Download MODEL #65001 Metal Utility Trailer User`s Manual and Maintenance

1/09/2008
®
VISIT THE LIFETIME WEB SITE:
WWW.LIFETIME.COM
C
op
y
Metal Utility Trailer
MODEL #65001
User’s Manual and Maintenance Guide
IMPORTADOR:
Servicios Home Depot, S.A. de C.V.
5LFDUGR0DUJDLQ=R]D\D(GL¿FLR$
Fraccionamiento Parque Corporativo Santa Engracia
Sand Pedro Garza García, N.L. C.P. 66267, México
R.F.C.:SHD-940509-I58, Tel. 81 55 70 00
Warning: For safe operation of this trailer, be sure to read all
instructions and warnings. Failure to follow instructions and
warnings could result in property damage, serious injury and death.
Instruction #1033986 B
1
In case we need to contact you about your trailer, please register on the
Internet today at:
C
op
y
www.lifetime.com
2
Lifetime Products, inc.
Metal Utility Trailer Model 65001
WARNING
This User’s Manual contains safety information and instructions for your trailer. You
must read this manual before loading or towing your trailer. You must follow all safety
precautions and instructions.
[email protected]
1+76$1RWL¿FDWLRQ6WDWHPHQW
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash or could cause
LQMXU\RUGHDWK\RXVKRXOGLPPHGLDWHO\LQIRUPWKH1DWLRQDO+LJKZD\7UDI¿F6DIHW\
$GPLQLVWUDWLRQ1+76$LQDGGLWLRQWRQRWLI\LQJ/LIHWLPH3URGXFWV
,I1+76$UHFHLYHVVLPLODUFRPSODLQWVLWPD\RSHQDQLQYHVWLJDWLRQDQGLILW¿QGV
that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
FDPSDLJQ+RZHYHU1+76$FDQQRWEHFRPHLQYROYHGLQLQGLYLGXDOSUREOHPV
EHWZHHQ\RXDQG/LIHWLPH3URGXFWV
7RFRQWDFW1+76$\RXPD\HLWKHUFDOOWKH9HKLFOH6DIHW\+RWOLQHWROOIUHHDW
77<JRWRKWWSZZZVDIHUFDUJRYRUZULWHWR
$GPLQLVWUDWRU1+76$1HZ-HUVH\$YHQXH6(:DVKLQJWRQ'&
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.
safercar.gov.
&DOOWRUHDFKRXU&XVWRPHU6HUYLFHOLQH
3
Table of Contents
SECTION 1: SAFETY INFORMATION
SECTION 2: TRAILER PARTS & HARDWARE
SECTION 3: PRE-TAKE-HOME ASSEMBLY
SECTION 4: TRAILER ASSEMBLY
4.1 Secure Tongue
4.2 Attach Rear Floor Extension
4.3 Attach Front Panel
4.4 Attach Side Panels
4.5 Attach Rear Side Extension Panel
4.6 Attach Corner Guards
4.7 Attach Rear Gate
4.8 Attach State License Plate
SECTION 5: TRAILER FEATURES
SECTION 6: COUPLING TO THE TOW VEHICLE
6.1 Using an Adequate Tow Vehicle and Hitch
6.2 Coupling and Uncoupling the Trailer
6.2.1 Trailer with Ball-Hitch Coupler
6.2.1.1 Before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle
6.2.1.2 Prepare the coupler and hitch
6.2.1.3 Coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle
6.2.1.4 Rigging the safety chains
6.2.1.5 Connecting the electrical cables
6.2.1.6 Uncoupling the Trailer
SECTION 7: TIRE & SAFETY INFORMATION
7.1 Determining Correct Load Limit – Trailer
7.1.1 Trailers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less
7.2 Determining Correct Load Limit – Tow Vehicle
7.3 Glossary of Tire Terminology
7.4 Tire Safety - Everything Rides on It
7.4.16DIHW\¿UVW–Basic tire maintenance
7.4.2 Finding your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure and load limits
7.4.3 Understanding tire pressure and load limits
7.4.4 Checking tire pressure
7.4.5 Steps for maintaining proper tire pressure
7.4.6 Tire size
7.4.7 Tire tread
7.4.8 Tire balance and wheel alignment
7.4.9 Tire repair
7.4.10 Tire Fundamentals
7.4.10.1 Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires
7.4.10.2 UTQGS Information
7.4.10.3. Additional Information on Light Truck Tires
7.4.11 Tire Safety Tips
7.4.11.1 Preventing Tire Damage
4
7
11
14
18
18
20
22
24
26
32
33
35
36
40
40
40
40
41
41
41
42
43
44
45
45
45
45
45
48
49
49
49
50
50
50
51
51
51
51
51
53
53
54
54
7.4.11.2 Tire Safety Checklist
7.5 Changing a Flat Tire
7.6 Checking the Tire Pressure
SECTION 8: LOADING THE TRAILER
8.1. Checking the Tongue Weight
8.1.1 Checking Tongue Weight — Using a lever and bathroom scale
8.2 Securing the Cargo
8.2.1 Loading Cargo
8.2.1.1 Preparing the Trailer for Loading
8.2.1.2 Loading the Trailer
SECTION 9: CHECK TRAILER BEFORE & DURING TOWING
SECTION 10: BREAKING IN A NEW TRAILER
SECTION 11: MAINTENANCE
11.1 Inspection, Service & Maintenance Summary Charts
11.2 Inspection and Service Instructions
11.2.1 Axle Bolts, Frame, Suspension, & Structure
11.2.2 Trailer Structure
11.2.2.1 Fasteners and Frame Members
11.2.2.2 Welds
11.2.3 Trailer Connection to Tow Vehicle
11.2.3.1 Coupler and Ball
11.2.4 Landing Leg or Jack
11.2.5 Lights and Signals
11.2.6 Tires
11.2.7 Wheel Rims
11.2.8 Wheels, Bearings and Lug Nuts
11.2.8.1 Unsealed Bearings (Hubs)
11.2.9 Lug Nuts (Bolts)
54
54
57
58
60
60
60
60
61
61
63
65
66
66
67
67
68
68
68
69
69
69
69
70
70
70
70
71
5
7KLV3DJH,QWHQWLRQDOO\/HIW%ODQN
6
SECTION 1: SAFETY
INFORMATION
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS AND SIGNAL WORDS
The safety information in this
manual is denoted by the safety
alert symbol:
The level of risk is indicated by the following signal words:
SIGNAL WORDS
Warning
Hazards or unsafe practices
which COULD result in severe
personal injury or death if the
warning is ignored.
Hazards or unsafe practices
which could result in minor or
moderate injury if the warning is
ignored.
,IDODEHOEHFRPHVXQUHDGDEOH\RXFDQUHRUGHUWKHPIURP&XVWRPHU
6HUYLFH
[email protected]
Caution
Warning Labels & Locations
2
2
1
6
3
5
1
7
Lug Nuts and Tire Pressure
ADVERTENCIA
WARNING
Tire, wheel or lug nut failure can cause loss of control.
Before towing, you must CHECK:
1. Tire pressure and tread.
2. Tires and wheels for damage.
3. Lug nuts for tightness.
For new and remounted wheels,
5HWLJKWHQOXJQXWVDWWKH¿UVW
10, 25 and 50 miles of driving.
Las fallas en las llantas, ruedas o tuercas a las llantas pueden provocar
pérdida del control. Antes de realizar un acarreo, DEBE REVISAR:
1. Presión y costura de las llantas.
2. Daños en llantas y ruedas.
3. Tuercas a las llantas bien apretadas.
Para llantas nuevas y reacondicionadas, apriete nuevamente las
tuercas a las llantas a los primeros 16 kilómetros, 40,2 kilómetros y 80,5
kilómetros de manejo.
Lug Nuts TIGHT?
Tuercas a las llantas
¿BIEN APRETADAS?
Tires and Wheels OK?
Las llantas y ruedas ¿ESTÁN BIEN?
© 2002 NATM
# 1027939
1
5HRUGHU
7KHSURSHUWLJKWQHVVWRUTXHIRUOXJQXWVLVIWOE'RQRWH[FHHGIWOE
Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts. If you do not have a torque wrench, use
DOXJZUHQFKIURP\RXUWRZYHKLFOHDQGWLJKWHQWKHQXWVDVPXFKDV\RXFDQ7KHQ
KDYHDVHUYLFHJDUDJHRUWUDLOHUGHDOHUWLJKWHQWKHOXJQXWVWRWKHSURSHUWRUTXH6HH
WKHVHFWLRQ³7LUHDQG6DIHW\,QIRUPDWLRQ´IRUPRUHGHWDLOVFRQFHUQLQJWLUHVDIHW\
/XJQXWVDUHDOVRSURQHWRORRVHQDIWHU¿UVWEHLQJDVVHPEOHG:KHQGULYLQJDQHZ
WUDLOHURUDIWHUZKHHOVKDYHEHHQUHPRXQWHGFKHFNWRPDNHVXUHWKH\DUHWLJKWDIWHU
WKH¿UVWDQGPLOHVRIGULYLQJDQGEHIRUHHDFKWRZWKHUHDIWHU
)DLOXUHWRSHUIRUPWKLVFKHFNFDQUHVXOWLQDZKHHOSDUWLQJIURPWKHWUDLOHUDQGDFUDVK
leading to death or serious injury.
