• Rock the ball to make sure it is tight to the hitch, and visually check that the hitch ball nut is
solid against the lock washer and hitch frame.
• Wipe the inside and outside of the coupler clean and inspect it visually for cracks and deformations;
• Be sure the coupler is tight to the tongue of the trailer. All coupler fasteners must be visibly
solid against the trailer frame.
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COUPLING TO THE TOW VEHICLE
WARNING
Coupler-to-hitch mismatch can result in uncoupling, leading to death or serious
injury. Be sure the LOAD RATING of the hitch ball is equal or greater than the
load rating of the coupler. Be sure the SIZE of the hitch ball matches the size of
the coupler.
WARNING
A worn, cracked or corroded hitch ball can fail while towing, and may result in
death or serious injury. Before coupling trailer, inspect the hitch ball for wear,
corrosion and cracks. Replace worn or damaged hitch ball.
feel the inside of the coupler for worn spots and pits.
WARNING
A loose hitch ball nut can result in uncoupling, leading to death or serious injury.
Make sure the hitch ball is tight to the hitch before coupling the trailer.
• Raise the bottom surface of the coupler to be above the top of the hitch ball.
4.3.1.2 PREPARE THE COUPLER AND HITCH
• Lubricate the hitch ball and the inside of the coupler with a thin layer of automotive bearing
grease.
• Remove the safety latch pin and open the coupler locking mechanism.
• In the open position, the coupler is able to drop fully onto the hitch ball.
• See the coupler instructions for details of placing the coupler in the “open” position.
• Slowly back up the tow vehicle so that the hitch ball is near or aligned under the coupler.
4.3.1.3 COUPLE THE TRAILER TO THE TOW VEHICLE
• Lower the trailer tongue until the coupler fully engages the hitch ball. If the coupler does not
line up with the hitch ball, adjust the position of the tow vehicle.
• Engage the coupler locking mechanism. In the engaged position, the locking mechanism
securely holds the coupler to the hitch ball.
• Insert the safety lock pin through the hole in the locking mechanism. The Demco E-Z Latch
coupler does not require a pin.
• Be sure the coupler is all the way on the hitch ball and the locking mechanism is engaged. A
properly engaged locking mechanism will allow the coupler to raise the rear of the tow vehicle.
Using the trailer jack, test to see that you can raise the rear of the tow vehicle by 1 inch, after
the coupler is locked to the hitch.