Multi Tech Equipment MLT20DCA6 Connecting Trailer Lights, Uncoupling the Ball Hitch

safety guidelines — TRAILERS

Connecting Trailer Lights

Connect the trailer lights to the tow vehicle’s electrical system using the electric connectors at the front of the trailer (tongue). Refer to the wiring diagram shown in the trailer wiring diagram section of this manual. Before towing the trailer check for the following:

„Running lights (turn on tow vehicle headlights).

„Brake Lights (step on tow vehicle brake pedal).

„Backup Lights (place tow vehicle gear shift in reverse).

„Turn Signals (activate tow vehicle directional signal lever).

WaRnIng

Improper electrical connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer will result in inoperable lights and electric brakes, and can lead to collision.

Before each tow:

•Check that the taillights, brake lights and turn signals work.

•Check that the electric brakes work by operating the brake controller inside the tow vehicle.

uncoupling the Ball Hitch

Follow these steps to uncouple ball hitch from tow vehicle:

„Block trailer tires to prevent the trailer from rolling, before jacking the trailer up.

„Disconnect the electrical connector.

„Disconnect the breakaway brake switch cable. Promptly replace the pullpin in the switchbox.

„Before extending jackstand, make certain the ground surface below the jackstand foot will support the tongue load.

„Rotate the jackstand handle (or crank) clockwise. This will slowly extend the jack and transfer the weight of the trailer tongue to the jack.

pInTLe HITCH COupLeR

A pintle eye coupler (Figure G) connects to a pintle-hook hitch 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 a “lunette eye, tow ring or G.I. hitch.”

Figure G. Pintle Hitch Coupler

A pintle hitch trailer may be fi tted with a tongue jackstand that can raise and lower the coupler. The tongue jack is mounted to the A-frame (front or tongue) part of the trailer. By rotating the jack handle clockwise, the jack will extend and raise the tongue of the trailer.

The load rating of the coupler and the necessary pintle hitch size are listed on the trailer tongue.You must provide a pintle hitch and pintle coupler for your tow vehicle, where the load rating of the pintle hitch and pintle coupler is equal to or greater than that of your trailer.

Also, the pintle hitch size must be the same as the pintle coupler size. If the hitch is too small, too large, underrated, loose or worn, the trailer can come loose from the tow vehicle, and may cause death or serious injury.

pintle Coupler and pintle Hook

Before each tow, check the locking device that secures the coupler to the pintle hook assembly.

The pintle hook lever must be able to operate freely and automatically snap into place into the latched position. Lightly oil the pivot points and sliding surfaces with SAE30W motor oil to prevent rust and help ensure proper operation of the latching mechanism.

If you see or feel evidence of wear, such as fl at spots, deformations, pitting or corrosion, on the pintle hook or coupler, immediately have your dealer inspect them to determine the proper action to prevent possible failure of

page 34 — MLT20 sERIES LIGHT TOWER • operation manual — rev. #0 (01/18/13)