Installation Manual

Driving a tow vehicle Towing vehicle and trailer
manufacturer's recommendations
Remove hitch when not towing
Check your equipment
Trailer loading
Good habits for normal driving need extra emphasis when
towing a trailer. The additional weight of the trailer affects
acceleration and braking. Extra time should be allowed for
passing, stopping and changing lanes. Signal well in advance
of a maneuver to let other drivers know your intentions.
Severe bumps and badly undulating roads can damage your
towing vehicle, hitch and trailer, and should be negotiated
at a slow, steady speed. If any part of your towing system
bottoms out or if you suspect damage may have occurred in
any way, pull over and make a thorough inspection. Correct
any problems before resuming travel.
Review the owner's manual for your towing vehicle and trailer
for specific recommendations, capacities and requirements.
Remove weight distribution hitch from the trailer hitch on
towing vehicle when not towing a trailer to the reduce chances
of striking weight distribution hitch on the driveway or other
objects. This also reduces the chance of parts being stolen.
Periodically check the condition of all your
towing equipment and keep in top condition.
Proper trailer loading is very important. Heavy items should
be placed close to the floor near the trailer axle center line.
The load should be balanced side to side and firmly secured
in the trailer to prevent shifting. Tongue weight should be
10-15% or the gross trailer weight for most trailers. Too low
a tongue weight often produces tendency to sway.
TOWING TIPS
Surge brake actuators not designed for use with a weight
distributing hitch may bind and not operate freely. Check
surge brake operating instructions for specific requirements
regarding their use with weight distributing hitches.
Passengers in trailers
Trailer lights, turn signals
and electric brakes
Tire inflation
Trailers should not be occupied while being towed.
Most states enforce this regulation.
Always hook up all of the trailer lights, electric
brakes and break-away switch connections
whenever trailer is being towed.
Unless specified by the towing vehicle or trailer
manufacturer, tires should be inflated to their maximum
recommended pressure.
Clean ball and coupler socket. Coat ball lightly with grease.
Check to see that all trailer balls are properly tightened
and that the locking pins in the lift brackets are securely in
place. Also, check that the hitch pin is in place and secure.
Check to see that all electrical hook-ups are in working
order and that the security chains are securely connected.
At the beginning of every tow day
Check all trailer to towing vehicle
connections for security and operation
Some states require a clear view of license plates.
Remove trailer ball when not in use if it restricts view.
This product complies with regulation V-5, C.S.A.
Standard D-264 and safety requirements for connecting
devices and towing systems of the State of New York.
NOTES
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