Towing Products Professional Series User manual

49585IN-15946 REV G ©2007 TOWINGPRODUCTS, INC
For InstallationAssistance or Technical Help, Call 1-888-521-0510
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
PLYMOUTH, MI.
Trunnion Style
Weight Distributing Kits
DEALERS: Give these instructions to your customers.
SIZING WD AND TRAILER HITCH SYSTEMS
1. Refer to provided Consumer Information to weigh loaded trailer tongue to determine proper system size.
2. Choose a system with tongue rating at or above the actual trailer tongue weight.
3. Tongue rating of trailer hitch must meet or exceed measured tongue weight of trailer. OEM hitches may not be rigid
enough for tongue weight and may need to be replaced (too much flex and won’t carry load).
4. Total trailer gross weight rating must never exceed tow vehicle rated gross tow rating.
INITIAL SET-UP
1. Line up tow vehicle and trailer on level pavement, in straight-ahead position, uncoupled.
2. Level the trailer. Measure and record the distance from the ground to the top of the coupler (Fig.1, page 2).
3. Select a hitch ball with a diameter that matches the trailer coupler size. The three most common sizes are 1-7/8", 2",
and 2-5/16". Select ball with 1-1/4" or 1" threaded shank that is V-5 rated equal to or greater than trailer gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR).
WARNING: Raised balls usually have reduced load ratings. Ball rating MUST equal or exceed trailer GVWR.
4. Attach hitch ball to the ballmount (A). Standard height hitch balls with 1-1/4" shanks are supplied with lockwashers and
nuts (If you must use a 1” shank ball, use the provided 58184 bushing (B) to reduce hole size in ballmount (A) to 1”).
Always use a lockwasher and place between the ballmount and nut. Unless otherwise specified by ball manufacturer
torque ball nut to 450 ft/lbs for 1-1/4" nut, 250 ft/lbs for 1" nut.
5. Some installations may require a longer draw bar (C). Extended bumper guards, pickup truck "caps", or rear mounted
spare tires can limit turn angles unless a longer bar is used. Individual draw bars (C) are available in various sizes.
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49585IN-15946 REV G ©2007 TOWINGPRODUCTS, INC
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6. Insert the draw bar (C) into the hitch box and install pull pin (D) and spring clip (E). Draw bar may be used in either
the up or down position (see below).
NOTE: Ball height should be greater than coupler height by approximately 3/4 to 1” to compensate for vehicle
"squat”.
For vehicles with air springs, air shocks or an automatic leveling system, check vehicle owners manual. Unless
otherwise specified, level the trailer with the vehicle loaded as it will be when towing before setting ball height and
attaching trailer.
7. Position the ballmount on the draw bar so that the ball will be approximately 3/4” higher than the coupler when in the
center of its tilt adjustment. Insert 3/4 X 4 1/2" bolt (F) through the lower hole in the ballmount and install 3/4”
lockwasher (G) and 3/4” nut (H). Rotate ballmount up to approximately the center of the tilt adjustment and install one
adjustment washer (J) on 3/4 x 5 1/2“ bolt (K) and insert bolt in upper slot in the ballmount. Note: The adjustment
washer hole is not on center and can be rotated 180°for maximum head adjustment or half adjustment steps (see
below). Install the second adjustment washer (oriented the same as the first), lock washer, and nut on the other side.
Torque the 3/4 nuts (K) to 300 ft-lbs (If large enough torque wrench is not available, torque nuts to 150 ft-lbs, then turn
nuts an additional 1/4 turn - DO NOT lubricate the threads).
Adjustment washer hole oriented vehicle forward: Adjustment washer hole oriented vehicle rearward:
Max head tilt rearward Max head tilt forward
HIGHEST POSITION LOWEST POSITION
Fig. 1

49585IN-15946 REV G ©2007 TOWINGPRODUCTS, INC
1. Shim will go all the way down to line up with the bottom hole. If this is the case, use the entire
shim in the gap.
Note: It is conceivable that in some rare combinations,
two shims could be used. In these cases, contact
Customer Service at 800-632-3290 or 800-428-7303
for a free additional shim service kit #58207.
2. Shim will not begin to fit between the head and hitch bar.
If this is the case, discard shim and
continue installation. The existing gap is acceptable
3. Shim will not go in far enough to reach bottom hole.
If this is the case, cut shim in half and use only
the top half for the top bolt. Discard bottom half of shim.
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2. Attach chains to spring bars using U-bolts, flat washers, and locknuts. Let 2-3 threads protrude below locknut. Chain
must not bind.
