operators_manual

WARNING!
Do not use parts from other trucks or materi-
als from other sources to repair a hitch or to
replace a missing hitch. The parts provided
for recovery are made of high strength ma-
terials and are specifically designed for vehi-
cle recovery. Failure to use the correct facto-
ry equipment may result in an accident in-
volving death or personal injury.
CAUTION
Connect recovery rigging only to hitches in-
tended for that purpose. Do not attach to
bumpers or brackets. Use only equipment
designed for this purpose. Failure to comply
may result in equipment damage.
How to use a Recovery Hitch
CAUTION
Recovery pull maximums assume the tow
rigging evenly distributes the load between
both recovery hitches. See examples in Re-
covery Rigging for details. Serious damage
to the vehicle may occur if rigging is not
connected properly.
CAUTION
When recovering ditched or bogged vehi-
cles, stay well below Maximum Capacities.
Even at loads below maximum, the physical
strain of recovering a vehicle could damage
axles, suspensions, fifth wheels, etc.
Use the following procedure to install the
Vehicle Recovery Hitches. See Recovery
Hitch Assembly illustration for part
identification.
1. Check square sockets behind lower
bumper for obstructions, clear if
necessary.
2. With lock pins removed, insert
hitches through bumper and into the
square hitch socket.
3. Align the hole in the tow hitch with
the square hitch socket hole.
4. Insert the lock pin into the square
hitch socket hole and through the
hole in the tow hitch until the lock
tab is within the square hitch socket.
5. Rotate the lock pin 90 degrees to
secure the pin in place.
6. Ensure that the tow pin and lock clip
are installed before using the hitch.
7. Remove the hitches and store all
parts after recovering the vehicle.
How to Prepare the Axles for
Towing
If the vehicle is going to be towed from the
front axle and using the rear axle for
support, then the axle shafts should be
prepared [removed] so that minimal
damage is made to the differential during
the towing process.
Ensure that the recovered vehicle does not
have an open air line. An open air line on
the recovered vehicle will cause a leak in
the air system of the recovery vehicle if
both vehicles’ brake systems are
connected. This could cause a loss of
system air, which can cause the service
brakes not to function, resulting in the
sudden application of the spring brakes
causing wheel lock-up, loss of control, or
overtake by following vehicles.
EMERGENCY - How to Recover a Vehicle
Y53-6096-1A1 (01/17) 41
2