Table of Contents
3.5.1.3 Additional Information on Light Truck Tires .............................. 49
Tire Safety Tips ............................................................................................ 50
4 COUPLING TO THE TOW VEHICLE ............................................... 52
4.1 Use an Adequate Tow Vehicle and Hitch ............................................. 52
Trailer Information ........................................................................................ 52
Tow Vehicle .................................................................................................. 53
4.2 Coupling and Uncoupling the Trailer .................................................... 54
Various Coupler Designs .............................................................................. 55
4.3 Bumper Pull Trailers ............................................................................ 56
Couplers Open/Closed ................................................................................. 56
Trailer with Ball Hitch Coupler ...................................................................... 57
4.3.1.1 Before Coupling The Trailer To The Tow Vehicle ..................... 57
4.3.1.2 Prepare The Coupler And Hitch................................................ 58
4.3.1.3 Couple The Trailer To The Tow Vehicle ................................... 59
Trailer with Ring and Pintle Coupler ............................................................. 59
4.3.1.4 Before Coupling The Trailer To The Tow Vehicle ..................... 60
4.3.1.5 Prepare The Ring and Pintle .................................................... 61
4.3.1.6 Couple The Trailer To The Tow Vehicle ................................... 61
Connect Safety Chains – Bumper Pull Trailer .............................................. 62
Connect The Electrical Cable – Bumper Pull Trailers................................... 63
Attach Breakaway Brake Lanyard – Bumper Pull Trailers ............................ 63
4.3.1.7 Test Electric Brakes .................................................................. 64
4.3.1.8 Test Electric Breakaway Brakes ............................................... 64
4.3.1.9 Test Surge Brakes (If equipped) ............................................... 66
4.3.1.10 Test Surge Brake Breakaway System ...................................... 67
Uncoupling A Bumper Pull Trailer ................................................................ 67
4.4 Gooseneck Trailer With Ball Receiver ................................................. 68
Before Coupling The Trailer To The Tow Vehicle ........................................ 69
Prepare The Ball And Receiver .................................................................... 70
Couple The Trailer To The Tow Vehicle ....................................................... 71
Connect The Safety Chains ......................................................................... 71
Connect The Electrical Cable ....................................................................... 72
Attach Breakaway Brake Lanyard ................................................................ 73
4.4.1.1 Test Electric Brakes .................................................................. 74
4.4.1.2 Test Electric Breakaway Brakes ............................................... 74
Uncoupling Gooseneck Trailer With Ball Coupler ........................................ 75
4.5 Tongue Weight ..................................................................................... 77
Checking Tongue Weight ............................................................................. 78
4.6 Adjust Bumper Pull Trailer Hitch Height ............................................... 79
4.7 Adjust Gooseneck Coupler Height ....................................................... 80
5 LOADING AND UNLOADING A DUMP TRAILER .......................... 82
5.1 Hazards For Dump Trailers .................................................................. 82
5.2 Ramp Weights ..................................................................................... 84
5.3 Loading Fixed Loads ............................................................................ 84
Rear Loading Equipment .............................................................................. 85
6’ HD Hydraulic Ramp Gate ......................................................................... 88
5.3.1.1 Towing Operation ..................................................................... 90
5.3.1.2 Ramp Operation ....................................................................... 90
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