STANDARD SPRING BAR
3. Using tongue jack lower coupler onto ball and close coupler latch.
4. Hold the spring bar away from you with the Pro Series label oriented up (trunnion shoulder side up as shown above). Set
the bottom pin of the trunnion into the lower socket of the ballmount and slide the pin into the top slot of the ballmount.
The spring bar will have to be rotated
outward approximately parallel to the
vehicle bumper to insert the top trunnion
pin. Repeat for the other side. The spring
bars will fit on either side as they are not
made right or left handed.
5. Position the snap up brackets on trailer
"A" frame so that the chain on the end of
the spring bar is approximately vertical.
Turn 1/2 X 3-1/2 bolt until it contacts frame.
Then tighten an additional 1/4 turn with
wrench. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.
LIFT HANDLE
PLACE CLOSEST LINK
ON HOOK WHEN IN
DOWN POSITION
INITIAL HOOK UP
NOTE: Car and trailer should be loaded and ready for travel before final leveling.
1. Pick a reference point on the front wheel well. Measure and record the distance to the pavement.
Front wheel well to pavement ___________________
Optional Shim Kit
Use the shim when needed to fill any gap between the Weight Distributing Head as shown and the hitch bar used
in the particular application.
It is easier to install the shim from the top down as shown on the following page. In doing so, you will encounter one
of three scenarios:

49585IN-15946 REV G ©2007 TOWINGPRODUCTS, INC
6. Raise trailer tongue and rear of vehicle with jack. Lower yoke of snap up bracket until it is parallel with the ground, and
slip the closest link over the hook (If there are less than 4 links between hook and u-bolt adjust ballmount angle
rearward, and repeat procedure). With the snap up bracket handle over the yoke, raise until yoke has passed “over-
center”. Slide the safety pin through the small hole to lock the yoke in place. Repeat for other side.
7. Lower jack. Re-measure front wheel well reference point. The front wheel well height should be equal to or lower than
the original measurement. If the front wheel well height is higher than originally measured, reduce the number of links
between the yoke hook and spring bar (4 links min.) and recheck the wheel well measurement. If the front wheel well is
lower than originally measured, increase the number of chain links between the yoke hook and spring bar and recheck
the wheel well measurement. If the original wheel well height is not achievable, it is preferred that the wheel well height
is lower after the spring bars are loaded. If there are no more chain links for adjustment, the head assembly must be
tilted forward. The trailer must be uncoupled and the upper bolt removed from the head assembly. The head is then
pivoted up as appropriate. Reassemble and recheck the wheel well height.
Check to see if trailer is level, if not, you may need to re-adjust ballmount angle and / or position.
Check to see that there is room for the spring bar and chain to move freely when turning a corner.
NOTE: Some surge brakes will not work with weight distributing hitches. Check with manufacturer. Do not use
sway control with surge brakes.
LUBRICATION
1. Lubricate the ballmount sockets and spring bar trunnions to prevent rapid wear. When hooking-up, place one drop of oil
on the top and a second drop on forward side of upper trunnion. Place a third drop on the rear side of lower trunnion
before inserting trunnion into ballmount. Use a heavy oil or grease. Don't forget to lubricate the hitch ball with one or
two drops also. Trunnions should be lubricated each towing day. Lubricate lower trunnions with one drop at contact
point between trunnion and lower socket. Excess oil, dirt, and grit should be wiped out whenever trailer is uncoupled.
SURGE BRAKES
Some surge brakes will not work with weight distributing hitches. CHECK TRAILER AND/OR SURGE BRAKE
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS REGARDING WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING
HITCHES. Do not use sway control with surge brakes.
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WARNINGS: LOADED BALL HEIGHT SHOULD NEVER BE GREATER THAN UNCOUPLED BALL HEIGHT. Front wheel overload and loss of rear wheel traction can
result, and can lead to unstable handling, reduced braking ability, and a tendency to "jackknife" when turning and braking at the same time. IF LOADED BALL HEIGHT IS
GREATER THAN UNCOUPLED HEIGHT, reduce take-up on spring bar chains and re-measure until proper height is obtained.
DO NOT TOW MULTIPLE TRAILERS: Do not attempt to tow any type of trailer behind another trailer. Towing multiple trailers may cause severe instability, loss of
control and/or structural failure, and may result in vehicle accident, property damage and personal injury. Towing multiple trailers is illegal in many jurisdictions.
FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HOOK-UP OR TOW WITH REAR WHEELS OF TOWING VEHICLE REMOVED. Severe structural damage
to towing vehicle, hitch, and trailer may result. A towing vehicle/trailer combination cannot be controlled adequately unless the towing vehicle's rear wheels are carrying
their share of the load.
