ProPride 3P Hitch Installation - STEP 8 Final Adjustments, Hitching & Unhitching (Pages 27-37)

Final Installation Adjustments

Number 1: Adjust the OCL latch screws so that they snap tightly over center and into the hitch bar. These screws are installed by the factory but can be lengthened (unscrewed) if the OCL latch is too loose and does not snap over center onto the hitch bar. If needed, adjust by ½ turns.

Number 2: Check that the hitch bar bolts are tight and torqued. These should be very tight, 200 ft-lbs or more of torque.

Number 3: Check that the two ¾” (1-18” socket) yoke bolts to the main are tight. 175 ft-lbs of torque.

Number 4: Check that all other bolts and nuts are tight. Reference PAGE 37 for all specifications.

Note: If you did not start with the trailer and tow vehicle on level ground you should hitch up and tow it to level ground to check that the trailer and hitch are level. If you are not on level ground you can check that the trailer and tow vehicle are parallel to the ground by measuring a point at the front of the trailer and the rear of the trailer when hitched. If they are close to equal, you will be level when towing.

Hitching
Step 1: Chock your trailer tires.

Step 2: Back your tow vehicle slowly toward the front of the Main Hitch Unit until you are about 2” from the hitch.

Step 3: Adjust the tongue jack until the hitch bar is approximately centered in the 3”x3” hitch box opening. Adjust your weight distribution jacks to about 2-3” high from the base.

Step 4: Back slowly into the Main Hitch Unit inserting your Hitch Bar Hitch End into the hitch box. When the wedges are seated in the hitch box you will have approximately 1/8” of the wedge showing out of the front of the hitch. *If the hitch head starts moving to one side, stop. See if you can latch one of the Over-Center-Latches to pull the bar in. If not, adjust the weight distribution jacks down slightly to match the pitch of the hitch bar.

Step 5: Latch the Over-Center-Latch (OCL) on to the Hitch Bar Tab on each side. Use the OCL Wrench included with the hitch (15/16” Socket and Breaker Bar).

Step 6: Insert the 7/16” Lynch Pin in the Hitch Bar Tab and snap the wring down over the tab on each side.

Step 7: Raise the Weight Distribution Jack with the 3/4” Ratchet Wrench included with the hitch. Raise the Jack on each side until you either lift the trailer off of the tongue jack or you raise it to your desired ride.

NOTE: Using IMPACT DRILL WILL cause shear pin to break and is NOT a recommended tool.

Step 8: Raise the tongue jack.

Step 9: IMPORTANT – IMPORTANT – IMPORTANT – Route your tow chains UNDER the Main Hitch Unit and BETWEEN where the Spring Bars insert in the bottom of the Main Hitch Unit. When you are straight in line with your trailer the chains are the longest they ever need to be. When routed properly they should hang about 1” from the bottom of the Main Hitch Unit. *See Page 30 for photo.

Step 10: Route your electrical connection over the top of the Main Hitch Unit and plug it into the vehicle.

Step 11: Hook up your emergency brake cable.

Unhitching

Unhitching properly will make your next hitch up go more smoothly. Hitching up is largely a result of how you previously unhitched. Once you make it routine to follow these steps, the Main Hitch Unit will be set for your next hitching.

You can unhitch at any angle in relation to your trailer. Once you have unhitched just leave the Main Hitch Unit hitch box facing in the direction you unhitched so you will be able to hitch up at the same angle.

Step 1: Chock your trailer tires.

Step 2: Lower your tongue jack until it takes the load off of the back of your tow vehicle.

Step 3: Unhook your chains, electrical and emergency brake cable.

Step 4: Lower your Weight Distribution Jack until the Spring Bar becomes loose. Kick the spring bar with your foot to recognize that there is not tension on it. At that point, STOP lowering the jack, approximately 2-3” high from base. Repeat this on the other side.

Note: The Weight Distribution Jacks will lower in relation to how level the tow vehicle is when you are unhitching. You can unhitch when not level but just note that your jacks will not be all the way bottomed out.

Step 5: Unlatch the OCL on each side with the OCL wrench.

Step 6: Pull the tow vehicle away from the hitch. If you have released the tension from the spring bars the hitch bar should slide smoothly out of the front of the hitch.

*Picture how a wheel barrow functions, the weight distribution jacks being arms lifting up. As the jacks lift, the main hitch opening lowers the angle, as you lower the bars, the opening raises. Keeping jacks at 2-3” up gives you a more parallel opening to the ground.

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