Hitch Height Adjustment; Hitching; Unhitching; Hitching - Fifth Wheels - Gulf Stream Travel Trailer Owner's Manual

HITCH HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

If the spring bars on the equalizer hitch are fitted with chains for fastening to the trailer "A" frame, the selection of the
proper link to be used at the connecting point can best be chosen by "hitching up" on a level road or driveway. After
hitching up the trailer visually inspect how level the tow vehicle/trailer combination is and adjust the chain link selection
accordingly. In order to have a level tow vehicle/trailer combination you may have to raise or lower the hitch ball on
the tow vehicle. Most, if not all, equalizer hitches allow for height adjustments of the hitch ball.
Remember which chain link is used on the equalizer hitch spring bar for your most common load conditions. This
will save time in future use! Depending on the trailer load each time the trailer is used, you may have to go up or down
one link to have a level tow vehicle/trailer combination.

HITCHING

Before starting the hitching operation, remove (or raise) the stabilizing jacks (if equipped) from beneath the trailer.
Make sure the coupler on the trailer "A" frame is in the "unlatched" position. With another person as a guide, back the
tow vehicle hitch ball under the coupler and lower the coupler over the hitch ball. Latch the coupler and install the
safety pin immediately before any other steps are taken. Attach the equalizing hitch spring bars, the safety chains,
safety breakaway switch tether and the electric connection plug. Crank the trailer jack all the way up and remove the
wheel chocks from the trailer wheels. Before starting down the road, check the trailer lights and brake operation.

UNHITCHING

The site for parking your trailer should be as level as possible so less jacking will be necessary to level the trailer.
The ground should also be firm enough that the jacks will not sink.
Before unhitching, the trailer should be immobilized by use of wheel chocks placed both in front of and behind the
wheels on both sides of the trailer. This is important to keep the trailer from moving downhill if the site is not exactly
level.
After removing the safety chains, the breakaway switch tether and the trailer electrical plug, place a block under the
hitch jack and extend the jack to meet it firmly, and raise the hitch a few inches with the coupler and equalizer hitch still
attached to the hitch ball. This will remove pressure on the equalizer hitch. Next, carefully remove the equalizer hitch
spring bar in accordance with the hitch manufacturer's instructions. Lower the hitch back down to where it barely has
pressure on the ground. The safety latch on the hitch coupler should now be released and the hitch jacked back up
until it just clears the hitch ball. With all hitch items detached, you can now remove the tow vehicle and proceed to
level the trailer. Remember that such leveling is not only important to your comfort, but also for proper functioning of
the refrigerator and the plumbing drain lines.
HITCHING – FIFTH WHEELS

HITCHES

There are several types of fifth wheel hitches available. Be certain to use the one recommended by your vehicle
manufacturer and that meets the weight requirements of your fifth wheel. The one described here is typical (FIG 1),
but have your dealer demonstrate and explain the proper hitching and unhitching procedure for your hitch.
NOTE! MAKE SURE YOUR FIFTH WHEEL HITCH IS INSTALLED IN A LOCATION THAT ALLOWS
PROPER TURNING CLEARANCE OF THE FIFTH WHEEL AND THE TRUCK CAB!
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