safety guidelines — TRAILERS
eMeRgenCY FLaRes anDTRIangLe ReFLeCTORs
It is wise to carry these warning devices even if you are not towing a trailer. It is particularly important to have these when towing a trailer because the hazard fl ashers of your towing vehicle will not operate for as long a period of time when the battery is running both the trailer lights and tow vehicle lights.
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
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. In addition, if your trailer has a separate braking system, the electrical connector will also supply power to the brakes from the tow vehicle.
BReaKaWaY sYsTeM
If the trailer coupler connection comes loose, the breakaway system can actuate emergency hydraulic brakes depending on the type of actuator on the trailer. The breakaway cable must be rigged to the tow vehicle with appropriate slack that will activate the system if the coupler connection comes loose.
JaCKsTanD
A device on the trailer that is used to raise and lower the coupler. The jack is sometimes called the “landing gear” or the “tongue jack”.
COupLeR TYpes
Two types of coupler used wit the trailer are discussed below.
Ball Hitch Coupler
Pintel Eye Coupler
BaLL HITCH COupLeR
A ball hitch coupler (Figure C) connects to a ball that is located on or under the rear bumper of tow vehicle. This system of coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle is sometimes referred to as “bumper pull.”
A ball hitch trailer may be fi tted with a tongue jack that can raise and lower the coupler. The tongue jack is mounted to the
Figure C. Ball Hitch Coupler
Before each tow, coat the ball with a thin layer of automotive bearing grease to reduce wear and ensure proper operation. Check the locking device that secures the coupler to the ball for proper operation.
If you see or feel evidence of wear, such as fl at spots, deformations, pitting or corrosion, on the ball or coupler, immediately have your dealer inspect them to determine the proper action to prevent possible failure of the ball and coupler system. All bent or broken coupler parts must be replaced before towing the trailer.
The coupler handle lever must be able to rotate freely and automatically snap into the latched position. Oil the pivot points, sliding surfaces, and spring ends with SAE 30W motor oil. Keep the ball socket and latch mechanism clean. Dirt or contamination can prevent proper operation of the latching mechanism.
The load rating of the coupler and the necessary ball size are listed on the trailer tongue.You must provide a hitch and ball for your tow vehicle where the load rating of the hitch and ball is equal to or greater 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
MLT20 SERIES LIGHT TOWER • operation manual — rev. #0 (01/18/13) — page 31
