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thanthatofyourtrailerAlso,thebalisizemustbethesameasthecouplersize if
thehitchbahistoosmaII,toolarge,isunderrated,islooseor'isworn,thet_aflercan
comeloosefromthetowvehicle,andmaycausedeathorseriousinimy.
IHE TOWVEHICLE,HITCHANDBALLMUSTHAVEARATEDTOWING
CAPACITYEQUAl,.TOORGREATERTHANTHETRAILERGROSS
VEHICLEWEIGHTRAIING(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 capacib, is
marked on the hitch
5,.2.,1,1 Before coupling tile trailer to tile tow vehicle
, Ensure the size and rating of hitch bail match the 2dnch coupler on your trailer
flitch balls and couplers are marked with their size and rating
• Wipe the hitch ball clean, inspect it visually and feet for flat spots, cracks and
pits
• Rock the batl to make sure it is tight to the hitch, and visuaIly check that the
hitch bali nut is solid against the lock washer and hitch flame
• Wipe the inside and outside of the coupler clean and inspect it visualiy fbr 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 tlailer 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 ]ocking mechanism
with an intemat moving piece and an outside handle
tn the open position, the coupler is able to drop fully onto the hitch ball
See "Uncoupling tire Frailer" 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.L1.3 Coupling the trailer to tile tow vehicle
Lift the coupler and place it over the bali.
2O
• Lower the trailer until the coupler fully engages the hitch ball. If the coupter
does not line up with the hitch bail, 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,