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DRY PRIME PUMP — OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 (10/06/08) — PAGE 41
If the coupler cannot be secured to the hitch ball, do not
tow the trailer. Call your dealer for assistance. Lower the
trailer so that its entire tongue weight is held by the hitch,
and continue retracting the jack to its fully retracted posi-
tion.
Overloading can damage the
tongue jack. DO NOT use the
tongue jack to raise the tow vehicle
more than 1 inch.
NOTE
Rock the ball to make sure it is tighten 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; feel the
inside of the coupler for worn spots and pits.
Be sure the coupler is secured tightly to the tongue of
the trailer. All coupler fasteners must be visibly solid
against the trailer frame.
The bottom surface of the coupler to be above the top
of the hitch ball. Use the tongue jackstand to support
the trailer tongue. Wood or concrete blocks may also be
used.
Figure 28. Ball Hitch Coupling Mechanism
Lower the trailer (Figure 28) until the coupler fully en-
gages the hitch ball.
Engage the coupler locking mechanism. In the engaged
position, the locking mechanism securely holds the
coupler to the hitch ball.
Insert a pin or lock through the hole in the locking
mechanism.
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 jackstand, verify
that you can raise the rear of the tow vehicle by
1-inch after the coupler is locked to the hitch.
Lower the trailer so that its entire tongue weight is held
by the hitch.
Raise the jackstand to a height where it will not interfere
with the road.
A loose hitchball nut can result in uncoupling, leading to
death or serious injury.
Be sure the hitch ball is tight to the hitch before coupling
the trailer.
WARNING - Uncoupled Hitch Ball
Coupling the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle (Ball Coupler)
Lubricate the hitch ball and the inside of the coupler
with a thin layer of automotive bearing grease.
Slowly back up the tow vehicle so that the hitch ball is
near or aligned under the coupler.
Using the jackstand at the front of trailer (tongue), turn
the jackstand crank handle to raise the trailer. If the ball
coupler does not line up with the hitch ball, adjust the
position of the tow vehicle.
Open the coupler locking mechanism. Ball couplers have
a locking mechanism with an internal moving piece and
an outside handle. In the open position, the coupler is
able to drop fully onto the hitch ball.
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.
WARNING - Defective Hitch Ball
2-5/16 INCH
TRAILER
COUPLER
2-5/16 INCH
BALL
TOW
VEHICLE
TRAILER SAFETY GUIDELINES