1.ASK QUESTIONS:

Towing vehicle Trailer

What is the: What is the:

Make and model? Type of trailer?

Model year? Gross trailer weight?

Vehicle maximum towing capacity? Tongue size?

2.DETERMINE THE TOWING WEIGHTS

The most important factors in choosing the correct towing equipment is the gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW).

For the trailer: Gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer completely loaded. To determine actual GTW, the trailer should be placed on a vehicle scale.To determine an approximate GTW, review the weight chart on Page 105.Select a similar trailer and find the corresponding trailer length. The Gross Trailer Weight provided is a stock trailer.Adjust the chart weight accordingly to the actual load. Tongue weight (TW) is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler. Usually, TW is 10% to 15% of GTW. Tongue weight may be measured using a bathroom scale, by resting the trailer coupler on the scale and placing the scale on a box so the trailer is at normal towing height.Load the trailer as if being towed.
For the tow vehicle: The vehicle’s maximum towing capacity is determined by the manufacturer. This is found in the owner’s manual.

3.SELECTING THE RIGHT HITCH

With the correct Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and Vehicle Towing Capacity, the correct trailer hitch can be selected.Refer to the trailer weight guide chart  , to match the GTW to a trailer hitch.

Class I Hidden Hitch is designed for vehicles towing 2,000 lbs.

GTW or less, 200 lbs.TW.In some cases, Class I Hidden Hitch may tow up to 2,500 lbs. GTW, 250 lbs. TW. A typical Class I application is used for towing small utility trailers. Passenger vehicles are most suited for Class I applications.

Class II Hidden Hitch is designed for vehicles towing 3,500 lbs.

GTW, 300 lbs.TW.A typical Class II application is used for towing large utility trailers, boats or campers. Sport utility vehicles, minivans, large passenger cars, and mid-size pick-up trucks are suited for Class II Hidden Hitches

Class III & IV Hidden Hitch Receivers have the towing capacity of up to 6,000 lbs.GTW or less, 600 lbs TW. The towing capacity may be increased to a maximum of 10,000 lbs.GTW, 1,000 lbs. TW using a weight distribution system.The GTW and TW must conform to the vehicles maximum towing capacity. Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual. All pick-up trucks, full size vans and sport utility vehicles may use a Class III receiver.

Class V Hidden Hitch MAGNUM Receivers have the towing capacity of 8,000 GTW, 1,200 TW;14,000 lbs.GTW, 1,700 lbs.

TW with weight distribution.The MAGNUM is designed for only full-size pick-up trucks.

4.SELECT THE PROPER ACCESSORIES

Once the correct trailer hitch is selected, towing accessories complete the towing package. The following accessories are required. Several types of each accessory are available. Consult the noted page number for exact requirements.

1. Trailer ball - mounted on the drawbar or ball mount.The ball size must match the trailer coupler size.

2. Drawbar/Ball mount - Hidden Hitch products have removable ball mounts.

3. Trailer coupler - required on a trailer.

4. Electrical and wiring - all tow vehicles must be properly wired.

5. Brake control - required when towing a trailer with electric brakes.

6. Safety chains - required when towing.

7. Transmission oil coolers, a must for all automatic transmissions.

HITCHING UP TIPS

Hitching a trailer to your tow vehicle is usually a one-man job, but it is easier if someone helps.

Here are the basic steps:

1.

Back your tow vehicle as close as possible to the trailer;it's easier and safer to do this than to pull the trailer to your car or truck.

2.

Release the coupler locking device.

3.

Raise the front end of the trailer coupler directly over the hitch ball; then lower it until it is seated on the hitch ball, covering it completely.

4.

Check under the coupling to ensure the ball clamp is below the ball and not riding on top of it.

5.

Latch the coupler to the hitch ball. Make sure it's locked in place by lifting up the trailer tongue. If the coupler comes loose from the ball, unlatch it and go back to Step 3.

6.

Make sure your jack is fully raised.

7.

If you have a weight-distributing hitch with spring bars, follow the above procedure, then attach the spring bar chain to the trailer and tighten it until your trailer and car are in a normal level position.

8.

If your trailer has a surge brake, breakaway cable, or chain, attach the cable or chain to your tow vehicle, allowing enough slack for you to make tight turns.

9.

Attach the safety chains and criss-cross them under the ball mount to ensure they do not drag.

10.

Connect the trailer wiring harness to the lighting system of your tow vehicle and check its operation (see the 'Pre-Trip Checklist').