Tie Down Model 85, 85-3/4 & 85E Actuators – Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual (PDF)

1. Always check the brake fluid reservoir before using trailer. Make sure it is at least half full. If not, re-fill to approx. 3/8 inch below the top of the reservoir with DOT 3 brake fluid. Check for leaks and repair as required. Never reuse brake fluid.
2. The model 80 is equipped with two “Super Lube” pins to provide grease to the inner rollers. Use a grease gun to lubricate the rollers through the grease fittings provided, every 6 months. For heavy use, grease every 3 months.
3. To extend coupler and ball life, coat both with a thin coating of grease. This will also eliminate squeaking. Wipe clean and renew grease film each time trailer is used.
4. Examine the actuator for bent parts or wear each time the trailer is used. Replace parts as necessary.
5. There are no user adjustments on the actuator.
6. Actuator travel (shown by coupler roller path) over one inch indicates a need to adjust the brakes or add fluid to the reservoir or a need to bleed the brakes and check connections for leaks. Adjust per instructions found in brake installation manual. In general, back-off the adjusters on drum brakes from locked position, as required. Adjust Free-Backing brakes by rotating wheel in forward direction only. Failure to adjust may result in loss of braking. Disc brakes do not require adjustment, check for pad wear periodically.
7. While towing, if the actuator appears to be knocking against the hitch ball while starting or stopping, check brake fluid reservoir and fill if below 3/8” full from the top. Dampening shock absorber requires sufficient brake fluid in order to retard movement of coupler against hitch ball during towing.

RATED CAPACITY: Maximum Actuator Capacity: 8500 lbs. Gross Load, 850 lbs. Maximum Tongue Load.  Minimum tongue weight is 5 percent of the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the trailer.

The actual in-service rating is limited to that of the ball and hitch being used or the trailer manufacturer’s G.V.W.R. shown on the certification label, whichever is lower (Note: GVWR is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating which includes the trailer and the load weight as a Total Gross Weight).

1. The vehicle, towing hitch and ball must have a rating equal to or greater than trailer GVWR.
2. Model 85 will accept 2-5/16” trailer hitch balls with a 8500# capacity only. Trailer balls larger than 2-5/16”  or out of round will not fit the coupler or may result in coupler failure. Balls smaller than 2-5/16” can cause shock loading and sudden disconnection. Make certain ball latch is in correct position to retain the hitch ball. Push latch lever back until safety latch engages plate below lever latch. Always insert safety pin into forward hole as a safety lock for the hitch ball coupler prior to towing. Do not tow trailer if coupler is damaged.
3. Connect safety cables or chains using crossed pattern under tongue, or follow trailer manufacturer’s directions.
4. Connect actuator breakaway cable S-hook to the tow vehicle only. Do not connect S-hook to the safety cables or chains.
5. The breakaway system is designed to only operate after the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle and the safety cable/chains have failed. The breakaway is not a parking brake. Do not use as such.
6. If the breakaway is accidentally applied while un-hitching, insert a flat bladed screwdriver into the spring clip slotted hole under the actuator and pry down to release.
7. Any control devices that restrict operation of the actuator cannot be used. This includes certain sway control devices. The actuator must be free to telescope in response to braking requirements.
8. Equalizing or weight distributing hitches may be used, allow six to eight inches free chain length. DANGER: Tongue weight outside rating limits will interfere with performance of actuator, and braking system, and the tow vehicle.
9. The actuator is designed for use with Free-Backing trailer brakes. To block braking action, (in order to back up) with other types of brakes, use an electric solenoid. For reverse trailer movement when braking is are not required, place the safety pin in the upper hole on the side of the actuator  to block movement of the actuator. DANGER: Failure to remove pin will also prevent forward braking. Pin must be in the lower, forward coupler hole as a safety lock for the hitch ball coupler latch when towing at all times.