2
Securely Latching the Trailer Gate
CAUTION
SECURE GATES
BEFORE MOVING
TRAILER
PRECAUCIÓN
¡ASEGURE LOS
PORTONES ANTES
DE MOVER EL
REMOLQUE!
#1027932
5HRUGHU
8
(QVXUHODWFKHVRQWUDLOHUJDWHDUHVHFXUHGXULQJWRZ
ing and when not in use. The trailer gate must be
ORFNHGGRZQGXULQJXVHDQGGXULQJVWRUDJH)DLOXUH
WRORFNJDWHVHFXUHO\FRXOGUHVXOWLQVHULRXVSURSHUW\
GDPDJHSHUVRQDOLQMXU\DQGGHDWK6HHWKHVHFWLRQ
³7UDLOHU)HDWXUHV´IRULQIRUPDWLRQUHJDUGLQJODWFKLQJ
the trailer gate.
Coupler, Load Weight and Distribution and Electrical
Connections
3
WARNING
ADVERTENCIA
ADVERTENCIA
WARNING
Uncoupling will cause trailer to come loose from tow vehicle. You must:
Attach hooks to tow vehicle
Sujetar los ganchos al vehículo remolcador
1. CHECK that ball load rating is same or greater than coupler load rating.
2. CHECK that ball size is same as coupler.
3. CLOSE COUPLER CLAMP on ball.
4. LIFT coupler upwards to test that it will not separate from ball.
5. LOCK coupler clamp with pin or padlock.
El
desenganche
hará
que
el
remolque
quede
suelto
del
vehículo
remolcador.
Usted
deberá:
Pin or padlock
1. VERIFICAR que la CAPACIDAD DE CARGA de la bola sea igual o mayor que la
Enough slack
In place
CAPACIDAD DE CARGA del enganche.
For turns
Colocar el candado o
2. VERIFICAR que el tamaño de la bola sea igual que el enganche.
6X¿FLHQWHPHQWH
gancho
3. CERRAR el TORNILLO DE AJUSTE DEL ENGANCHE sobre la bola.
Cross chains
ÀRMRSDUDSRGHU
Lift coupler to check
4. LEVANTAR el enganche para probar que no se separe de la bola.
Cruzar las cadenas
girar
/HYDQWDUHOHQJDQFKHSDUDYHUL¿FDU 5. CERRAR el tornillo de ajuste del enganche con un gancho o candado.
Open
Abierto
Closed
Cerrado
WARNING
ADVERTENCIA
WARNING
Improper loading can cause trailer sway and sudden loss of control. You must:
Always use safety chains.
Balance load side to side
Secure load to trailer
DISCONNECTED
Chains hold trailer if connection fails. You must:
Asegurar la carga
Balancear la carga de lado a lado • Ensure weight of load plus trailer weight does not exceed trailer’s capacity
DESCONECTADAS
(GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
1. CROSS chains underneath coupler.
al remolque
• Load heavier items in front of wheels.
2. ALLOW slack for trailer to turn.
• Load evenly side to side.
3. ATTACH chain hooks securely to tow vehicle frame.
Less load in rear
• Secure load to trailer.
Utilice siempre cadenas de seguridad. Las cadenas
Una
carga
impropia
puede
causar
que
el
remolque
se
tambalee
o
que
Menos carga sobre la
sostienen el remolque en caso de que la conexión falle.
parte posterior de las repentinamente pierda el control. Usted deberá:
Usted deberá:
• Asegurar que el peso de la carga más el peso del remolque no exceda la
ruedas
1. CRUZAR las cadenas por debajo del enganche.
capacidad del remolque (Clase de Peso del Vehículo).
2. PERMITIRTXHODVFDGHQDVTXHGHQÀRMDVSDUDTXH
• Cargar los elementos más pesados en la parte delantera de las ruedas.
el remolque pueda girar.
More load in front of wheels
• Cargar de forma equitativa de lado a lado.
3. SUJETAR de forma segura los ganchos de la
Más carga sobre la parte delantera de las ruedas
• Asegurar la carga al remolque.
#1031540
cadena a los bordes del vehículo remolcador.
CONNECTED
CONECTADAS
ADVERTENCIA
Lights can prevent trailer from being hit by other vehicles.
You must:
1. CONNECT trailer and tow vehicle electrical connectors.
2. CHECK all lights: tail lights, turn signals, and brake lights.
3. DO NOT TOW if lights are not working.
Las luces pueden prevenir que otros vehículos choquen el
remolque. Usted deberá:
1. CONECTAR los conectores eléctricos del remolque y del
vehículo remolcador.
2. VERIFICAR todas las luces, las luces traseras, las luces
de guiño, y las luces del freno.
3. NO UTILICE EL REMOLQUE si las luces no funcionan.
5HRUGHU
/RDGV FDQ VXGGHQO\ PRYH RU WRSSOH ZKLFK FDQ UHVXOW LQ GHDWK RU VHULRXV LQMXU\
Overloaded trailers and improper tongue weight can result in loss of control of the
WUDLOHU (QVXUH WKH WUDLOHU LV FRXSOHG FRUUHFWO\ DQG WKH FKDLQV FURVV RYHU HDFK RWKHU
(QVXUHWKHORDGLVWLHGVHFXUHO\DQGGRHVQ¶WH[FHHGWKH*URVV9HKLFOH:HLJKW*9:
2000 lb.
(QVXUHWKHHOHFWULFDOFRQQHFWLRQVDUHWLJKWO\¿WWHGDQGIXQFWLRQLQJSURSHUO\$OZD\V
FKHFNEUHDNOLJKWVDQGWXUQVLJQDOVEHIRUHHDFKWRZ
Ball and Hitch Size
V
IS E
!
LA
GAN CHE
O
EN
DE
UN
¡RE
5,08
cm
# 102793 1
MOLQUE
RE
NE
TIE
ESTE
ATENCIÓN
SU B
5HRUGHU
<RXUQHZWUDLOHUFRPHVZLWKD´FRXSOHU7KHEDOORQWKHWRZYHKLFOHPXVWEH
inches in diameter. An incorrect ball size can cause the separation of the trailer from
the tow vehicle resulting in possible property damage, serious injury and death.
9
5
Tire and Loading Information
MFD BY: LIFETIME PROD. INC.
FABRICADO POR: LIFETIME PROD. INC.
GVWR:
TIRE
RIM (IN)
GAWR
NEUMÁTICO
LLANTA (CM)
COLD INFLATION PRESSURE
PRESIÓN DEL NEUMÁTICO EN FRÍO
PSI (KPA)
DATE/FECHA:
800.225.3865
SGL/DUAL
ÚNICO/DOBLE
SINGLE/ÚNICO
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS (FMVSS) IN
EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
ESTE VEHÍCULO CUMPLE CON TODAS LAS NORMAS FEDERALES DE SEGURIDAD VIGENTES EFECTIVO EN LA FECHA
DE FABRICACIÓN MOSTRADA ARRIBA.
TYPE OF VEHICULE:
V.I.N/N.I.V.
TIPO DE VEHÍCULO:
TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION
INFORMACIÓN SOBRE NEUMÁTICOS Y CARGA
El peso del cargamento nunca deberá exceder los
NEUMÁTICO
TAMAÑO
kg.
PRESIÓN DEL NEUMÁTICO EN FRÍO
VEA EL MANUAL DEL USUARIO PARA INFORMACIÓN ADICIONAL
The weight of cargo should never exceed
TIRE
SIZE
lbs.
