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COUPLING TO THE TOW VEHICLE
the ring.
4.3.1.4 BEFORE COUPLING THE TRAILER TO THE TOW VEHICLE
Be sure the size and rating of pintle match the size and rating of the ring. Hitch ring and pintles
are marked with their size and rating.
WARNING
Coupler-to-hitch mismatch can result in uncoupling, leading to death or serious
injury.
Be sure the LOAD RATING of the pintle is equal or greater than the load rating of
the ring.
Be sure the SIZE of the pintle matches the size of the ring.
WARNING
A worn, cracked or corroded pintle can fail while towing, and may result in death
or serious injury. Before coupling trailer, inspect the pintle for wear, corrosion
and cracks. Replace worn or damaged pintle.
• Rock the pintle to make sure it is tight to the hitch, and visually check that the pintle fasteners
are solid against the hitch frame.
• Wipe the inside and outside of the ring clean and inspect it visually for cracks and deformations;
feel the inside of the ring for worn spots and pits.
• Be sure the ring is tight to the tongue of the trailer. All ring fasteners must be visibly solid
against the trailer frame.
WARNING
A loose pintle can result in uncoupling, leading to death or serious injury.
Make sure the pintle is tight to the hitch before coupling the trailer.
• Raise the bottom surface of the ring to be above the top of the open pintle.
4.3.1.5 PREPARE THE RING AND PINTLE
• Lubricate the inside of the pintle with a thin layer of automotive bearing grease.
• Remove the safety latch pin and open the pintle locking mechanism.
• In the open position, the ring is able to drop fully onto the pintle.
• See the coupler instructions for details of placing the pintle in the “open” position.
• Slowly back up the tow vehicle so that the pintle is near or aligned under the ring.