Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
! WARNING
Used lock nuts are prone to loosen, resulting in the hitch
separating from the trailer, which can lead to death or serious
injury.
NEVER re-use a lock nut.
Use new lock nuts each time the hitch height is adjusted.
Contact your dealer for the proper grade and size of lock nut.
Raise or lower the hitch as necessary.
Install bolts (1) and NEW lock nuts.
Tighten lock nuts to 100 lb/ft of torque.
Couple the trailer to the tow vehicle and verify that the trailer is level front to
80
rear. Adjust if necessary.
Unload trailer (see Loading and Unloading The Trailer) and disconnect from
tow vehicle (see Uncoupling a Bumper Pull Trailer).
4.7 ADJUST GOOSENECK COUPLER HEIGHT
The height of the ball receiver on the trailer must be adjusted so that the trailer,
when loaded to rated capacity, is level while connected to the tow vehicle. A level
trailer allows equal weight distribution on the axles. There must also be adequate
clearance between the bottom of the trailer and the sides of the tow vehicle bed.
Connect trailer to tow vehicle (see Coupling To The Tow Vehicle) and load the
trailer to rated capacity (see Loading and Unloading The Trailer). Park the tow
vehicle and trailer on a firm level surface.
Stand back from the trailer and visually verify if the trailer is level front-to-rear. If the
front of the trailer is higher than the rear, the hitch must be retracted. If the front of
the trailer is lower than the rear, the hitch must be extended.
Uncouple trailer from tow vehicle (See Coupling To The Tow Vehicle).
Loosen the jam nut and setscrew (1). Remove safety lock pin (2) and load bearing
pin (3). Extend or retract the receiver as needed. The maximum the receiver can
be extended is 8 inches from the fully retracted position.
Insert load bearing pin (3) through holes in inner and outer tubes and install safety
lock pin (2). Tighten setscrew (1) to 88 lb/ft of torque. Tighten jam nut to 85 lb/ft of
torque. Never use the setscrew or any other device as a replacement for the load
bearing pin (3).