Page 5
Coupling
- Prepare the winch for transport
- Secure the trailer from moving by the use of wheel chocks
-
Release and open the tow vehicle’s hitch coupling
- Backup the tow vehicle until the coupling is aligned
- Lock coupling around eye on trailer
An improperly coupled winch can result in death or serious injury.
Do not move the winch until:
•
The coupler is secured and locked to hitch;
•
The safety chains are secured to the tow vehicle;
•
The supporting jack is fully retracted; and
•
The
wheel chocks are stored and secured.
Do not tow the winch on the road until:
•
Tires and wheels are checked;
•
The winch brakes are checked;
•
The breakaway switch is connected to the tow vehicle; and
•
The winch lights are connected and checked.
If your winch comes loose from the hitch for any reason, safety chains have been provided, so
that control of the winch can still be maintained.
Improper rigging of the safety chain system can result in loss of control of
the winch and tow vehicle, leading to death or serious injury, if the winch
becomes uncoupled from the tow vehicle.
•
Fasten the safety chains to the frame of the tow vehicle. Do not fasten the
safety chains to any part of the hitch, unless the hitch has holes or loops
specifically designed for that purpose.
•
Cross the safety chains underneath the hitch and coupler with enough
slack to permit turning while transporting, and to hold the tongue up,
should the winch come loose.
- Completely crank the jack upward until it engages, then fasten it with the safety pin.
The jack is only intended to provide support. Do not manoeuvre the winch if
the jack is lowered. This can cause injury and even death. Make sure that the
front jack is fully raised and secured.
- Secure the wheel chocks.
- Plug in the electrical connecting cable to the pulling vehicle. Use an adapter plug if necessary.
- Examine the lights of the winch for proper functioning.
Before each time this trailer is towed:
-
Check the lighting system.
-
Check tire conditions (tire pressure, damage).
-
Check to be sure the winch is correctly coupled and the jack is fully raised and secured.
-
Check the operation of the electric brake system