COLD TIRE PRESSURE
SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
# 1027940 B
1RUHRUGHUV
$OZD\VFKHFNWLUHSUHVVXUHWRHQVXUHRSWLPXPOLIHDQGSHUIRUPDQFHIURP\RXUWLUHV
7KHWLUHVWKDWFDPHZLWK\RXUWUDLOHUVKRXOGKDYHDWLUHSUHVVXUHRISVL/LIHWLPH
3URGXFWVFDQQRWEHKHOGUHVSRQVLEOHIRUGDPDJHVFDXVHGE\XQHYHQWUHDGZHDUDQG
EORZRXWVIURPDQXQGHULQÀDWHGRURYHULQÀDWHGWLUH
7KHORDGVKRXOGQHYHUH[FHHGWKH*URVV9HKLFOH:HLJKWRIOE:KHQHYHU
ORDGLQJWKHWUDLOHUDOZD\VFKHFNWRVHHLI\RX¶UHZLWKLQWKLVOLPLW6HHWKHVHFWLRQ
³/RDGLQJWKH7UDLOHU´IRULQIRUPDWLRQUHJDUGLQJKRZWRFKHFN
7KLVVWLFNHUDOVRGLVSOD\V\RXU9HKLFOH,GHQWL¿FDWLRQ1XPEHU9,1LQWKHERWWRP
OHIWKDQGFRUQHU
6
NATM Compliance
5HRUGHU
Patent Advisory
1RUHRUGHUV
7KLVVWLFNHUGLVSOD\VWKHYDULRXVSDWHQWV
Your trailer is in compliance with the
guidelines of the National Association of applicable to the trailer.
Trailer Manufacturers. Your trailer has its
own unique number. Note: This is not
\RXU9HKLFOH,GHQWL¿FDWLRQ1XPEHU9,1
10
SECTION 2: TRAILER PARTS &
HARDWARE
PARTS LIST
ID
Part #
$$
$%
$,
$&
$'
$(
AF
1013282
$*
$+
$.
$/
Parts Bag (1024674)
%$
%*
%,
Hardware Bag (1018013)
%%
%)
Hardware Bag (1018014)
%&
%)
Hardware Bag (1018015)
%(
%)
Hardware Bag (1022647)
%'
%+
%1
Description
7RQJXH´&RXSOHU-DFN$VVHPEO\
5LJKW6LGH3DQHO /HIW6LGH3DQHO
/HIW5HDU6LGH([WHQVLRQ3DQHO
5LJKW5HDU6LGH([WHQVLRQ3DQHO
)URQW3DQHO
Tailgate
7UDLOHU%HG
5HDU%HG([WHQVLRQ
&RWWHU.H\
´[´+H[%ROW Qty
1
&RUQHU*XDUG
[´6HOI7DSSLQJ6FUHZ
*XDUG5DLO6OHHYH ´;´+H[%ROW
´1\ORFN1XW ´;´+H[%ROW
´1\ORFN1XW ´;´+H[%ROW
´1\ORFN1XW ´)ODW:DVKHU ´1\ORFN1XW
TOOLS NEEDED (NOT INCLUDED)
(OHFWULF'ULOO
´'ULOO%LW
3KLOOLSV%LW
6RFNHW:UHQFKZLWK´VKDOORZVRFNHW5HFRPPHQGHGRU´2SHQIDFH
:UHQFKRU$GMXVWDEOH:UHQFK
5XEEHU0DOOHW5HFRPPHQGHGRU+DPPHU
6. Utility Knife
´/XJ:UHQFKRU7LUH,URQ)RUSHULRGLFWLJKWHQLQJRIOXJQXWV
´:UHQFKRU6RFNHW:UHQFK
´:UHQFKRU6RFNHW:UHQFKZLWK´6RFNHW
11
HARDWARE IDENTIFIER
Note: The hardware is in clear plastic bags within the plastic bag labeled ORFDWHGXQGHUD5HDU6LGH([WHQVLRQ$&RU$'RQWKH7UDLOHUEHG
*Note:3DUWVDUHDFWXDOVL]HXQOHVVQRWHGRWKHUZLVH
%HIRUHEHJLQQLQJDVVHPEO\LQYHQWRU\DOOSDUWVXVLQJWKH3DUWV/LVWEHORZDQGWKH
+DUGZDUH,GHQWL¿HUQH[WWZRSDJHV,IDOOSDUWVDUHQRWSUHVHQWGR127DVVHPEOH
WKHWUDLOHU&DOO/LIHWLPH3URGXFWVDWWKHQXPEHURQWKHFRYHURIWKLVPDQXDO
BE (6)
BC (7)
BB (11)
BF
(24)
*BI
(2)
BG
(4)
*BA
(2)
*AK
(2)
BH (2)
BD (8)
*Not to Scale
12
AL
(2)
*AC (Left)
*AE
*AD (Right)
*AB (Right)
*AI (Left)
*AH
*AF
*AA
*AG
13
SECTION 3:
PRE-TAKE-HOME ASSEMBLY
Hardware Used:
*AK (2)
*AL (2)
*Not actual size
**At Least 2 Adults Required for the Following Steps**
%HIRUHWRZLQJ\RXUWUDLOHUKRPH\RXPXVW¿UVWDVVHPEOHWKHWRQJXH<RXPXVWVOLGHWKH
WRQJXHRXWDQGORFNLWLQSODFHEHIRUHDWWDFKLQJWKHWUDLOHUWR\RXUWRZYHKLFOH
Note:,I\RX¶YHDOUHDG\WRZHG\RXUQHZWUDLOHUKRPHVNLSWRWKHVHFWLRQ “Trailer
Assembly” to continue.
3.1&KRFNWKH7LUHVIURQWDQGUHDUZLWKEULFNVRUZRRGHQEORFNV
3.2:KLOHRQHDGXOWVXSSRUWVWKH7UDLOHUUHPRYHWKHWZRCotter Keys (AK) holding
the 1/2”-13 x 4 1/2” Hex Bolts (AL) and Tongue (AA) in place. Remove the two Bolts
and slide Tongue forward from under Trailer Bed until the holes in the Tongue are
centered with the holes in the Tongue Attachment Plates.
Warning: Be careful when removing pins. Tongue could fall causing serious
injury.
AK
AK
AA
Tongue Attachment Plates
Center holes in Tongue with holes
in Attachment Plates.
3.35HLQVHUWBolts and replace the Cotter Keys to secure the Tongue in place.
AK
AK
Use upper hole
AL
AL
Re-insert Cotter Keys
to shaded points as in
illustrations
14
WARNING
'R127UHPRYHRUORRVHQEDQGLQJXQWLO\RX¶UHUHDG\WR
assemble the trailer. If you loosen the banding, trailer parts may
dislodge, fall off the trailer during towing and cause an accident.
Failure to follow this warning could result in property damage,
serious injury and death.
Lug Nuts: Tightening Sequence, Torque Requirements
WARNING
/XJQXWVDUHSURQHWRORRVHQDIWHULQLWLDOLQVWDOODWLRQSRVVLEO\FDXVLQJ
the wheel to separate from the trailer leading to property damage, death
or serious injury.
‡&KHFNOXJQXWVIRUWLJKWQHVVRQDQHZWUDLOHURUZKHQZKHHOVKDYH
EHHQUHPRXQWHGDIWHUWKH¿UVWDQGPLOHVRIGULYLQJDQG
after any impact.
‡/XJQXWVIRUWKHWLUHVPXVWEHWLJKWHQHGE\WKHXVHUEHIRUHHDFKXVH
‡/LIHWLPH3URGXFWVFDQQRWEHKHOGUHVSRQVLEOHIRUGDPDJHVFDXVHGE\
loosened lug nuts.
• Before towing the Trailer, you must ensure the lug nuts are tightened to the proper
torque.
• The torque requirements for the Lug Nuts are 95 - 120 ft./lb'RQRWH[FHHG
ft./lb of torque. Tighten the Lug Nuts in the sequence below before you leave the
dealer.
9HULI\WKHSURSHU36,IRU\RXUWLUH
‡7LUHSUHVVXUHIRUD´ULPWLUHVKRXOGEHDW80 psi.
1
Tighten lug nuts
in the following
order:
4
3
5
2
15
WARNING
Improper rigging of the safety chains can result in loss of control of
the trailer and the tow vehicle, leading to death or serious injury, if the
trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle.
‡)DVWHQFKDLQVWRIUDPHRIWRZYHKLFOH'RQRWIDVWHQFKDLQWRDQ\
part of the
KLWFKXQOHVVWKHKLWFKKDVKROHVRUORRSVVSHFL¿FDOO\IRUWKDWSXUSRVH
‡&URVVFKDLQVXQGHUQHDWKKLWFKDQGFRXSOHUZLWKHQRXJKVODFNWR
permit turning, and to hold tongue up, if the trailer comes loose.
To help ensure your safety as well as other drivers’ safety, you must correctly hitch
\RXUQHZ7UDLOHUWRWKH7RZ9HKLFOH<RXUQHZWUDLOHUFRPHVZLWKD2-inch Coupler.
The tow vehicle must have a 2-inch Ball to match.
