Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
! WARNING
A worn, cracked or corroded gooseneck ball can fail while towing,
and may result in death or serious injury.
Before coupling the trailer, inspect the gooseneck ball for wear,
corrosion and cracks; and replace worn or damaged gooseneck
ball.
Rock the ball to make sure it is tight to the ball support, and visually check that
the gooseneck ball nut is solid against the lock washer and ball support frame.
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! WARNING
A loose gooseneck ball can result in uncoupling, leading to death
or serious injury.
Make sure the gooseneck ball nut is tight before coupling the
trailer.
Wipe the inside and outside of the receiver clean and inspect it visually for
cracks; and feel the inside of the receiver for worn spots and pits. If any of
these conditions exist, have the receiver replaced before coupling the trailer.
Lubricate the inside of the receiver with automotive bearing grease.
Be sure the receiver is tight to the trailer. All receiver fasteners must be visibly
solid against the trailer frame.
Release the jack handle or crank from its holder.
Rotate the handle/crank clockwise to raise the bottom surface of the
gooseneck to be above the top of the gooseneck ball.
PREPARE THE BALL AND RECEIVER
Release the lock plate on the gooseneck ball receiver. With the spring-loaded
lock plate locking pin in the OPEN position, rotate the lock plate to a position
that allows the gooseneck ball to enter the receiver.
Slowly back up the tow vehicle so that the ball is aligned under the receiver.
! WARNING
If the trailer drops during coupling, death or serious injury may
result.
There must be no one under the trailer or coupler before or during
the coupling operation.