Towing Safety Tips:
-The hitch ball size matches the trailer’s coupler size: the hitch ball size is usually marked on the coupler.
-Safety chains are on your trailer (this is required by law)
-Safety chains are connected and criss-crossed properly.
-Shank size of hitch ball must match hole size of ball mount.
-Hitch ball should not be shimmed (spaced)
-Trailer wiring is connected and working properly
-Tongue jack is fully cranked up
-Trailer load is distributed properly so tongue weight is 10% of Gross Trailer Weight
-Trailer is sitting level
-Pin & clip are installed through drawbar/ball mount of receiver
-Tires are not worn and have correct air pressure
-Wheel lugs are tightened
-Breakaway switch is hooked up properly
-Stabilizer jacks stored properly
-A weight-carrying hitch carries all of the trailer’s tongue weight on the back of the vehicle
-The receiver should always be bolted on the tow vehicle, never welded on.
Welding a hitch may weaken the vehicle’s frame and may void the vehicle
and hitch manufacturer’s warranty.
-Always follow the tow vehicle manufacture’s recommended towing capacities for maximum trailer weight and tongue weight.
-If you exceed the towing capacity you will risk damaging the tow vehicle
-The gross trailer weight is the combined weight of the trailer and all of its contents completely loaded
-The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler. This is usually 10% of the gross trailer weight.
-Check hitch frequently to make sure that all of the fasteners and hitch ball are properly tightend.
-If any part of a receiver or hitch ball has been damaged it should be removed and replaced with an undamaged one.
-When not using receiver it is best of pull out the drawbar/ball mount so it does not rust in the sleeve.
-On the hitch ball you can put on some type of lubricant or grease. This will help to eliminate friction.
-A receiver lock will ensure your trailer and ball mount are secure fromtheft.
-A sleeve cap conceals and protects the receiver sleeve when not in use.