&URVVWKHFKDLQVDQGLQVHUWHDFKHQGWKURXJKWKH7RZ9HKLFOH¶VKLWFK&RQQHFWKRRN
WRFKDLQDVLOOXVWUDWHG
Follow local and state speed limit laws, but do not exceed 65 mph.
3UHVVGRZQ
WRORFN
&URVVFKDLQVRYHURQHDQRWKHU
before securing to tow vehicle.
Connecting the Electrical Cables
&RQQHFWWKHWUDLOHUOLJKWVWRWKHWRZYHKLFOH¶VHOHFWULFDOV\VWHPXVLQJWKHHOHFWULFDO
connectors.
‡&KHFNDOOOLJKWVIRUSURSHURSHUDWLRQ
&OHDUDQFHDQG5XQQLQJ/LJKWV7XUQRQWRZYHKLFOHKHDGOLJKWV
%UDNH/LJKWV6WHSRQWRZYHKLFOHEUDNHSHGDO
7XUQ6LJQDOV2SHUDWHWRZYHKLFOHGLUHFWLRQDOVLJQDOOHYHU
%DFNXS/LJKWV3XWWRZYHKLFOHJHDUVKLIWLQWRUHYHUVH
7RHQVXUH\RXUWUDLOHUOLJKWVIXQFWLRQSURSHUO\¿UPO\LQVHUWWKHMale Plug (Trailer)
into the Female Receptor (Tow Vehicle).
From Trailer
16
From Tow Vehicle
From Tow Vehicle
From Trailer
WARNING
&KHFNWKHFRQQHFWLRQSHULRGLFDOO\WRHQVXUHWDLODQGEUHDNOLJKWV
function properly. Failure to follow this warning could result in
property damage, serious personal injury and death.
Note: ,I\RXVWLOOKDYHWKHIRXUZRRGHQEORFNVEROWHGWRWKHIRXUFRUQHUEUDFNHWVRI
WKHWUDLOHUUHPRYHWKHPXVLQJD´ZUHQFK
Connecting Temporary License Plate
If your state requires a temporary license on your trailer, secure the license to the
OLFHQVHSODWHKROGHUORFDWHGRQWKHOHIWEOLQNHUEHIRUHWRZLQJ\RXUWUDLOHUKRPH
Temporary
/Lcense
WARNING
'R127UHPRYHRUORRVHQEDQGLQJXQWLO\RX¶UHUHDG\WR
assemble the trailer. If you loosen the banding, trailer parts may
dislodge, fall off the trailer during towing causing an accident.
Failure to follow this warning could result in property damage,
serious personal injury and death.
Note: For all inquiries regarding trailer title and registration, please contact your
ORFDO'HSDUWPHQWRI0RWRU9HKLFOHV'09RU\RXUORFDOFRXQW\WD[DVVHVVRU¶V
RI¿FH
WARNING
'RQRWWUDQVSRUWSHRSOHLQWKHWUDLOHU)DLOXUHWRKHHGWKLVZDUQ
LQJFRXOGUHVXOWLQVHULRXVLQMXU\VXFKDVEURNHQERQHVEUDLQ
damage, paralysis or death.
17
SECTION 4:
TRAILER ASSEMBLY
Hardware Used:
*AL (2)
´6RFNHW:UHQFK
BH (2)
´:UHQFK
*AK (2)
Hardware Bag: 1022647
*Not actual size
**At Least 2 ADULTS Required for the Following Steps**
,I \RX KDYHQ¶W GRQH VR DOUHDG\ ¿UVW DVVHPEOH WKH WRQJXH EHIRUH WRZLQJ \RXU WUDLOHU
home. Refer to the section ³3UH7DNH+RPH$VVHPEO\´.
4.1 Secure Tongue
4.1.1&KRFNWKH7LUHVIURQWDQGUHDUZLWKEULFNVRUZRRGHQEORFNV
4.1.2:KLOHRQHDGXOWVXSSRUWVWKH7UDLOHUUHPRYHWKHWZRCotter Keys (AK) holding
the Bolts (AL) and Tongue (AA) in place.
Warning: Be careful when removing pins. Tongue could fall causing serious
injury.
AK
AK
AA
Tongue Attachment Plates
18
Center holes in Tongue with holes
in Attachment Plates.
4.1.3 Replace the Cotter Keys ZLWKWZR 1/2”-13 Nylock Nuts (BH) to secure the
TongueLQSODFH'LVFDUGCotter Keys.
BH
BH
Use upper hole
AL
AL
19
Hardware Needed:
BF (3)
´6RFNHW:UHQFK
´:UHQFK
BC (3)
Rubber Mallet
Hardware Bag: 1018014
Utility Knife
**At Least Two ADULTS Required for Assembly**
Before beginning this step, use a Utility Knife to cut the banding around Trailer.
Important: :KLOH DQRWKHU DGXOW SUHYHQWV WKH 5HDU )ORRU ([WHQVLRQ IURP IDOOLQJ
carefully remove all loose parts from the bed of the Trailer. Inventory all parts and
KDUGZDUH WR HQVXUH \RX UHFHLYHG DOO QHFHVVDU\ SLHFHV 7KH 3DUWV /LVW DQG +DUGZDUH
,GHQWL¿HUDUHORFDWHGRQSDJHV
4.2 Attach Rear Floor Extension
4.2.1 Rotate and lower the Tongue JackLQWRSRVLWLRQDQGFKRFNWKHWheels6HHWKH
VHFWLRQ³7UDLOHU)HDWXUHV´IRUGHWDLOVRQXVLQJWKH7RQJXH-DFN
4.2.2&DUHIXOO\OLIWWKHRear Bed Extension (AH) off the Trailer Bed and attach to the
EDFNRIWKHWUDLOHU
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as serious injury could
occur.
AH
Rear Floor Extension
Be careful not to damage the wiring
insulation (the colored plastic around
WKHZLUHV
Tongue Jack
20
4.2.3:KLOHDQRWKHUDGXOWKROGVWKH5HDU%HG([WHQVLRQLQSODFHVHFXUHWKHRear Bed
ExtensionWRWKHEDFNRIWKHTrailer BedXVLQJWKUHH3/8”-16 x 2 3/4” Hex Bolts
(BC)DQGWKUHH3/8”-16 Nylock Nuts (BF).
Note: If necessary, after aligning the holes gently tap the Bolt with a Rubber Mallet or
Hammer to help pass the Bolts through the holes.
DO NOT COMPLETELY TIGHTEN
THE NYLOCK NUTS YET.
BC
BF
4.2.46WDUWLQJDWWKH&RXSOHURQWKH7RQJXHJHQWO\SXOOExcess wireIURPWKHEDFNRI
WKH7UDLOHUWKURXJKWKHFHQWHU&RQGXLWDQGLQWRWKH7RQJXH
4.2.57XFNDQ\Excess WireH[WHQGLQJRXWRIWKH&RXSOHUEDFNXQGHUQHDWKWKH
&RXSOHUDQGLQWRWKH7RQJXH
Coupler
Wiring Housing
Be careful not to damage the
insulation (colored plastic) around
the wires.
21
4.3 Attach Front Panel
4.3.1 6OLGH WKH Front Panel (AE) down between the two front Center Support
Brackets of the Trailer Bed.
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as serious injury
could occur.
Center Support
AE
Center Support Brackets
22
Hardware Needed:
BB (1)
´6RFNHW:UHQFK
´:UHQFK
BF
(1)
Rubber Mallet
Hardware Bag: 1018013
4.3.2,QVHUWRQH3/8”-16 x 2 1/2” Hex Bolt (BB)DQGRQH3/8”-16 Nylock Nut
(BF).
Note: If necessary, after aligning the holes gently tap the Bolt with a Rubber Mallet or
Hammer to help pass it through the holes.
BF
BF
BB
BB
DO NOT COMPLETELY TIGHTEN
THE NYLOCK NUTS YET.
CAUTION
Be careful when standing in the Trailer. The Trailer Bed may be
slippery when wet causing you to fall.
23
4.4 Attach Side Panels
4.4.16OLGHWKHLeft Side Panel (AI)GRZQLQWRSRVLWLRQVRWKH&HQWHU3RVW¿WVEHWZHHQ
WKHVLGH&HQWHU6XSSRUW%UDFNHWV
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as serious
injury could occur.
AI
Note:/LIHWLPHORJRJRHVWRZDUGVWKH
front of the Trailer.
Center Post
Side Center Support
Brackets
24
Hardware Needed:
BB (4)
´6RFNHW:UHQFK
BF (4)
´:UHQFK
Hardware Bag: 1018013
Rubber Mallet
BF
(6)
BD (6)
Hardware Bag: 1022647
BE (6)
Hardware Bag: 1018015
4.4.26WDUWLQJDWWKHERWWRPKROHVHFXUHWKH6LGH3DQHOWRWKH)URQW3DQHOXVLQJWKUHH
3/8”-16 x 3 3/4” Hex Bolts (BE)WKUHH3/8” Flat Washers (BD)DQGWKUHH
3/8”-16 Nylock Nuts (BF).
