Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
this situation, detachable extended mirrors are necessary. Check with your dealer
or the appropriate state agency for mirror requirements.
Heavy Duty Flasher: A Heavy Duty Flasher is an electrical component that may
be required when your trailer turn signal lights are attached to the tow vehicle
flasher circuit.
Electrical Connector: An Electrical Connector connects the light and brake
systems on the trailer to the light and brake controls on the towing vehicle.
Heavy Duty Engine Oil Cooling System: The tow vehicle engine works harder
when a trailer is being towed. Depending on the size of the trailer, you may need to
install a separate engine oil cooler. Inadequate cooling may result in sudden
engine failure. Ask the tow vehicle dealer if it is necessary to install a heavy duty
cooling system.
Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler: The automatic transmission of a towing
vehicle handles more power when a trailer is being towed. Inadequate cooling will
shorten transmission life, and may result in sudden transmission failure. Ask the
tow vehicle dealer if it is necessary to install a separate oil cooler for the automatic
transmission.
Fire Extinguisher: It is sensible to have a fire extinguisher in the tow vehicle.
Emergency Flares and Emergency Triangle 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 flashers 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.
4.2 COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING THE TRAILER
A secure coupling (or fastening) of the trailer to the tow vehicle is essential. A loss
of coupling may result in death or serious injury. Therefore, you must understand
and follow all of the instructions for coupling.
The following parts are involved in making a secure coupling between the trailer
and tow vehicle:
Coupling: That part of the trailer connecting mechanism by which the connection
is actually made to the trailer hitch. This does not include any structural member,
extension of the trailer frame, or brake controller.
Hitch: That part of the connecting mechanism including the ball support platform
and ball and those components that extend and are attached to the towing vehicle,
including bumpers intended to serve as hitches.
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Safety chains: Chains permanently attached to the trailer such that if the coupler
connection comes loose, the safety chains can keep the trailer attached to the tow