MAINTENANCE: Keep trunnions and sockets in head assembly free of dirt and well lubricated. Excessive wear in this area may indicate overload or inadequate
lubrication. Some elongation of socket openings "seat in" is normal.
Keep head assembly exterior clean, especially the trunnion sockets. Do not allow dirt or stones to lodge between trunnions and head.
Keep hitch painted to prevent rust and maintain a good appearance. (Do not paint over labels)
AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY TOWING DAY:
•Add grease at trunnion contact areas with ball mount.
•Clean ball and coupler socket and coat ball lightly with grease.
•Check spring bar chains and U-bolts for wear. Replace before they become worn.
•Check to see that all bolts are properly tightened and hitch pin and clip are securely in place.
•Check to see that electrical hookups are in working order, and that safety chains are connected.
TOWING TIPS
DRIVING: Good habits for normal driving need extra emphasis when towing. The additional weight affects acceleration and braking, and extra time should be allowed for
passing, stopping, and changing lanes. Signal well in advance of a maneuver to let other drivers know your intentions. Severe bumps and badly undulating roads can
damage your towing vehicle, hitch, and trailer, and should be negotiated at a slow steady speed. IF ANY PART OF YOUR TOWING SYSTEM "BOTTOMS" OUT, OR IF
YOU SUSPECT DAMAGE MAY HAVE OCCURED IN ANY OTHER WAY, PULL OVER AND MAKE A THOROUGH INSPECTION. CORRECT ANY PROBLEMS
BEFORE RESUMING TRAVEL.
CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT: Periodically check the condition of all your towing equipment and keep it in top condition.
TRAILER LOADING: Proper trailer loading is important. Heavy items should be placed close to the floor near the trailer axle. The load should be balanced side-to-side
and firmly secured to prevent shifting. Tongue weight should be about 10-15 percent of the gross trailer weight for most trailers. Too low a percentage of tongue weight
will often produce a tendency to sway. Excess weight on the tongue can also lead to sway and damage hitch and / or tow vehicle.
SWAYCONTROLS: A sway control can help minimize the affects of sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting caused by other vehicles. Use of a sway control is
recommended for trailers with large surface areas, such as travel trailers.
TIRE INFLATION: Unless specified otherwise by the towing vehicle or trailer manufacturer, tires should be inflated to their maximum recommended pressure.
TOWING VEHICLE AND TRAILER MANUFACTURERS' RECOMMENDATIONS: Review the owners' manuals for your towing vehicle and trailer for specific
recommendations, capacities, and requirements.
POLE TONGUE TRAILERS: If your trailer has a straight tongue (instead of an A-frame tongue), it will be necessary to use a pole tongue adapter. This adapter attaches
to the trailer tongue, providing a place to attach the snap up brackets.
PASSENGERS IN TRAILERS: Trailers should NOT be occupied while being towed, under any circumstances.
TRAILER LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND ELECTRIC BRAKES: Always hook up and verify function of the trailer lights, turn signals, electric brakes and break-away
switch connection (if so equipped) even for short trips.
REMOVE HITCH WHEN NOT TOWING: Remove hitch from towing vehicle receiver when not towing, to prevent contamination of head sockets, reduce chance of
striking hitch on driveway ramps or other objects, and minimize damage in the event of a rear-end collision.
Cequent Performance Products, Inc.
47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100
Plymouth, Mi. 48170
TEN YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Cequent Performance Products, Inc. warrants its Pro Series Weight Distributing systems from date of purchase against defects in material and
workmanship under normal use and service, ordinary wear and tear excepted, for 10 years of ownership to the original consumer purchaser.
Cequent Performance Products, Inc. will replace FREE OF CHARGE any part which proves defective in material or workmanship when presented
to any Cequent Performance Products, Inc. dealer, Cequent Performance Products, Inc. Warehouse or returned to factory. TRANSPORTATION
CHARGES PREPAID, at the address below. THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO DEFECTIVE PARTS REPLACEMENT ONLY. LABOR
CHARGES AND/OR DAMAGE INCURRED IN INSTALLATION OR REPLACEMENT AS WELL AS INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES CONNECTED THEREWITHARE EXCLUDED.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to
you.
Any damage to the Pro Series Weight Distributing system as a result of misuse, abuse, neglect, accident, improper installation, or any use violative
of instructions furnished by us, WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. In the event of a problem with
warranty service or performance, you may be able to go to a small claims court, or a federal district court.