4.4.36WDUWLQJDWWKHERWWRPKROHVHFXUHWKH6LGH3DQHOWRWKH6LGH&HQWHU6XSSRUW
%UDFNHWVXVLQJWZR3/8”-16 x 2 1/2” Hex Bolts (BB)DQGWZR3/8”-16 Nylock
Nuts (BF).
4.4.4 Repeat steps 4.4.1 - 4.4.3IRUWKHRWKHU6LGH3DQHO
Note: If necessary, after aligning the holes gently tap the Bolts with a Rubber Mallet or
Hammer to help pass them through the holes.
BF
BE
BF
BB
BD
DO NOT COMPLETELY TIGHTEN
THE NYLOCK NUTS YET.
25
Hardware Needed:
BC (2)
´6RFNHW:UHQFK
BI
(2)
´:UHQFK
BF
(2)
Rubber Mallet
Hardware Bag: 1018014 Parts Bag: 1024674
4.5 Attach Rear Side Extension Panels
4.5.1:KLOHVOLGLQJWKHLeft Rear Side Extension (AC) down into position, insert one
Guard Rail Sleeve (BI)EHWZHHQWKHWZRUDLOVDVVKRZQ:KHQORRNLQJIURPWKH
EDFNRIWKH7UDLOHUWKH/HIW5HDU6LGH([WHQVLRQJRHVRQWKHULJKWVLGH
AC
BI
BI
26
4.5.26HFXUHWKHLeft Rear Side Extension Panel (AB)WRWKH%HG([WHQVLRQXVLQJWZR
3/8”-16 x 2 3/4” Hex Bolts (BC)DQGWZR3/8”-16 Nylock Nuts (BF).
Note: If necessary, after aligning the holes gently tap the Bolts with a Rubber Mallet or
Hammer to help pass them through the holes.
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as serious injury could
occur.
BC
BF
DO NOT COMPLETELY TIGHTEN
THE NYLOCK NUTS YET.
27
Hardware Needed:
BB (3)
´6RFNHW:UHQFK
BF
(3)
´:UHQFK
BD (1)
Rubber Mallet
Hardware Bag: 1018013
Hardware Bag: 1022647
4.5.36WDUWLQJDWWKHERWWRPKROHVHFXUHWKH/HIW5HDU6LGH([WHQVLRQWRWKH6LGH3DQHO
DQG5HDU6LGH%UDFNHWXVLQJWKUHH3/8”-16 x 2 1/2” Hex Bolts (BB)RQH3/8”
Flat Washer (BD)DQGWKUHH3/8”-16 Nylock Nuts (BF).
Note: If necessary, after aligning the holes gently tap the Bolts with a Rubber Mallet
or Hammer to help pass them through the holes.
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as serious injury could
occur.
BB
BF
BD
DO NOT COMPLETELY TIGHTEN
THE NYLOCK NUTS YET.
28
Hardware Needed:
BI
(2)
Parts Bag: 1024674
4.5.4:KLOHVOLGLQJWKHRight Rear Side Extension Panel (AD) down into position,
LQVHUWRQHGuard Rail Sleeve (BI)EHWZHHQWKHWZRUDLOVDVVKRZQ:KHQORRNLQJ
IURPWKHEDFNRIWKH7UDLOHUWKH5LJKW5HDU6LGH([WHQVLRQJRHVRQWKHOHIWVLGH
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as serious injury could
occur.
AD
BI
BI
DO NOT COMPLETELY TIGHTEN
THE NYLOCK NUTS YET.
29
Hardware Needed:
BC (2)
´6RFNHW:UHQFK
´:UHQFK
BF
(2)
Hardware Bag: 1018014
Rubber Mallet
4.5.56HFXUHWKHRight Rear Side Extension Panel (AB)WRWKH%HG([WHQVLRQXVLQJ
WZR3/8”-16 x 2 3/4” Hex Bolts (BC)DQGWZR3/8”-16 Nylock Nuts (BF).
Note: If necessary, after aligning the holes gently tap the Bolts with a Rubber Mallet
or Hammer to help pass them through the holes.
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as serious injury could
occur.
BC
BF
30
Hardware Needed:
BB (3)
´6RFNHW:UHQFK
BF
(3)
´:UHQFK
BD (1)
Rubber Mallet
Hardware Bag: 1022647
Hardware Bag: 1018013
4.5.66WDUWLQJDWWKHERWWRPKROHVHFXUHWKH5LJKW5HDU6LGH([WHQVLRQ3DQHOWRWKH
6LGH3DQHODQG5HDU6LGH3DQHO%UDFNHWXVLQJWKUHH3/8”-16 x 2 1/2” Hex Bolts
(BB)RQH3/8” Flat Washer (BD) DQGWKUHH3/8”-16 Nylock Nuts (BF).
Note: If necessary, after aligning the holes gently tap the Bolts with a Rubber Mallet
or Hammer to help pass them through the holes.
4.5.7 Tighten all hardware from steps 4.2.3 - 4.5.6, but do not overtighten.
BD
BB
BF
Remember: Tighten all hardware
before proceeding to the next step,
but do not overtighten.
BD
31
Hardware Needed:
BA
(2)
Not actual size
BG (4)
Hardware Bag: 1022656
4.6 Attach Corner Guards
Important: If you have not tightened all hardware, do so before beginning this step,
but do not overtighten.
4.6.16HWWKHCorner Guard (BA) in place on the corner of the Front and Side Panels.
'ULOODQ1/8” Pilot holeWKURXJKWKHKROHVLQWKH&RUQHU*XDUGDQGLQWRWKH3DQHOV
4.6.2 Fasten a Corner Guard (BA) to the front left and right corners of the panels with
WZR#10 x 3/4” Self-Tapping Screws (BG)5HSHDWIRURWKHU&RUQHU*XDUG
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as serious injury could
occur.
BA
BG
Lip
Corner Guard
Note: 6HW WKH OLS RI WKH &RUQHU *XDUG
RYHUWKHWRSHGJHVRIWKH3DQHOV
32
**Two People Required for These Steps**
WARNING
7KHWUDLOHUJDWHPXVWEHORFNHGGRZQGXULQJXVHDQGGXULQJVWRU
DJH)DLOXUHWRORFNJDWHVHFXUHO\FRXOGDOORZJDWHWRRSHQXQ
expectedly resulting in serious property damage, personal injury
and death.
4.7 Attach Tailgate
4.7.1 /D\ Tailgate (AF) on the ground behind the trailer and lift bottom end up
towards the trailer as shown.
WARNING: To help ensure your safety, do not attempt to hold the tailgate
upright while fastening it to the trailer. Tailgate could fall causing injury.
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as serious
injury could occur.
AF
WARNING
'RQRWSOD\RUKDQJRQWDLOJDWH,IQRWVHFXUHGSURSHUO\WDLOJDWH
could open suddenly or fall. Failure to comply with this warning
could result in property damage, serious injury or death.
CAUTION
Be careful when standing in the Trailer. The Trailer Bed may be
slippery when wet causing you to fall.
33
4.7.26OLGHWKHTailgate Sleeve over the Pin as shown.
4.7.33XOOEDFNRQWKHULJKWPinDQGLQVHUWWKH3LQLQWRWKHSleeve.
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as serious injury could
occur.
4.7.3
4.7.2
Pin
Sleeve
Sleeve
Pin
4.7.4 Rotate the Tailgate upwards to a vertical position and secure in place with the
two Pins as shown.
34
4.8 Attach State License Plate
4.8.1 If your state requires a license plate on your trailer, bolt the license plate to the
OLFHQVHSODWHKROGHUORFDWHGEHORZWKHOHIWEOLQNHU
67$7(
/,&(16(
Note: For all inquiries regarding trailer title and registration, please contact your
ORFDO'HSDUWPHQWRI0RWRU9HKLFOHV'09RU\RXUORFDOFRXQW\WD[DVVHVVRU¶V
RI¿FH
WARNING
'R127XVHWKH*DWHIRUWLHGRZQORFDWLRQV$OODUWLFOHVEHLQJ
WRZHGPXVWEHWLHGWRWKHVLGHZDOOVRIWKH7UDLOHU*DWHFDQ
dislodge causing property damage and possible injury or death to
other motorists and pedestrians.
Follow local and state speed limit laws, but do not exceed 65 mph.
