Removal and Replacement

AH31.10-P-1000-02CW Notes On Installing A Trailer Coupling

Export countries must observe the respective registration regulations or legal requirements pertaining to the installation of a trailer coupling.

The body sealing compound and underbody sealant must be removed from all the body mounting points of the trailer coupling. The mounting points should then be cleaned with a commercially available cleaning agent. Apply anticorrosion paint to bare-metal areas of the body.

Trailer couplings are homologated safety parts. They are to be installed onto vehicles by skilled personnel only. Trailer hitches that suffer damage as a result of accident, ground contact or impact must be replaced; attempts to repair these components by bending or welding them, or any other mechanical forms of repair, are not approved.

The diameter of the coupling ball, measured with a caliper gauge, must measure at least 49 mm at all points. The ball must be greased before use to reduce wear. Advise the customer accordingly.

On trailers with an anti-swerve device it is not necessary to grease the ball (refer to trailer instructions). Advise the customer accordingly.

Advise the customer to read the "Trailer coupling" and "Towing a trailer" sections in the vehicle owner's manual.

The customer should be advised to install a more powerful battery: