and limitations of each part.
Gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of the cargo. Measure gross trailer weight by
putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
Tongue weight is measured by placing the fully loaded
trailer on a level surface with the coupler at normal
towing height. Use a commercial scale to measure
the weight at the coupler.
Ball Mounts/Drawbars
Select these products by their gross trailer weight and
tongue weight ratings. Select hitches and receivers for
specific vehicles. Do not purchase a ball mount or
drawbar which will give more than a four inch drop or
seven inch extension as measured from the lower rear
edge of the receiver.
Hitch Balls
Select by gross trailer weight rating, coupler socket
size, and mounting platform thickness and hole size.
Hole must not exceed threaded shank diameter by
more than 1/16 inch. Use lock washer. Tighten
according to instructions. When tightened, shank must
protrude beyond bottom of nut. Gross trailer weight
rating and ball diameter are marked on balls.
Trailer Couplers
The coupler socket should be smooth, clean and lightly
lubricated. Tighten or adjust according to the coupler
manufacturer’s instructions.
Safety Chains
Connect safety chains properly every time you tow.
Cross chains under coupler. Attach securely to the
hitch or tow vehicle so they cannot bounce loose.
Leave only enough slack to permit full turning. Too
much slack may prevent chains from maintaining
control if other connections separate. Do not allow
chains to drag the road.
Electrical Connections
Make these safety-critical connections every time you
tow, no matter how short the trip. Check operation,
including electric brake manual control, before getting
on the road.
CAUTION
Never exceed the gross trailer weight or tongue
weight of this equipment. Never exceed the
lowest weight rating of any part of your towing
system. See the Label - information (rating)
area in the Safety Section of this manual.
WARNING
• Do not overload any part of your towing
system.
• Do not modify your hitch. Install only on
specified vehicles which are in good
condition.
• This product is designed to tow trailers. Do
not use as cargo carriers, motorcycle carriers,
boat hoists, or coupler alignment devices. Do
not use as a jacking point. Do not attach
anything with or in place of the ball.
• Do not pull multiple trailers. Towing one
trailer behind another may cause severe
instability and loss of control.