WARNING
'RQRWWUDQVSRUWSHRSOHLQWKHWUDLOHU)DLOXUHWRKHHGWKLVZDUQ
LQJFRXOGUHVXOWLQVHULRXVLQMXU\VXFKDVEURNHQERQHVEUDLQ
damage, paralysis or death.
35
SECTION 5: TRAILER
FEATURES
USING TWO-WAY TAILGATE
WARNING
7KHWUDLOHUJDWHPXVWEHORFNHGGRZQGXULQJXVHDQGGXULQJVWRU
DJH)DLOXUHWRORFNJDWHVHFXUHO\FRXOGDOORZJDWHWRRSHQXQ
expectedly resulting in serious property damage, personal injury
and death.
5.1 Using Two-Way Tailgate
5.1.17RRSHQWKH7DLOJDWHOLNHDGRRUSXOOEDFNRQWKHPins located on the right side
of the gate and swing the door open.
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as serious injury could
occur.
36
5.2 To lower the tailgate to a ramp position, pull up on the upper Pins located on both
WKHOHIWDQGULJKWKDQGVLGHVRIWKHWDLOJDWH
WARNING: Watch for pinch points as
serious injury could occur.
WARNING
'RQRWSOD\RUKDQJRQWDLOJDWH,IQRWVHFXUHGSURSHUO\WDLOJDWH
could open suddenly or fall. Failure to comply with this warning
could result in property damage, serious injury or death.
WARNING
'R127XVHWKH*DWHIRUWLHGRZQORFDWLRQV$OODUWLFOHVEHLQJ
WRZHGPXVWEHWLHGWRWKHVLGHZDOOVRIWKH7UDLOHU*DWHFDQ
dislodge causing property damage and possible injury or death to
other motorists and pedestrians.
37
USING THE TONGUE JACK
5.3 USING THE TONGUE JACK
5.3.13XOOWKHLocking PinRXWWRUHOHDVHWKH7RQJXH-DFN
5.3.2 Rotate Tongue JackGRZQWRDYHUWLFDOSRVLWLRQDQGORFNLQWRSODFHZLWKLocking Pin.
38
5.3.3 Rotate Jack HandleFORFNZLVHWROLIW7RQJXHFRXQWHUFORFNZLVHWRORZHUWKH
Tongue.
WARNING
%HIRUHWRZLQJDOZD\VURWDWH7RQJXH-DFNWRXSZDUG
KRUL]RQWDO SRVLWLRQ DQG VHFXUH ZLWK /RFNLQJ 3LQ
)DLOXUH WR GR VR FRXOG GDPDJH 7RQJXH -DFN ZKLOH
WRZLQJUHQGHULQJ7RQJXH-DFNLQRSHUDEOH
39
SECTION 6: COUPLING TO
THE TOW VEHICLE
ATTACHING THE TRAILER TO YOUR VEHICLE
You must follow all of the safety precautions and instructions in this manual to
ensure safety of persons, cargo, and satisfactory life of the trailer.
6.1 Warning: Using an Adequate Tow Vehicle and Hitch
,IWKHYHKLFOHRUKLWFKLVQRWSURSHUO\VHOHFWHGDQGPDWFKHGWRWKH*URVV9HKLFOH
:HLJKW5DWLQJ*9:5RI\RXUWUDLOHU\RXFDQFDXVHDQDFFLGHQWWKDWFRXOGOHDGWR
GHDWKRUVHULRXVLQMXU\,I\RXDOUHDG\KDYHDWRZYHKLFOHNQRZ\RXUYHKLFOHWRZ
UDWLQJDQGPDNHFHUWDLQWKHWUDLOHU¶VUDWHGFDSDFLW\LVOHVVWKDQRUHTXDOWRWKHWRZ
YHKLFOH¶VUDWHGWRZLQJFDSDFLW\,I\RXDOUHDG\KDYHRUSODQWREX\DWUDLOHUPDNH
certain that the tow rating of the tow vehicle is equal to or greater than that of the
trailer.
6.2 Warning: Coupling and Uncoupling the Trailer
$VHFXUHFRXSOLQJRUIDVWHQLQJRIWKHWUDLOHUWRWKHWRZYHKLFOHLVHVVHQWLDO$ORVV
of coupling may result in death or serious injury. Therefore, you must understand
and follow all of the instructions for coupling your trailer to your tow vehicle.
The following parts are involved in ensuring a secure coupling between the trailer
and tow vehicle:
Coupler: A device on the tongue of the trailer that connects to the hitch on the
tow vehicle.
Hitch: A device on the tow vehicle that supports the weight of the trailer tongue
and pulls the trailer. The coupler attaches to the hitch.
Safety chains:,IWKHFRXSOHUFRQQHFWLRQFRPHVORRVHWKHVDIHW\FKDLQVFDQNHHS
WKHWUDLOHUDWWDFKHGWRWKHWRZYHKLFOH:LWKSURSHUO\ULJJHGVDIHW\FKDLQVLWLV
SRVVLEOHWRNHHSWKHWRQJXHRIWKHWUDLOHUIURPGLJJLQJLQWRWKHURDGSDYHPHQW
HYHQLIWKHFRXSOHUWRKLWFKFRQQHFWLRQFRPHVDSDUW
Trailer lighting (and braking) connector: A device that connects electrical
SRZHUIURPWKHWRZYHKLFOHWRWKHWUDLOHU(OHFWULFLW\LVXVHGWRWXUQRQEUDNH
lights, running lights, and turn signals as required.
6.2.1 Trailer with Ball-Hitch Coupler
A ball hitch coupler connects to a ball that is located on or under the rear bumper
of the tow vehicle. This system of coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle is sometimes
UHIHUUHGWRDV³EXPSHUSXOO´
40
:HKDYHXWLOL]HGDLQFK%DOO+LWFKFRXSOHUWKDWLVVXLWDEOHIRUWKHVL]HDQGZHLJKW
RIWKHWUDLOHU<RXPXVWSURYLGHDKLWFKDQGLQFKEDOOIRU\RXUWRZYHKLFOHZKHUH
the load rating of the hitch and ball is equal to or greater than that of your trailer.
Also, the ball size must be the same as the coupler size. If the hitch ball is too
small, too large, is underrated, is loose or is worn, the trailer can come loose from
the tow vehicle, and may cause death or serious injury.
7+(72:9(+,&/(+,7&+$1'%$//0867+$9($5$7('72:,1*
&$3$&,7<(48$/7225*5($7(57+$17+(75$,/(5*URVV9HKLFOH
:HLJKW5DWLQJ*9:5
,7,6(66(17,$/7+$77+(+,7&+%$//%(2)7+(6$0(6,=($67+(
&283/(5,1&+(6
7KHEDOOVL]HDQGORDGUDWLQJFDSDFLW\DUHPDUNHGRQWKHEDOOKLWFKFDSDFLW\LV
PDUNHGRQWKHKLWFK
6.2.1.1 Before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle
‡(QVXUHWKHVL]HDQGUDWLQJRIKLWFKEDOOPDWFKWKHLQFKFRXSOHURQ\RXUWUDLOHU
+LWFKEDOOVDQGFRXSOHUVDUHPDUNHGZLWKWKHLUVL]HDQGUDWLQJ
‡:LSHWKHKLWFKEDOOFOHDQLQVSHFWLWYLVXDOO\DQGIHHOIRUÀDWVSRWVFUDFNVDQG
pits.
‡5RFNWKHEDOOWRPDNHVXUHLWLVWLJKWWRWKHKLWFKDQGYLVXDOO\FKHFNWKDWWKH
KLWFKEDOOQXWLVVROLGDJDLQVWWKHORFNZDVKHUDQGKLWFKIUDPH
‡:LSHWKHLQVLGHDQGRXWVLGHRIWKHFRXSOHUFOHDQDQGLQVSHFWLWYLVXDOO\IRUFUDFNV
DQGGHIRUPDWLRQVIHHOWKHLQVLGHRIWKHFRXSOHUIRUZRUQVSRWVDQGSLWV
• Be sure the coupler is tight to the tongue of the trailer. All coupler fasteners
must be visibly solid against the trailer frame.
• Raise the bottom surface of the coupler above the top of the hitch ball. Use
ZRRGRUFRQFUHWHEORFNVWRVXSSRUWWKHWUDLOHUWRQJXH
6.2.1.2 Preparing the coupler and hitch
‡/XEULFDWHWKHKLWFKEDOODQGWKHLQVLGHRIWKHFRXSOHUZLWKDWKLQOD\HURI
automotive bearing grease.
‡2SHQWKHFRXSOHUORFNLQJPHFKDQLVP%DOOFRXSOHUVKDYHDORFNLQJPHFKDQLVP
with an internal moving piece and an outside handle.
