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than that of your trailer. Also, 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 OF THE SAME SIZE AS THE
COUPLER (2 INCHES).
The ball size and load rating (capacity) are marked on the ball; hitch capacity is
marked on the hitch.
5.2.1.1 Before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle
• Ensure the size and rating of hitch ball match the 2-inch coupler on your trailer.
Hitch balls and couplers are marked with their size and rating.
• Wipe the hitch ball clean, inspect it visually and feel for at spots, cracks and
pits.
• Rock the ball to make sure it is tight to the hitch, and visually check that the
hitch ball nut is solid against the lock washer and hitch frame.
• Wipe the inside and outside of the coupler clean and inspect it visually for cracks
and deformations; feel the inside of the coupler for worn spots and pits.
• Be sure the coupler is tight to the tongue of the trailer. All coupler fasteners
must be visibly solid against the trailer frame.
• Raise the bottom surface of the coupler above the top of the hitch ball. Use
wood or concrete blocks to support the trailer tongue.
5.2.1.2 Preparing the coupler and hitch
• Lubricate the hitch ball and the inside of the coupler with a thin layer of
automotive bearing grease.
• Open the coupler locking mechanism. Ball couplers have a locking mechanism
with an internal moving piece and an outside handle.
In the open position, the coupler is able to drop fully onto the hitch ball.
See “Uncoupling the Trailer” for details on placing the coupler in the “open”
position.
• Slowly back up the tow vehicle so that the hitch ball is near or aligned under the
coupler.
5.2.1.3 Coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle
Lift the coupler and place it over the ball.
• Lower the trailer until the coupler fully engages the hitch ball. If the coupler
does not line up with the hitch ball, adjust the position of the tow vehicle.
• Engage the coupler locking mechanism. In the engaged position, the locking
mechanism securely holds the coupler to the hitch ball.