atwood Straight Tongue Couplers - Manual (Page 2)

2
WELD ONLY :
1. Measuring along sides, penetration of frame into coupler must be :
Class 3 Couplers: 7˝ minimum FIG 6-A
Class 4 Couplers: 8˝ minimum FIG 5-A & 7-A
2. Follow WELDING INSTRUCTION . Weld full length on both sides, from rear of
coupler past front edge of frame to inside of coupler under flange
(
FIG 5/6/7-B.)
SAE/CSA Class 3 Part No. 80073
BOLT APPLICATION ONLY
1. Coupler must overlap frame 7˝ minimum ( FIG 8-A.)
2. Bottom rear of coupler and frame must be enclosed by a plate
(MPD #87286) bolted to the frame to prevent flexing of frame and
coupler (
FIG 8-D.)
3. Fasten with four (4) 1/2˝ diameter bolts S.A.E. grade 5 and lock nuts
with flatwashers, or nuts and lock washers with flatwashers
(
FIG 8-E) (not supplied).
4. To prevent collapse of frame during bolt tightening, use spacers
(1/2˝ tubing or equivalent) placed between the inside surface of
coupler frame (
FIG 8-F) (not supplied).
5. Torque bolts to 74-78 ft. lbs. (dry).
6. Retorque bolts after first two hours of service, then continue to fol-
low maintenance schedule.
OPERATION
ƽ
WARNING
PERSONAL INJURY
• Safe towing practice requires the proper use of safety chains used in
accordance with instructions provided by the trailer manufacturer.
• BEFORE TOWING: The ball must be completely inserted into the coupler ball
socket. The ball clamp (inside the coupler) must be closed around the
underside of the tow ball. The handle must be in the closed position.
• The loaded weight of the trailer must never exceed the maximum
capacity marked for each component (coupler, tow ball, hitch) of the
trailer or vehicle.
• Check coupler, hitch and ball for damage or wear before each use.
Assure all parts operate freely. Replace any component if worn or dam-
aged.
• Failure to follow warnings and instructions could result in separation of
tow vehicle and trailer which can result in death, personal injury and
property damage.
ƽ
WARNING
PERSONAL INJURY
• For proper tow vehicle and trailer hookup, towing performance and to
prevent damage to hitch and trailer coupling, the tow vehicle and trailer
are to be level with respect to flat ground after hitching up. If your trailer
is not level, equipment is available to raise or lower the hitch ball.
ƽ
CAUTION
PRODUCT DAMAGE
• Use caution when backing or towing vehicle for hook-up, damage to
coupler may result.
• Avoid sharp turns when towing or backing. Jack-knifing could bend
coupler or create extreme stress or fracture.
LATCHING INSTRUCTIONS
ƽ
WARNING
PERSONAL INJURY
• Always open latch handle before inserting ball.
YOKE STYLE COUPLERS
PART # 70643, 80051, 80055, 80060, 80072, 80073, 80075, 80082, 80101,
82311, 82315, 84035, 84176
1. To open, lift the latch and pull backward, raising the yoke and rest-
ing it on the nose of the coupler ( FIG 9-A.)
2. Place coupler on ball of same diameter as coupler and of same or
greater capacity.
3. When ball is completely nested in ball socket, push latch handle
forward until yoke drops over nose of coupler and the latch handle
locking tips freely enter slots on top of coupler (
FIG 9-B.)
4. Extend jack to ground and lift car/trailer combination 2˝-4˝ to insure
coupler is securely attached to tow ball. Retract jack completely
before towing.
Note: These are non-locking couplers.
Note: These couplers are not adjustable for ball size.
FLIP LATCH COUPLERS
PART # 88555, 88600 8,000 lb. Capacity
PART # 88007, 88010 10,000 lb. Capacity
1. To open, slide forward and pull up open latch before inserting ball
( FIG 10-A.)
2. Place coupler on ball of same diameter as coupler ball socket size
and of same or greater capacity than trailer GVW.
88555/88600 ............ 2˝ 88007/88010 ............ 2-5/16˝
3. When ball is completely nested in socket, push top of latch handle
rearward until handle snaps into closed position.( FIG 10-B.)
4. Extend jack to ground and lift car/trailer combination 2˝-4˝ to insure
coupler is securely attached to tow ball. Retract jack completely
before towing.
5. Insert padlock through hole in handle ( FIG 7-C) .
Note: These couplers are not adjustable for ball size.
STRAIGHT TONGUE COUPLERS
PART # 80131
1. Insert finger in latch hole. Pull out and up on latch ( FIG 11-A.) Rotate
latch 90° from original position. ( FIG 11-B.)
2. Place coupler on 2-5/16˝ ball of same or greater capacity than trail-
er GVW.
3. When ball is completely nested in ball socket, push forward on
latch ( FIG 11-B.) Be sure that the nib ( FIG 11-A1) on the latch is
secured in slot ( FIG 11-A2.)
4. Extend jack to ground and lift car/trailer combination 2˝-4˝ to insure
coupler is securely attached to tow ball. Retract jack completely
before towing.
5. Insert padlock or bolt through lock hole ( FIG 3-C) in latch.
Note: These couplers are not adjustable for ball size.
MAINTENANCE
1. Lubricate ball socket and ball clamp with wheel bearing grease.
Clean and lubricate monthly.
2. Check towing hitch, ball and coupler for signs of wear before each
trip. Replace coupler if damaged or worn.
3. Lubricate moving or sliding parts monthly with S.A.E. 30 weight oil.
4. Should problems or questions arise, contact your dealer, the trailer
manufacturer or Atwood Service Department 574-264-2131.
5. For Warranty information contact Atwood before having any work
done 574-264-2131.
FIG 1-11 are located following page
A = minimum/maximum coupler/tongue overlap
B = weld areas (XXXXXXXXXX )
C = lock hole