JLG Triple-L Operator Manual - Manual (Page 25)

SECTION 2 - TRAILER OPERATION
3121224 – Triple-L-Trailer – 2-7
2.8 TOW VEHICLE AND HITCH
INFORMATION
Follow all of the safety precautions and instructions in this
manual and the manuals of the tow vehicle and the hitch
to ensure safety of persons, cargo, and satisfactory life of
the trailer.
If the vehicle or hitch is not properly selected and matched
to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer,
you can cause an accident that could lead to death or
serious injury. If you already have (or plan to buy) a tow
vehicle, make certain your trailer rating (GVWR) is equal to
or less than the towing capacity and hitch rating of the tow
vehicle.
BE SURE YOUR HITCH AND TOW VEHICLE ARE RATED FOR THE
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING OF YOUR TRAILER.
Tow Vehicle and Hitch
When equipping a vehicle to tow your trailer, ask the vehi-
cle dealer for advice on how to properly outfit the towing
vehicle. Discuss the following information and equipment
with the vehicle dealer.
Overall Carrying and Towing Capacity of
Vehicle
Vehicle manufacturers will provide you with the maximum
capacities of their various models. No amount of rein-
forcement will give a 100 horsepower, 2,500 pound truck
the towing capacity that a 300 horsepower, 5,000 pound
truck has.
Towing Hitch
The towing hitch attached to your tow vehicle must have a
capacity equal to or greater than the load rating of the
trailer you intend to tow. The height of the hitch ball must
equal that of the trailer coupler. The hitch capacity must
also be matched to the tow vehicle capacity. Only your
vehicle dealer can provide and install the proper hitch on
your tow vehicle.
THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRAILER TONGUE MUST BE BETWEEN
17” AND 19” ABOVE LEVEL GROUND BEFORE TOWING. ADJUST
THE COUPLER OR TOW VEHICLE HITCH TO ACHIEVE THIS
HEIGHT.
Coupler Height Adjustment
Remove the bolts securing the coupler to the mounting
bracket. Move the coupler up of down to desired height.
Secure with the bolts. For the Pintle Hitch Coupler, torque
the two bolts to 225 ft lb (305 Nm). For the Ball Couplers,
torque the four bolts to 150 ft lb (203 Nm).
Hitch Ball
The coupler on the trailer connects to the ball attached to
the hitch on the tow vehicle. The coupler, ball and hitch
transfer the towing forces between the tow vehicle and the
trailer.
Suspension System
Sway bars, shock absorbers, heavy duty springs, heavy-
duty tires and other suspension components must be able
to sufficiently serve the size and weight of the trailer that is
going to be towed.
Brake Controller
The brake controller is part of the tow vehicle and is
essential in the operation of trailers equipped with electric
brakes. The brake controller is not the same as the safety
breakaway brake system that may be equipped on the
trailer.
Side View Mirrors
The size of the trailer that is being towed and your state
law regulations determine the size of the mirrors. How-
ever, some states prohibit extended mirrors on a tow vehi-
cle, except while a trailer is actually being towed. In this
situation, detachable extended mirrors are necessary.
Check with your dealer or the appropriate state agency for
mirror requirements.
Heavy Duty Flasher
A Heavy Duty Flasher is an electrical component that may
be required when your trailer turn signal lights are
attached to the tow vehicle flasher circuit.
Electrical Connector
An Electrical Connector connects the light and brake sys-
tems on the trailer to the light and brake controls on the
towing vehicle.
Heavy Duty Engine Oil Cooling System
The tow vehicle engine works harder when a trailer is
being towed. Depending on the size of the trailer, you may
need to install a separate engine oil cooler. Inadequate
cooling may result in sudden engine failure. Ask the tow
vehicle dealer if it is necessary to install a heavy duty cool-
ing system.