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Towing Guide & Directory by Ernie C. Monkley Trailer Tired Auto
We never get tired of towing safety. We wrote the book on it. For more information please e-mail,

Types of Hitches
Hitching Up
Safety Chains
The "Pre-Trip Checklist"
Walk around the trailer and check these items

"An ounce of Prevention is worth two gallons of cure"
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check1.) Types of Hitches

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There are two types of trailer hitches:

1) Weight-carrying hitches

2) Weight-distributing hitches

Weight Carrying Hitches are the most popular and carry all the trailer tongue weight on the rear of the tow vehicle. They are commonly used to tow small & medium sized trailers.

Weight Distributing hitches are recommended for heavier trailers because they even out the trailer load between the wheels of the tow vehicle and the wheels of the trailer, thus improving steering and brake control. Two parts are required: The Receiver, which bolts to the vehicle, and the spring bar assembly.

Before deciding which type is right for you, consult vehicle manual for the manufacturer's recommendation and the load capacity of your vehicle.

IMPORTANT:

The loaded trailer must not exceed the load capacity of the hitch, that capacity will be stamped or tagged on the hitch itself

check2.) Hitching Up

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Hitching up is usually a one man job, but it's easier if someone helps, here are the basic steps

1) Back your tow vehicle as close as possible to the trailer, NEVER back up if someone is between the vehicle and the trailer

2) Release the coupler locking device

3) Lower trailer until it is seated on the hitch ball, covering it completely.

4) Check under the coupling to ensure the ball clamp is below the ball and not riding on top of it.

5) Latch the coupler to the hitch ball. Make sure it's locked in place by lifting up the trailer tongue. If it comes loose, unlatched and go back to step 3.

6) Make sure jack is fully raised.

check3.) Safety Chains

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Safety chains on your trailer provide added insurance that the trailer will not detach from the tow vehicle when underway.

We strongly recommend that you crisscross the chains under the trailer tongue. Attach the chain on the left side of the trailer tongue to the hole or ring on the right side of the hitch ball. Attach the chain on the right side of the trailer tongue to the hole or ring on the left side of the hitch ball. This prevents the tongue from dropping to the road if the trailer coupler separates from the hitch ball. Rig the chains with just enough slack to permit tight turns.

Safety Chain Strength: The Society of Automotive Engineers and the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission have adopted the following standards:
  Trailer Class
  Trailer Weight
   Safety Chain
Minimum Breaking Strength
  Class I   2000 lbs. GVWR
  2000 lbs
  Class II   2000-3500 lbs. GVWR
  3500 lbs
  Class III   3500-5000 lbs. GVWR
  5000 lbs
  Class IV   5000-10,000 lbs. GVWR
  The GVWR of the trailer

check4.) The "Pre-Trip Checklist

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   A.) Tow Vehicle
  ITEM
OK
  NEEDS ATTENTION
Coolant level in radiator __________ _______________
Coolant level in coolant recovery reservoir __________ _______________
Radiator cap seats properly __________ _______________
Water level in battery __________ _______________
Battery terminals free of corrosion __________ _______________
Radiator hoses (flexible and tight) __________ _______________
Fan belt tight? Worn? __________ _______________
Transmission fluid level __________ _______________
Condition of transmission fluid (if fluid is pinkish oil OK, if
 fluid is dark brown, you need your transmission serviced) 		__________ _______________
Transmission fluid cooler hoses and connections __________ _______________
Engine oil level (how many miles since last oil change?) __________ _______________
Power steering fluid level __________ _______________
Hose & connections to power steering __________ _______________
Spark plug wires snug __________ _______________
Air filter (when was it last changed?) __________ _______________
Fluid in windshield washer reservoir __________ _______________
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 b.) Trailer - Walk around the trailer and check these items:
ITEM OK  NEEDS ATTENTION
All lights operate properly __________ _______________
All tires (tire pressure and tread wear) __________ _______________
All wheel lugs __________ _______________
Safety chains connected and crisscrossed __________ _______________
Breakaway switch and lanyard __________ _______________
Coupler locking-pin (if used) __________ _______________
Trailer electric cable connected & secure __________ _______________
Trailer lights and turn signals functioning with tow vehicle __________ _______________
Tongue jack fully up __________ _______________
Dolly wheel removed (if appropriate) __________ _______________
Stabilizer jacks stored (if appropriate) __________ _______________
Load distributed in trailer so that proper tongue weight is
 maintained (about 10% of trailer load)		 __________ _______________
Trailer is level when attached __________ _______________
Bearings greased __________ _______________
Coupler size matches ball size __________ _______________
Pin & clip installed through drawbar of hitch __________ _______________
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