Multiquip Trailers - Manual (Page 19)

trailer • owner's manual — rev. #4 (11/08/13) — page 19
coupling to the tow vehicle
TrAilEr
A secure coupling (or fastening) of the trailer to the tow
vehicle is essential. A loss of coupling may result in death
or serious injury. Therefore, you must understand and follow
all of the instructions for coupling.
The following parts are involved in making a secure
coupling between the trailer and tow vehicle:
Coupler
A device on the tongue of the trailer that connects to the
hitch device on the tow vehicle.
Hitch
A device on the tow vehicle that supports the weight of the
trailer tongue and pulls the trailer. The coupler attaches to
the hitch device.
safety Chains
If the coupler connection comes loose, the safety chains
can keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle. With
properly rigged safety chains, it is possible to keep the
tongue of the trailer from digging into the road pavement,
even if the coupler-to-hitch connection comes apart.
trailer lighting and Braking Connector
A device that connects electrical power from the tow vehicle
to the trailer. Electricity is used to turn on brake lights,
running lights, and turn signals as required. In addition, if
your trailer has a separate braking system, the electrical
connector will also supply power to the brakes from the
tow vehicle.
Breakaway system
If the trailer coupler connection comes loose, the breakaway
system can actuate emergency hydraulic brakes depending
on the type of actuator on the trailer. The breakaway cable
must be rigged to the tow vehicle with appropriate slack
that will activate the system if the coupler connection
comes loose.
Jackstand
A device on the trailer that is used to raise and lower the
coupler. The jack is sometimes called the “landing gear” or
the “tongue jack”.
Some trailers are equipped with swivel-type tongue jacks.
Swivel type tongue jacks are attached to the trailer frame
one to two feet behind the trailers coupler. Once the coupler
and hitch are secured, the jack can be swiveled parallel to
the trailer frame away from the roadway. This is achieved by
disengaging the pull pin located on the shaft that attaches
the jack to the trailer frame. Replace the pin once the jack
is in the desired position (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Swivel Tongue Jack
Coupler tYpes
Trailers are produced with a variety of coupler devices.
„ Ball Coupler
„ Pintel-Eye Coupler
„ Fifth Wheel Kingpin
warning
never position any part of your body underneath a
trailer being supported by the tongue jack. Serious
injury or death could occur if the jack should fail to
support the load. never exceed maximum rated
capacity.
warning
Before using the swivel jack, make certain the pull pin
is fully inserted through both sides of the inner tube
and the trailer mount.
When operating the jack or coupling tow vehicle to
trailer, always secure the wheels of the trailer and tow
vehicle to prevent rolling.