Weight-Distributing Hitch - Lincoln NAVIGATOR 2015 Owner's Manual

The standard integrated hitch has two ratings depending on mode of
operation:
• Weight-carrying mode requires a draw bar and hitch ball. The draw
bar supports all the vertical tongue load of the trailer.
• Weight-distributing mode requires an aftermarket weight-distributing
system, which includes draw bar, hitch ball, spring bars and snap-up
brackets. This system distributes the vertical tongue load of the trailer
between the truck and the trailer.
Mode
Weight-carrying
Weight-distributing
Note: These are hitch ratings only. Actual vehicle ratings are dependent
on engine, transmission and axle combinations.
Weight-distributing Hitch – Vehicles without Automatic Leveling
Suspension
WARNING: Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any
position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it
was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling, and
could result in serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use
the following procedure:
1. Park your vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height of the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening
on the fender. This is H1.
3. Attach the trailer to your vehicle without the weight-distributing bars
connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening
on the fender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so that
the height of the front fender is approximately halfway between H1
and H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward your
vehicle. If not, adjust the ball height accordingly and repeat Steps 2–6.
Towing
Maximum trailer
weight
6300 lb (2857 kg)
9000 lb (4082 kg)
Maximum tongue
weight
630 lb (285 kg)
900 lb (408 kg)
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