atwood Folding Hitch Ball - Manual (Page 3)

BED PLATE METHOD -
FIG 11
The Bed Plate support structure consists of
1 - bed plate
26˝ x 44˝ by 3/8˝ thick 11-G
2 - stiffener angles 2˝ x 2˝ by 26˝ long x 1/4˝ thick 11-E
6 - L shaped frame brackets 2˝ wide x 3/8˝ thick 11-F
ƽ
CAUTION
VEHICLE DAMAGE
• For adequate transfer of forces produced during towing these
instructions MUST be followed.
The installer must make his own bed plate, stiffener angles, and L
shaped frame brackets. All steel used must meet ASTM A-36 steel
specifications. Bed plate must be structural quality, hot-rolled steel
plate. Stiffener angles must be 2˝ x 2˝ x 1/4˝ steel bar size angles.
1. Layout and cut bed plate cutout (like truck bed) FIG 12.
2. Center bed plate in bed of pickup truck FIG 1 & 11.
3. Align cutout in bed plate FIG 11-B with cutout in truck bed FIG 11-C.
4. Place folding hitch ball assembly into hole in bed plate and pick-up
truck bed floor. Arrow and “FRONT”stamped into the top plate of
folding ball assembly must point to cab of truck
FIG 1-A.
5. Drill 11/16˝ diameter holes through bed plates and truck bed to
secure folding hitch ball to bed plate. Use holes in base of folding
hitch ball as a guide for hole locations.
6. Bolt the folding hitch ball assembly to the bed plate and truck bed.
Use the four supplied SAE Grade 5, 5/8˝ carriage bolts FIG 11-D,
nuts and lock washers. Use flat washers (not supplied) on the
underside of the truck bed to help distribute the load evenly.
7. Tighten all 5/8˝ nuts to 150 (ft.lb) torque.
8. Position the 2 stiffener angles FIG 11-E to the underside of the truck
bed using frame brackets FIG 11-F so bolts will pass through truck
bed and bed plate.
NOTE : It may be necessary to shift the stiffener angles front or back to
clear any truck bed crossmembers.
9. Drill holes at the front and rear end areas of the bed plate to mount
the 2 stiffener angles. Holes must be 17/32˝ (.531˝) diameter.
10. Secure each stiffener angle to underside of truck bed with 4, SAE
Grade 5, 1/2˝ bolts, nuts and lock washers, tighten to 60 (ft.lb) torque.
ƽ
WARNING
VEHICLE DAMAGE
• Mounting brackets must be bolted to frame. Welding will NOT pro-
vide the structural strength needed for towing and may void factory
warranty on vehicle.
11. The tops of the steel frame brackets must fit flush against the
underside of the truck bed and the inside of the steel frame brack-
ets must fit flush against the truck frame for proper installation.
12. Position the frame brackets along each side of the truck frame
providing clearance to any crossmember, fuel line, electrical or
brake system. Drill 17/32˝ (.531˝) diameter holes through truck bed
and bed plate.
13. Secure the frame brackets to the truck bed and bed plate with SAE
Grade 5, 1/2˝ diameter bolts, nuts and lock washers (not supplied).
14. Drill 17/32˝ (.531˝) diameter holes through the lower leg of the
frame brackets and truck frame. The holes should be positioned in
the vertical center of the truck frame.
15. Secure frame brackets to the truck frame with SAE Grade 5, 1/2˝
dia. bolts, nuts and lock washers (not supplied).
16. Tighten all 1/2˝ bolts to 60 (ft.lb) torque.
17. Proceed with INSTALLATION CHECK .
INSTALLATION CHECK
After finishing the installation, follow these steps:
1. Coat surface of hitch ball with wheel bearing grease to reduce wear
and corrosion.
2. Connect the trailer to the towing vehicle and adjust coupler drop
tube (see the coupler owner’s manual provided by the trailer manu-
facturer) to provide approximately 6˝ clearance between the bottom
of the trailer’s overhang and the top of the pickup box sides.
3. Check for proper clearance between trailer and both rear of cab,
and rear corner of truck bumper when making turns of up to 90°.
4. If trailer will be towed at this point; make sure coupler is securely
latched, connect wiring, safety chains, brake system breakaway
switch and any other appropriate connections and complete all sys-
tem checks.
Your system is now ready for use.
OPERATION
FOLDING BALL
1. To raise hitch ball to towing position, open door and lift hitch ball
into vertical position.
2. Close door to lock the hitch ball in place for towing.
3. To fold hitch ball out of the way, door open, fold ball down, and re-
close door.
SAFETY CHAINS - ( IF APPLICABLE )
1. Lift up safety chain attachment link from top plate of folding ball unit.
2. Hook safety chain into attachment link.
AFFIX HOOK SECURELY TO KEEP FROM
BOUNCING LOOSE FROM ATTACHMENT LINK .
MAINTENANCE
1. Keep assembly free of dirt, mud and foreign matter.
2. Lubricate door hinge points with SAE 30 oil at least once every 3
months.
3. Lubricate hitch ball through standard grease fitting from underneath
the truck while the ball is in stowed position with a multipurpose
grease every 3 months.
4. Coat surface of hitch ball monthly with wheel bearing grease to pre-
vent wear and corrosion.
5. Check for ball wear before each use. If hitch ball shows signs of
cracking, bending or flat spotting, it must be replaced. Do not tow
trailer with damaged or worn parts.
6. Check monthly for any looseness or excessive wear that may occur
from loose nuts and bolts. Assure that the bolts/nuts are properly
tightened.
ƽ
WARNING
PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE
• Replace ball if signs of cracking or flat spotting appear.
For problems or questions, contact your dealer, the trailer manufacturer,
or Atwood’s Consumer Service Department 574-264-2131.
3