88
this figure when setting the ball height on the tow vehicle to allow for the suspension settling
under the added weight.
Load distribution (torsion bars)
When a trailer is hitched up properly to a tow vehicle with a load equalizing hitch, approximately
1/3 of the trailer’s tongue weight will be on the trailer’s axle and 2/3 will be transferred to the
tow vehicle, 1/3 of this weight transfer will be carried by the front wheels and 1/3 by the rear
wheels of the tow vehicle. Thus, the tire load of each wheel on the tow vehicle will be increased
by 1/6 of the trailer’s tongue weight. The tire air pressure of the tow vehicle should be increased
to compensate for this additional weight. Refer to the vehicle’s owner manual for this
information.
WARNING:
TONGUE
WEIGHT
SHOULD
HE
APPROXIMATELY
10%
TO
15%
OF
THE
TRAILER’S
TOTAL
WEIGHT,
BUT
MUST
NOT
EXCEED
THE
HITCH
RATING
LIMIT,
AVAILABLE
FROM
YOUR
HITCH
INSTALLER.
Connection to towing vehicle
1. Make sure front and rear jacks are raised.
2. Lift the front of the ALTO with front jack so that the coupler may pass freely above the
hitch ball.
3. When maneuvering on a hard surface, the ALTO can be manually moved towards the
towing vehicle because it is very light. On any other type of surfaces, the towing vehicle
should be backed up until the hitch ball is under the coupler. Ask for someone to direct
you in this case.
4. Lower coupler on the ball until it rests on it completely.
5. Close coupler by lowering top lever.
6. Lock coupler with a lock or pin inserted through the closed lever.
7. If coupling is equipped with weight distribution bars, raise the trailer/tow vehicle
connection about 2″ (5 cm) with the help of the jack.
8. Set each weight distribution bar on its pivot, insert into axles and place pins (photo M-3).
9. Raise the front jack until front jack wheel is loose. Remove jack wheel. Finish raising the
front jack until crank no longer turns.
10. Attach safety chains, making sure that you cross them under the coupler. The chains
should never be less than 6″ away from the ground. (photo M-4).
11. Make sure the chains are long enough to allow for a complete turn.
12. Attach break away switch cable safety hook to tow vehicle hitch.
13. Plug electrical connector to tow vehicle.
14. Make sure marker lights and turn signal lights are functioning properly.
15. Check electric brakes by moving slowly forward and by pushing in short bursts on the hand
brake button of the controller. A person standing at the side of the ALTO should hear a
slight click each time electric brakes are activated.
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