Coupling the trailer to the hitch, Uncoupling the trailer from the hitch – JLG T500J Operator Manual User Manual
Page 35
SECTION 3 - TOWING
3121197
– JLG Lift –
3-3
Coupling the Trailer to the Hitch
Lubricate the hitch ball and the inside of the coupler with a thin
layer of automotive bearing grease before each tow to reduce
wear and ensure proper operation. If your trailer is equipped with
a tongue jack, raise the coupler above the ball height.
1.
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 tight to the tongue of the trailer. All
coupler fasteners must be visibly solid against the trailer
frame.
2.
Raise the bottom surface of the coupler to be above the top
of the hitch ball by using the tongue jack.
3.
Once the hitch on the trailer is open, align the tow vehicle up
with the trailer hitch.
4.
Using the tongue jack, lower the entire weight of the trailer
on to the ball hitch of the tow vehicle.
5.
Insert the pin into the hole behind the collar to lock the col-
lar into place.
6.
Disengage the parking brake.
7.
Be sure the coupler is all the way on the hitch ball and the
collar/locking mechanism is engaged. A properly engaged
locking mechanism will allow the coupler to raise the rear of
the tow vehicle. Using the tongue jack, test to see that you
can raise the rear of the tow vehicle by 1 inch (2.5 cm), after
the coupler is locked to the hitch.
OVERLOADING CAN DAMAGE THE TONGUE JACK. DO NOT USE THE TONGUE JACK TO
RAISE THE TOW VEHICLE MORE THAN 1 INCH (2.5 CM).
NOTE:
If the coupler cannot be secured to the hitch ball, do not tow the
trailer.
8.
Retract the tongue jack until it is fully retracted and stow.
Uncoupling the Trailer from the Hitch
Follow these steps to uncouple your trailer from the tow vehicle:
1.
Engage the parking brake.
2.
Disconnect the electrical connector.
3.
Disconnect the breakaway brake switch cable. For an electric
breakaway break system, promptly replace the pull pin in
the switchbox.
4.
Disconnect the safety chains from the tow vehicle.