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SECTION 5: COUPLING TO
THE TOW VEHICLE
You must follow all of the safety precautions and instructions in this manual to
ensure safety of persons, cargo, and satisfactory life of the trailer.
5.1 Warning: Using an Adequate Tow Vehicle and Hitch
If the vehicle or hitch is not properly selected and matched to the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer, you can cause an accident that could lead to
death or serious injury. If you already have a tow vehicle, know your vehicle tow
rating and make certain the trailer’s rated capacity is less than or equal to the tow
vehicle’s rated towing capacity. If you already have (or plan to buy) a trailer, make
certain that the tow rating of the tow vehicle is equal to or greater than that of the
trailer.
5.2 Warning: Coupling and Uncoupling the Trailer
A secure coupling (or fastening) of the trailer to the tow vehicle is essential. A loss
of coupling may result in death or serious injury. Therefore, you must understand
and follow all of the instructions for coupling your trailer to your tow vehicle.
The following parts are involved in ensuring a secure coupling between the trailer
and tow vehicle:
Coupler: A device on the tongue of the trailer that connects to the hitch on the
tow vehicle.
Hitch: A device on the tow vehicle that supports the weight of the trailer tongue
and pulls the trailer. The coupler attaches to the hitch.
Safety chains: 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. Electricity is used to turn on brake
lights, running lights, and turn signals as required.
5.2.1 Trailer with Ball-Hitch Coupler
A ball hitch coupler connects to a ball that is located on or under the rear bumper
of the tow vehicle. This system of coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle is sometimes
referred to as “bumper pull.”
Warning: We have utilized a 2-inch Ball Hitch coupler that is suitable for the
size and weight of the trailer. You must provide a hitch and 2-inch ball for
your tow vehicle, where the load rating of the hitch and ball is equal to or greater
ATTACHING THE TRAILER TO TOW VEHICLE