In the open position, the coupler is able to drop fully onto the hitch ball.
6HHWKHFRXSOHULQVWUXFWLRQVIRUGHWDLOVRISODFLQJWKHFRXSOHULQWKH³RSHQ´
position.
‡6ORZO\EDFNXSWKHWRZYHKLFOHVRWKDWWKHKLWFKEDOOLVQHDURUDOLJQHGXQGHUWKH
coupler.
6.2.1.3 Coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle
/LIWWKHFRXSOHUDQGSODFHLWRYHUWKHEDOO
‡/RZHUWKHWUDLOHUXQWLOWKHFRXSOHUIXOO\HQJDJHVWKHKLWFKEDOO,IWKHFRXSOHU
does not line up with the hitch ball, adjust the position of the tow vehicle.
‡(QJDJHWKHFRXSOHUORFNLQJPHFKDQLVP,QWKHHQJDJHGSRVLWLRQWKHORFNLQJ
mechanism securely holds the coupler to the hitch ball.
41
‡,QVHUWDSLQRUORFNWKURXJKWKHKROHLQWKHORFNLQJPHFKDQLVP
‡%HVXUHWKHFRXSOHULVDOOWKHZD\RQWKHKLWFKEDOODQGWKHORFNLQJPHFKDQLVPLV
engaged.
If the coupler cannot be secured to the hitch ball, do not tow the trailer.
Call your dealer for assistance.
‡/RZHUWKHWUDLOHUVRWKDWLWVHQWLUHWRQJXHZHLJKWLVKHOGE\WKHKLWFK3XVKWKH
VDIHW\ODWFKGRZQZDUGWRDKRUL]RQWDOSRVLWLRQWRORFNLWLQSODFH
WARNING
8VH:0RWRU2LOWROXEULFDWHWKHEDOODQGLQVLGHRIFRXSOHU
$OZD\VFKHFNEDOODQGFRXSOHUEHIRUHHDFKWRZIRUGDPDJHGRU
ZRUQHGJHV'DPDJHGEDOOVDQGFRXSOHUVVKRXOGEHUHSODFHG
immediately. Failure to follow this warning could result in
property damage, personal injury and death.
6.2.1.4 Rigging the safety chains
‡9LVXDOO\LQVSHFWWKHVDIHW\FKDLQVDQGKRRNVIRUZHDURUGDPDJH5HSODFHZRUQ
RUGDPDJHGVDIHW\FKDLQVDQGKRRNVEHIRUHWRZLQJ
• Rig the safety chains so that they:
FURVVXQGHUQHDWKWKHFRXSOHU
2. loop around a frame member of the tow vehicle or to holes provided in the
hitch system (but, do not attach them to an interchangeable part of the hitch
DVVHPEO\DQG
KDYHHQRXJKVODFNWRSHUPLWWLJKWWXUQVEXWQRWEHFORVHWRWKHURDGVXUIDFH
so if the trailer uncouples, the safety chains can hold the tongue up above the
road.
42
WARNING
Improper rigging of the safety chains can result in loss of control
of the trailer and the tow vehicle, leading to death or serious
injury, if the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle.
‡)DVWHQFKDLQVWRIUDPHRIWRZYHKLFOH'RQRWIDVWHQFKDLQV
to any part of the hitch unless the hitch has holes or loops
VSHFL¿FDOO\IRUWKDWSXUSRVH
‡&URVVFKDLQVXQGHUQHDWKKLWFKDQGFRXSOHUZLWKHQRXJKVODFN
to permit turning, and to hold tongue up, if the trailer comes
loose.
6.2.1.5 Connecting the electrical cables
&RQQHFWWKHWUDLOHUOLJKWVWRWKHWRZYHKLFOH¶VHOHFWULFDOV\VWHPXVLQJWKHHOHFWULFDO
connectors.
‡&KHFNDOOOLJKWVIRUSURSHURSHUDWLRQ
&OHDUDQFHDQG5XQQLQJ/LJKWV7XUQRQWRZYHKLFOHKHDGOLJKWV
%UDNH/LJKWV6WHSRQWRZYHKLFOHEUDNHSHGDO
7XUQ6LJQDOV2SHUDWHWRZYHKLFOHGLUHFWLRQDOVLJQDOOHYHU
%DFNXS/LJKWV3XWWRZYHKLFOHJHDUVKLIWLQWRUHYHUVH
Warning:7RHQVXUH\RXUWUDLOHUOLJKWVIXQFWLRQSURSHUO\¿UPO\LQVHUWWKH
Male Plug (Trailer) into the Female Receptor (Tow Vehicle).
43
From Trailer
From Trailer
From Tow Vehicle
From Tow Vehicle
WARNING
&KHFNWKHFRQQHFWLRQSHULRGLFDOO\WRHQVXUHWDLODQGEUHDNOLJKWV
function properly. Failure to follow this warning could result in
property damage, personal injury and death.
6.2.1.6 Uncoupling the Trailer
Follow these steps to uncouple your ball hitch trailer from the tow vehicle:
%ORFNWUDLOHUWLUHVWRSUHYHQWWKHWUDLOHUIURPUROOLQJ
3ODFHZRRGRUFRQFUHWHEORFNVXQGHUWKHFRXSOHUIRUVXSSRUW
'LVFRQQHFWWKHHOHFWULFDOFRQQHFWRU
'LVFRQQHFWWKHVDIHW\FKDLQVIURPWKHWRZYHKLFOH
8QORFNWKHFRXSOHUDQGSXOOWKHVDIHW\ODWFKXSZDUGWRDYHUWLFDOSRVLWLRQDQG
XVHDMDFNWROLIWWKHWUDLOHURIIWKHEDOO
8QORFN
44
SECTION 7: TIRE & SAFETY
INFORMATION
CHECKING & CHANGING TIRES
7.1 Determining Correct Load Limit – Trailer
7.1.1 Trailers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less
/RFDWHWKHVWDWHPHQW³7KHZHLJKWRIFDUJRVKRXOGQHYHUH[FHHG;;;NJRU
;;;OE´RQ\RXUYHKLFOH¶VSODFDUG
7KLV¿JXUHHTXDOVWKHDYDLODEOHDPRXQWRIFDUJRDQGOXJJDJHORDGFDSDFLW\
'HWHUPLQHWKHFRPELQHGZHLJKWRIOXJJDJHDQGFDUJREHLQJORDGHGRQWKH
vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load
capacity.
7KHWUDLOHU¶VSODFDUGUHIHUVWRWKH7LUH,QIRUPDWLRQ3ODFDUGDWWDFKHGDGMDFHQWWRRU
QHDUWKHWUDLOHU¶V9,1&HUWL¿FDWLRQODEHODWWKHOHIWIURQWRIWKHWUDLOHU
7.2 Determining Correct Load Limit – Tow Vehicle
/RFDWHWKHVWDWHPHQW³7KHFRPELQHGZHLJKWRIRFFXSDQWVDQGFDUJRVKRXOG
QHYHUH[FHHG;;;OE´RQ\RXUYHKLFOH¶VSODFDUG
'HWHUPLQHWKHFRPELQHGZHLJKWRIWKHGULYHUDQGSDVVHQJHUVZKRZLOOEHULGLQJ
in your vehicle.
6XEWUDFWWKHFRPELQHGZHLJKWRIWKHGULYHUDQGSDVVHQJHUVIURP;;;NLORJUDPV
RU;;;SRXQGV
7KHUHVXOWLQJ¿JXUHHTXDOVWKHDYDLODEOHDPRXQWRIFDUJRDQGOXJJDJHFDSDFLW\
)RUH[DPSOHLIWKH³;;;´DPRXQWHTXDOVOEDQGWKHUHZLOOEH¿YHOE
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage capacity is
OE[ OE
'HWHUPLQHWKHFRPELQHGZHLJKWRIOXJJDJHDQGFDUJREHLQJORDGHGRQWKH
vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage capacity
FDOFXODWHGLQ6WHS
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred
WR\RXUYHKLFOH&RQVXOWWKHWRZYHKLFOH¶VPDQXDOWRGHWHUPLQHKRZWKLVZHLJKW
transfer reduces the available cargo and luggage capacity of your vehicle.
7.3 Glossary of Tire Terminology
Accessory weight: The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which
PD\EHUHSODFHGRIDXWRPDWLFWUDQVPLVVLRQSRZHUVWHHULQJSRZHUEUDNHVSRZHU
windows, power seats, radio and heater, to the extent that these items are available
DVIDFWRU\LQVWDOOHGHTXLSPHQWZKHWKHULQVWDOOHGRUQRW
Bead: The part of the tire that is made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply
FRUGVDQGWKDWLVVKDSHGWR¿WWKHULP
Bead separation: 7KLVLVWKHEUHDNGRZQRIWKHERQGEHWZHHQFRPSRQHQWVLQWKH
bead.
