Hitch Height; Hookup; The Safety Chain - Jayco Kiwi Travel Trailer 2003 Owner's Manual

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CAUTIONS:
• Using an oversized or undersized hitch can cause damage to the frame of your
travel trailer.
• Jayco, Inc. cannot be responsible for the suspension system of the tow vehicle. The
final hitch ball height after the travel trailer is completely hooked up is a factor to
be considered. To avoid overloading your RV axles and minimize possible han-
dling difficulties, your RV should tow level when hooked to your tow vehicle.
• Do not overload your tow vehicle.

Hitch Height

To determine the hitch height for your model, make sure that the
travel trailer is level. Measure from inside the hitch coupler to
the ground. Record this number in the box at the side for future
reference. If you have additional questions, consult with your
Independent Jayco Dealer.
Jayco, Inc. cannot be responsible for the suspension system of
any tow vehicle. There are a variety of suspension systems available on tow vehicles
today which will affect the ball height, stability and levelness of the RV when hooked up
to the vehicle. Make certain your dealer is aware of the type of tow vehicle that will be
used so a compatible hookup can be achieved.

Hookup

Hooking up a travel trailer is not difficult and will become easier with practice. The
following procedure will help you until you become more experienced.
1. Blockthe wheels.
2. Turn the jack crank to raise the trailer tongue above the hitch ball.
3. Open the coupler latch.
4. Back the tow vehicle into the proper position.
5. Turn the jack crank to lower the coupler onto the hitch ball.
6. Close the coupler latch after it is completely seated.
7. Install the weight distributing bars (equalizers) as per recommendations from the
hitch supplier, when required.
8. Remove the dolly wheel and retract the tongue jack to its maximum height.
9. Attach the breakaway cable to the tow vehicle.
10. Attach the safety chains as shown in Figure 3-1.
11. Plug in the 12-volt electrical connector from the tow vehicle to the trailer.
This unit
hitch height
is:
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12. The following items should be inspected prior to your journey:
• All lights must be in working order.
• The stabilizer jacks must be in the retracted position.
• The entrance steps must be in the retracted position.
• The refrigerator door should be closed and locked.
• All loose items must be secured.
• The brakes must be tested for operation prior to entering the roadway.
• The tire pressure must be checked and maintained per the tire pressure stamped on
the tire sidewall.

The Safety Chain

There are different safety chain requirements determined by the various state laws. Your
vehicle is equipped with chains to meet SAE standard requirements for maximum gross
trailer weight. Always have the safety chains attached when towing. Install them as
shown below so they do not restrict sharp turns, but tight enough so they do not drag on
the ground. (Fig. 3-1)
Figure 3-1
1. Inspect chains to determine if they are
properly attached to trailer frame.
3. Repeat step 2 with right chain. Slack
for each length should be the same but
not more than necessary to permit the
vehicle to turn at their minimum radius.
2. Criss-cross left chain and attach to right
mounting slot in tow vehicle hitch.
4. Properly mounted safety chains.
Note that the jack is fully raised
and dolly wheel removed.
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