Multiquip LT12D, LT12P operation manual Pintle Hitch Coupler, Pintle Coupler and Pintle Hook

TRAILER GUIDELINES

PINTLE HITCH COUPLER

A pintle eye coupler (Figure F) 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 F. Pintle Hitch Coupler

A pintle hitch trailer may be fitted 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 flat 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 the ball andcoupler system. All bent or broken coupler parts must be replaced before towing the trailer.

THE TOW VEHICLE, PINTLE HITCH AND PINTLE COUPLER MUST HAVE A RATED TOWING CAPACITY EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN THE TRAILER Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE PINTLE HITCH BE OF THE SAME SIZE AS THE PINTLE COUPLER.

The coupler size and load rating (capacity) are marked on the coupler. Hitch capacity is marked on the hitch.

WARNING

Coupler-to-hitch mismatch can result in uncoupling, leading to death or serious injury.

Be sure the LOAD RATING of the pintle hitch hook is equal or greater than the load rating of the pintle eye coupler.

Be sure the SIZE of the pintle hitch hook matches the size of the pintle eye coupler.

WARNING

A worn, cracked or corroded pintle hitch hook can fail while towing, and may result in death or serious injury.

Before coupling trailer, inspect the pintle hitch hook for wear, corrosion and cracks.

Replace worn or damaged pintle hitch hook.

Rock the pintle eye coupler to make sure it is secured tightly to the hitch.

Wipe the inside and outside of the pintle 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 secured tightly to the tongue of the trailer. All coupler fasteners must be visibly solid against the trailer frame.

PAGE 60 — LT12 SERIES LIGHT TOWER • OPERATION MANUAL — REV. #12 (01/20/09)