Outdoors RV Mountain Series Owner's Manual page 15

On the Road
Conventional Travel Trailer:
1. Operate tongue jack to provide adequate clearance between coupler and hitch ball on tow
vehicle.
2. Locate spotter in a safe position that is clear from between the tow vehicle and the RV tongue yet
visible to both you and the coupler so that you will be able to see spotter directions for guiding
hitch ball under coupler socket as you back up.
3. Back the tow vehicle slowly until the hitch ball is directly under the coupler ball socket.
4. Put the tow vehicle transmission in park and set the parking brake.
5. Be sure the tongue coupler latch is fully open. Lower the tongue until the ball is firmly seated in
the socket. Close the coupler latch and secure it with a locking pin, bolt, or padlock. It may be
necessary to rock the RV or tow vehicle slightly to get the coupler latch to close completely.
Raise the jack leg until jack foot pad is off the ground.
6. Step back and check that the RV is level from front to rear. Do not permit the front of the RV to
be lower or higher than the rear as it may create unsafe handling characteristics as well as a hitch
connection or rear bumper that may drag while maneuvering uneven terrain. Adjust hitch ball
height if necessary, to achieve a level stance of the RV.
7. If using a weight distributing hitch, follow hitch manufacturer operating instructions.
8. Remove foot pad (if removable) and retaining pin and store for unhitching. Continue raising
tongue jack until it is fully retracted.
9. If using a sway control device follow device manufacturer operating instructions.
10. Adjust safety chain length by moving quick connect end link to an appropriate link along the
chain so that each chain is the same length and as short as possible but still allows full turning
angles without becoming tight. Chains should be crossed over each other and short enough to
cradle the coupler off the ground if the tongue ever accidentally becomes uncoupled. Attach each
chain hook to the chain connection loops provided on your hitch. WARNING - Never attach
safety chains to the hitch ball or to any removable part of the hitch.
11. Connect the breakaway switch lanyard loop using a quick connect coupler or carabineer at the
hitch safety chain loop. Be sure that the length of the lanyard is adjusted so the switch cannot be
activated during a full 'jackknife' turn. WARNING - Do not connect the breakaway switch
lanyard to the hitch ball, safety chains, or to any removable part of the hitch.
12. Plug the 12-volt electrical cord (7-pin) into the mating tow vehicle socket.
13. Run an operational check of stop lights, turn indicators, running lights, back-up lights (if
equipped), and electric brakes before driving away. See 'Braking System' in this chapter and
'Electrical System' chapter for more details about the electrical systems.
14. Remove tire chocks.
15. Reverse the procedure for unhitching.
 After every trip all hitching components on both the tow vehicle as
well as the RV should be inspected for wear or damage. If any
excessive wear or cracking is observed, have the trailer inspected by
a qualified professional and if necessary, replace the affected parts
before any unnecessary travel.
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