Owner's Manual

STI0804
To access the trailer hitch
*
A
, remove the
trailer hitch cover located on the lower part
of the rear bumper.
To remove the trailer hitch cover:
1. Remove the 2 clips.
2. Pull the bottom of the cover straight
backward to remove the inner side and
upper clips.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be capable
of towing a trailer heavier than the weight
rating of the hitch components. Never
exceed the weight rating of the hitch
components. Doing so can cause serious
personal injury or property damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
. The required hitch ball size is stamped
on most trailer couplers. Most hitch
balls also have the size printed on top
of the ball.
. Choose the proper class hitch ball
based on the trailer weight.
. The diameter of the threaded shank of
the hitch ball must be matched to the
ball mount hole diameter. The hitch ball
shank should be no more than 1/16
smaller than the hole in the ball mount.
. The threaded shank of the hitch ball
must be long enough to be properly
secured to the ball mount. There should
be at least 2 threads showing beyond
the lock washer and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount
and the ball mount is inserted into the
hitch receiver. Choose a proper class ball
mount based on the trailer weight. Addi-
tionally, the ball mount should be chosen
to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball
mount is one that is designed to carry the
whole amount of tongue weight and gross
weight directly on the ball mount and on
the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-
leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. A set of
bars attach to the ball mount and to the
trailer to distribute the tongue weight
(hitch weight) of your trailer. Many vehicles
cannot carry the full tongue weight of a
given trailer, and need some of the tongue
Technical and consumer information 9-23