Installation Guide
Figure 6
Tapered
surface up
2 to 3 threads
Assemble, lubricate
and install spring bars
Ensure the lift chains (#6) are assembled to the tapered ends
of each spring bar (#3) using the 3/8" U-bolts (#13), 3/8"
washers (#15) and the 3/8" nylock nuts (#14) as shown below
in Figure 6. Let two or three threads of the U-bolts extend
out through the bottom of each locknut. The chain must be
free to move in the U-bolt. Apply a heavy, fibrous grease on
the round end of each spring bar and push end up into the
head socket until you hear a click, as shown below in Figure 7.
Keep the spring bars lubricated. If additional grease is
needed during operation, use the grease zerk. This will
indicate that the spring bar is locked into place. To release
spring bar, lift up slightly on spring bar and gently pull out on
the retaining pin in the hitch head. The spring bar will drop
free of the hitch head.
Attaching the trailer to the ball
Using the trailer tongue jack, lower the coupler onto
the trailer ball and close coupler latch. Do not retract
jack fully at this time. Allow the jack to support some
of the tongue weight.
Raise the front of the trailer and back of the tow
vehicle approximately 3" with tongue jack. This
will allow easier installation of the chains on to
the hook of each lift bracket.
Installing the chain lift brackets
The following applies to trailers with an 'A' frame tongue.
Step 1
Position the spring bar, which has been attached to
the hitch head, parallel with the trailer tongue. Hold the
lift chain vertical up alongside the trailer tongue. Position
the lift bracket on the trailer tongue so that the chain is
centered between the lift bracket, as shown below in
Figure 8. Some trailers may have an obstruction on
one side of the frame. Order the offset lift bracket kit from
your local dealer. Follow the installation instructions
supplied with that kit for proper installation.
CAUTION: If chain is angled fore or aft at the top within the
lift bracket, it may catch on the lift bracket when trailer is
turning. This could damage the lift bracket or pry it open.
Step 2
Mark the location of the lift bracket on the trailer tongue.
Step 3
Install the 1/2" - 13 x 3 3/4" bolt (#16) into the threaded hole in the
lift bracket. Turn the bolt in until it contacts the trailer tongue,
then tighten a 1/4 turn with a wrench. Do not overtighten.
The amount of leveling is adjusted by engaging different
spring bar chain links with the lift unit. Follow the steps
below in the "Lift Bracket Operation" section.
Step 4
Place six 1/2" flat washers (#19) on pin (#18) and insert pin
into the unthreaded hole in the upper portion of the head
channel. See Figure 5. The number of washers may have to be
adjusted later.
Figure 7
Figure 8
Pull up
on chain
Step 5
Install the head on the shank at marked position. Insert the
3/4" - 10 x 4 1/2" hex bolt (#8) through the lower hole in the
head channel. Rotate the head forward as far as it will go.
The ball should be vertical or tilted slightly back. If it is not,
remove the 3/4" bolt, change the number of washers on the
pin and re-assemble. Install the remaining 3/4" - 10 x 4 1/2"
bolt (#8) with 3/4" conical washers (#9) through the upper
slotted hole. Start 3/4" nylock nuts (#10) and finger tighten only.
Step 6
Tighten lower 5/8" hex bolt below the pin just enough
to hold head tight against the pin in the head channel.
This bolt will be tightened later.
Step 7
Place head assembly into hitch assembly on towing vehicle
and secure it with the supplied pin (#11) and clip (#12).
Figure 5
1
2
10
18
19
9
9
8
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