5
1.0 Operations
1.1 Preparing the Towing Vehicle
Before towing the Speed Tender, refer to towing vehicle’s owner’s manual for information concerning hitch
capacities, hitch adjustments, and tire inflation.
Towing vehicle must be equipped with proper electric braking components.
NOTE: The Speed Tender is equipped with LED lights. The towing vehicle may require a
flasher upgrade for lights to operate properly.
Do not exceed towing vehicles GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or GCWR (Gross Combination Weight
Rating), or the maximum hitch load.
1.2 Preparing Speed Tender
Hydraulics: Check routing of all hydraulic hoses. Hoses should not be kinked, twisted or rubbing against sharp
edges. Check all hoses and fittings for hydraulic leaks. Tighten and /or repair or replace as required.
Lubrication: Lubricate Speed Tender as outlined in Service section 2.1. Refer to engine manual for proper fluid
levels in engine.
Tires/Wheels: Check tire pressures and maintain at recommended operating pressure. It is important to check
wheel nut/bolts for proper torque as recommended. You can find proper tire pressure and wheel torque located in
service manual section.
1
.3 Connecting Speed Tender to the Towing Vehicle
WARNING: Do not stand between the Speed Tender and tow vehicle when hooking up.
NOTE: The Speed Tender comes standard with a 2 5/16” ball coupler and has an optional
3” lunette eye. Also the Speed Tender can come with an optional Gooseneck Frame in place
of the A-Frame. The Gooseneck Frame can feature either a 2 5/16” ball coupler or a 5th
Wheel hook up.
1.
Back tow vehicle up to Speed Tender.
2.
Align the vehicle’s ball or lunette eye with the coupler or ring on the Speed Tender.
3.
Lift tongue latch lever.
4.
Lower jack to set Speed Tender coupler down on ball or lunette eye hook.
5.
Latch coupler and insert pin. Check to make sure that coupler is securely latched.
6.
Pivot jack to transport position and pin in place.
7.
Attach 7-way plug to tow vehicle. Check the length of the Speed Tender 7-way to make sure that
it is long enough to turn, but not too long to touch the ground.
NOTE: Check to make sure that lights are in proper operating condition and repair or
replace if necessary.
8.
Connect the brake breakaway cable to towing vehicle.
9.
Attach safety chains to tow vehicle by crossing chains (Figure 1.1). Allow enough slack in
chains necessary for turning.
10.
Test the breaks and all the lights on the Speed Tender
WARNING
: Check safety chains for broken, stretched or damaged link or end fittings.
Replace chains if found to be damaged. Do not weld safety chains.