15
Driving & Safety - 2
2014 Holiday Rambler Travel Trailer
Trailer Coupler
Information regarding coupler classification,
weight rating and hitch ball diameter is
permanently marked on the trailer coupler. The
coupler uses a “clamp” to secure the hitch ball
inside the coupler socket. Open the coupler
latch prior to making the connection. After
lowering the coupler onto the hitch ball, close
the latch. Confirm the clamp has secured the
hitch ball into the socket by using the tongue
jack to slightly raise up on the hitch ball.
When properly secured, the tongue coupler
will attempt to lift the back of the tow vehicle.
Never place fingers around or inside the socket
while making the connection.
Hitch Ball
Hitch balls are available in three common
diameters: 1-7/8”, 2” and 2-5/16”. The larger
the diameter of the hitch ball, the higher the
weight rating. The diameter of the hitch ball
shank also factors into weight rating. Match
shank diameter with the hole in the ball mount
or weight distributing head. Shank clearance
should not exceed 1/16”. There should be at
least two additional threads extending past the
nut when the hitch ball is secure.
Safety Chains
Safety chains are required by law when
towing any load. Chains and fasteners must be
rated for the load being towed. Attach chains
to crisscross under the towing equipment.
Allow just enough slack in the chains to make
sharp corners without dragging on the road
surface.
If towed load should become uncoupled
from the hitch ball, the towing equipment will
be cradled by the safety chains. If the towed
load does uncouple, do not attempt to make a
sudden stop and aggravate the situation. Apply
the brakes with gentle, steady pressure. Pull
over to a safe location.
CAUTION:
Never loop safety chains around the
ball hitch. Use the provisions in the
hitch receiver to attach safety chains.
Connecting the Trailer
Weight Carrying:
An assistant will ease this process by guiding
the tow vehicle operator until the hitch ball is
located under the coupler socket.
Inspect all hitch related hardware for
safety integrity, tightness and damage.
Lower the tongue jack until the coupler
socket clears the hitch ball.
Open the coupler latch.
Back up the tow vehicle until the
hitch ball is directly under the coupler
socket.
Lower coupler until it is seated on the
hitch ball then close the latch.
Confirm the connection to ensure the
coupler clamp is below the ball and not
riding on top.
Raise the tongue jack completely. If a
footpad or wheel is removable, stow at
this time.
Attach the breakaway cable to the tow
vehicle. Allow enough slack for tight
turns. The breakaway switch cable
should be positioned on the tow vehicle
separate from the hitch assembly.
Attach the safety chains to proper
location on the hitch receiver. Never
loop chains around the hitch ball.
Connect trailer wiring harness to
the tow plug connection on the tow
vehicle.
The next step is checking the trailer
brakes. Close vents, windows and
doors and secure items before
performing this test. Drive forward and
check the trailer brakes by using the
manual feature on the brake control.
Weight Distributing:
An assistant will ease this process by guiding
the tow vehicle operator until the hitch ball is
located under the coupler socket.
Inspect all hitch related hardware for
safety integrity, tightness and damage.
Lower the tongue jack until the coupler
socket clears the hitch ball.
Open the coupler latch.
Back up the tow vehicle until the
hitch ball is directly under the coupler
socket.
Lower coupler until it is seated on the
hitch ball then close the latch.
Confirm the connection to ensure the
coupler clamp is below the ball and not
riding on top.
