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1)
Weight-carrying
hitches
Weight-carrying hitches are by
far the most popular
and carry all the trailer tongue
weight directly on the
rear of the vehicle. They are
commonly used to tow small and
medium-sized trailers.
2)
Weight-distributing
hitches
Weight-distributing hitches are
usually recommended
for heavier trailers because
they even out the
trailer load between the wheels of the tow vehicle
and the wheels of the trailer,
thus improving steering
and braking control. Two parts
are required: the receiver,
which bolts to the vehicle, and
the spring bar assembly.
Before deciding which type is
right for you, consult
your car or truck manual for the
manufacturer's recommendation
and the load capacity of your
vehicle.
IMPORTANT:
The total weight of your trailer
when loaded must
not exceed the load capacity of
the hitch. The capacity is stamped on the hitch itself or is on a non-removable
sticker.
The trailer should be in a level
position when
hitched to the tow vehicle.
Be sure the hitch ball is sized
to fit the coupler on
your trailer. The coupler is
marked with the correct
ball diameter either 1-7/8", 2" or 2-5/16", and weight Capacity.
Be sure you close the coupler
trigger tightly on the
ball, and use the locking device
to ensure trigger does not lift. |
1)
Back your tow
vehicle as close as possible to
the trailer; it's easier and
safer to do this than to pull
the trailer
to your car or truck.
2)
Release the coupler locking
device.
3)
Raise the front
end of the trailer coupler
directly over the hitch ball,-
then lower it until it is
seated on the hitch
ball, covering it completely.
4)
Check under the coupling to
ensure the ball clamp is
below the ball and not riding on
top of it.
5)
Latch the coupler
to the hitch ball. Make sure
it's locked in place by lifting
up the trailer tongue.
If the coupler comes loose from the
ball,
unlatch it and go back to step
3.
6)
Make sure your jack is fully
raised.
7)
If you have a
weight-distributing hitch
with spring bars, follow the
above procedures, then attach
the spring bar chain to the
trailer and tighten it until
your trailer and car are in a
normal
level position.
8)
If your trailer has a surge
brake, breakaway cable, or
chain, attach the cable
or chain to your tow vehicle,
allowing enough slack for
you to make tight
turns.
9)
Attach the safety chains (as
described in the safety
chains section).
10)Connect
the trailer wiring harness to
the lighting system of your tow
vehicle and check its operation
(see the
"Pre-Trip Checklist"). |
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With a
trailer in tow,
you're operating a
vehicle combination that's
longer, heavier and
sometimes wider and taller than you're used to. So
you'll have to make some
compensating adjustments
in your driving practices.
Take a "Shakedown Cruise."
At least one short trial
run before your first trip will
help familiarize you with
your trailer's operating
characteristics. It will also
let
you know that the lights,
brakes, hitch, etc., are working
properly.
Slow Down.
Moderate to slow speeds put less
strain on your car and
trailer.
Allow Extra Time and Space.
You'll need both when
passing and stopping, especially
if your trailer has no brakes.
Check Rear View Mirrors.
Doing this frequently will
let you know that your
trailer is riding properly. We
recommend outside rear view
mirrors on both sides of
your tow vehicle.
Swing Wider.
You need to make wider swings at
curve and corners because
your trailer's wheels are
closer to the inside of a turn
than the wheels of your
car or truck.
Pass with Extra Care.
It takes more time and distance
to get around a slower vehicle
and return to the right
lane when you've got a trailer
in tow.
Watch the Wind.
To avoid swaying, be prepared
for sudden changes in air
pressure and wind buffeting when larger vehicles pass from either direction. Slow down
a bit and keep a firm hold on
your steering wheel. Aim
straight down your lane.
Conserve Fuel.
You'll go farther
on a tank of gas at moderate
speeds. Higher speeds increase
wind resistance against the
trailer and reduce your gas
mileage significantly.
Avoid Sudden Stops and Starts.
This can cause
skidding, sliding, or
jackknifing, even if your
trailer
has brakes. Avoid quick stops while turning.
Smooth, gradual starts and stops
will improve your gas
mileage.
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Signal Your Intentions.
Let surrounding vehicles
know what you intend to do well
before you stop, turn,
change lanes, or pass.
Shift to a Lower Gear.
A lower gear will help ease
the load on the transmission and
engine when going over
steep hills, sand, gravel, or
dirt roads. If
your tow vehicle has an
"overdrive" gear, shifting
out of overdrive to a lower gear
may improve your gas
mileage.
Always be Courteous.
Make it as easy as possible for
faster-moving vehicles to pass
you. Keep to the
right of the road and prepare to
slow down if passing
vehicles need extra time to
return to their proper
lane.
Don't Tailgate.
Allow as least one car and
trailer
length between you and the
vehicle in front for each
10 mph on your speedometer.
If a Problem Occurs.
Don't panic. Stay cool. Say
you experience a sudden
bumping or fish-tailing. It
may indicate a flat tire. Don't
jam on the brakes or mash
the accelerator in an attempt to
drive out of it.
Instead, come to a stop slowly
as you keep driving in as
straight a line as possible. If
conditions permit, coast to a
very slow speed and try to avoid
braking,
except when your wheels are
straight and your trailer
and tow vehicle are in line with
each other.
If your trailer begins to
fishtail as you accelerate to
highway speed, back off the
accelerator a bit. This should
stop the fishtailing. If it
begins again as you
increase speed, stop and check
your load. It probably
isn't distributed evenly from
side to side, or it's
too far back to put a sufficient load on the hitch
ball. It is recommended that
about 10% of the trailer
load be on the hitch.
Redistribute the load as
necessary before continuing. |
