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Hitch: The connecting mechanism including the ball
support platform and ball and those components
that extend and are attached to the towing vehicle,
including bumpers intended to serve as hitches.
Safety chains: Chains permanently attached to the
trailer such that if the coupler connection comes
loose, the safety chains can keep the trailer attached
to the tow vehicle. With properly rigged safety chains,
it is possible to keep the tongue of the trailer from
digging into the road pavement, even if the coupler-
to-hitch connection comes apart.
Trailer lighting (and braking) connector: A device
that connects electrical power from the tow vehicle
to the trailer. In addition, if your trailer has a separate
braking system, the electrical connector will also
supply power to the trailer brakes from the tow
vehicle.
Breakaway switch: If the trailer becomes uncoupled
from the tow vehicle, the breakaway switch lanyard,
attached independently to the tow vehicle hitch, will
pull a pin in the emergency electrical breakaway
switch on the trailer. The breakaway switch is
activated by a battery on the trailer to energize the
trailer brakes independently of the towing vehicle.
It is important to check the state of charge of the
emergency breakaway battery before each trip.
Simply pull the pin out of the switch by hand and then
try to pull the trailer. If you feel a signifi cant drag
force the brakes are activated. Be sure to re-insert
the pin in the breakaway switch. Also be sure to allow
enough slack in the breakaway brake lanyard such
that the switch will only activate (pin pulls out) if the
coupler connection comes loose.
Jack: A device on the trailer that is used to raise and
lower the trailer tongue.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle
An improperly coupled trailer can result in
death or serious injury. Do not move the
trailer until:
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4.3 Couple Trailer To Tow Vehicle
The trailer may be equipped with a ball hitch coupler
or a ring & pintle coupler. See the appropriate section
for the coupler on your trailer.
4.3.1 Ball Hitch Coupler
A ball hitch coupler connects to a ball that is located
on or under the rear bumper of tow vehicle.
We have utilized a ball hitch coupler that is suitable
for the size and weight of the trailer. The load rating of
the coupler and the necessary ball size are listed on
the trailer tongue.
You must provide a hitch and ball for your tow vehicle,
that meets or exceeds the GVWR of the trailer.
The ball size must be the same as the coupler size. If
the hitch ball is too small, too large, is underrated, is
loose or is worn, the trailer can come loose from the
tow vehicle, and may cause death or serious injury.
The tow vehicle, hitch and ball must have a rated
towing capacity equal to or greater than the trailer
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
It is essential that the hitch ball be the same size
as the coupler.
The ball size and load rating (capacity) are marked on
the ball; hitch capacity is marked on the hitch.
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WARNING
Coupler is secured and locked to hitch.
Safety chains are secured to tow
vehicle.
Trailer jack(s) are fully retracted.
Trailer brakes are checked.
Tires and wheels are checked.
Breakaway switch is connected to tow
vehicle;
The trailer lights are connected and
checked.
Load is secured to trailer.
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