Bias ply tire: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are
laid at alternate angles substantially less than 90 degrees to the center line of the
tread.
45
Carcass: 7KHWLUHVWUXFWXUHH[FHSWWUHDGDQGVLGHZDOOUXEEHUZKLFKZKHQLQÀDWHG
bears the load.
Chunking: 7KHEUHDNLQJDZD\RISLHFHVRIWKHWUHDGRUVLGHZDOO
&ROGLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUHThe pressure in the tire before you drive.
Cord: The strands forming the plies in the tire.
Cord separation: The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.
Cracking: Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner liner of the tire
extending to cord material.
CT:$SQHXPDWLFWLUHZLWKDQLQYHUWHGÀDQJHWLUHDQGULPV\VWHPLQZKLFKWKHULP
LVGHVLJQHGZLWKULPÀDQJHVSRLQWHGUDGLDOO\LQZDUGDQGWKHWLUHLVGHVLJQHGWR¿W
RQWKHXQGHUVLGHRIWKHULPLQDPDQQHUWKDWHQFORVHVWKHULPÀDQJHVLQVLGHWKHDLU
cavity of the tire.
Curb weight: The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air conditioning
and additional weight optional engine.
Extra load tire: $WLUHGHVLJQHGWRRSHUDWHDWKLJKHUORDGVDQGDWKLJKHULQÀDWLRQ
pressures than the corresponding standard tire.
Groove: The space between two adjacent tread ribs.
Inner liner:7KHOD\HUVIRUPLQJWKHLQVLGHVXUIDFHRIDWXEHOHVVWLUHWKDWFRQWDLQV
WKHLQÀDWLQJPHGLXPZLWKLQWKHWLUH
Inner-liner separation: The parting of the inner liner from cord material in the
carcass.
,QWHQGHGRXWERDUGVLGHZDOO7KHVLGHZDOOWKDWFRQWDLQVDZKLWHZDOOEHDUVZKLWH
lettering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire or the outward facing
sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Light truck (LT) tire: A tire designated by its manufacturer as primarily intended
IRUXVHRQOLJKWZHLJKWWUXFNVRUPXOWLSXUSRVHSDVVHQJHUYHKLFOHV
Load rating:7KHPD[LPXPORDGWKDWDWLUHLVUDWHGWRFDUU\IRUDJLYHQLQÀDWLRQ
pressure.
Maximum load rating: The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible
LQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUHIRUWKDWWLUH
0D[LPXPSHUPLVVLEOHLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUH7KHPD[LPXPFROGLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUH
WRZKLFKDWLUHPD\EHLQÀDWHG
Maximum loaded vehicle weight: The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and production options weight.
Measuring rim:7KHULPRQZKLFKDWLUHLV¿WWHGIRUSK\VLFDOGLPHQVLRQ
requirements.
Non-pneumatic rim:$PHFKDQLFDOGHYLFHZKLFKZKHQDQRQSQHXPDWLFWLUH
assembly incorporates a wheel, supports the tire, and attaches, either integrally or
separably, to the wheel center member and upon which the tire is attached.
Non-pneumatic spare tire assembly:$QRQSQHXPDWLFWLUHDVVHPEO\LQWHQGHG
IRUWHPSRUDU\XVHLQSODFHRIRQHRIWKHSQHXPDWLFWLUHVDQGULPVWKDWDUH¿WWHGWRD
passenger car in compliance with the requirements of this standard.
Non-pneumatic tire: A mechanical device which transmits, either directly or
through a wheel or wheel center member, the vertical load and tractive forces from
46
the roadway to the vehicle, generates the tractive forces that provide the directional
FRQWURORIWKHYHKLFOHDQGGRHVQRWUHO\RQWKHFRQWDLQPHQWRIDQ\JDVRUÀXLGIRU
providing those functions.
Non-pneumatic tire assembly:$QRQSQHXPDWLFWLUHDORQHRULQFRPELQDWLRQZLWK
a wheel or wheel center member, which can be mounted on a vehicle.
Normal occupant weight:7KLVPHDQVNLORJUDPVOEWLPHVWKHQXPEHURI
RFFXSDQWVVSHFL¿HGLQWKHVHFRQGFROXPQRI7DEOH,RI&)5
Occupant distribution:7KHGLVWULEXWLRQRIRFFXSDQWVLQDYHKLFOHDVVSHFL¿HGLQ
WKHWKLUGFROXPQRI7DEOH,RI&)5
Open splice: Any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or inner liner that
extends to cord material.
Outer diameter:7KHRYHUDOOGLDPHWHURIDQLQÀDWHGQHZWLUH
Overall width: The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an
LQÀDWHGWLUHLQFOXGLQJHOHYDWLRQVGXHWRODEHOLQJGHFRUDWLRQVRUSURWHFWLYHEDQGVRU
ribs.
Ply:$OD\HURIUXEEHUFRDWHGSDUDOOHOFRUGV
Ply separation: A parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.
Pneumatic tire: A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric and
steel or other materials, that, when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the
WUDFWLRQDQGFRQWDLQVWKHJDVRUÀXLGWKDWVXVWDLQVWKHORDG
Production options weight: The combined weight of those installed regular
SURGXFWLRQRSWLRQVZHLJKLQJRYHUNLORJUDPVOELQH[FHVVRIWKRVHVWDQGDUG
items which they replace, not previously considered in curb weight or accessory
ZHLJKWLQFOXGLQJKHDY\GXW\EUDNHVULGHOHYHOHUVURRIUDFNKHDY\GXW\EDWWHU\
and special trim.
Radial ply tire: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads
are laid at substantially 90 degrees to the center line of the tread.
5HFRPPHQGHGLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUH7KLVLVWKHLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUHSURYLGHGE\WKH
YHKLFOHPDQXIDFWXUHURQWKH7LUH,QIRUPDWLRQODEHODQGRQWKH&HUWL¿FDWLRQ9,1
tag.
Reinforced tire:$WLUHGHVLJQHGWRRSHUDWHDWKLJKHUORDGVDQGDWKLJKHULQÀDWLRQ
pressures than the corresponding standard tire.
Rim: A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Rim diameter: This means the nominal diameter of the bead seat.
Rim size designation: This means the rim diameter and width.
Rim type designation: This means the industry of manufacturer’s designation for
a rim by style or code.
Rim width: 7KLVPHDQVWKHQRPLQDOGLVWDQFHEHWZHHQULPÀDQJHV
Section width: The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an
LQÀDWHGWLUHH[FOXGLQJHOHYDWLRQVGXHWRODEHOLQJGHFRUDWLRQRUSURWHFWLYHEDQGV
Sidewall: That portion of a tire between the tread and bead.
Sidewall separation: The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material
in the sidewall.
Special Trailer (ST) tire:7KH³67´LVDQLQGLFDWLRQWKHWLUHLVIRUWUDLOHUXVHRQO\
Test rim:7KHULPRQZKLFKDWLUHLV¿WWHGIRUWHVWLQJDQGPD\EHDQ\ULPOLVWHGDV
47
appropriate for use with that tire.
Tread: That portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.
Tread rib: A tread section running circumferentially around a tire.
Tread separation: 3XOOLQJDZD\RIWKHWUHDGIURPWKHWLUHFDUFDVV
Tread-wear indicators (TWI): The projections within the principal grooves
designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.
Vehicle capacity weight:7KHUDWHGFDUJRDQGOXJJDJHORDGSOXVNLORJUDPV
OEWLPHVWKHYHKLFOH¶VGHVLJQDWHGVHDWLQJFDSDFLW\
Vehicle maximum load on the tire: The load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each axle its share of the maximum loaded vehicle
weight and dividing by two.
Vehicle normal load on the tire: The load on an individual tire that is determined
by distributing to each axle its share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and
QRUPDORFFXSDQWZHLJKWGLVWULEXWHGLQDFFRUGDQFHZLWK7DEOH,RI&5)
and dividing by 2.
Weather side: 7KHVXUIDFHDUHDRIWKHULPQRWFRYHUHGE\WKHLQÀDWHGWLUH
Wheel center member: ,QWKHFDVHRIDQRQSQHXPDWLFWLUHDVVHPEO\LQFRUSRUDWLQJ
a wheel, a mechanical device which attaches, either integrally or separably, to the
QRQSQHXPDWLFULPDQGSURYLGHVWKHFRQQHFWLRQEHWZHHQWKHQRQSQHXPDWLFULP
DQGWKHYHKLFOHRULQWKHFDVHRIDQRQSQHXPDWLFWLUHDVVHPEO\QRWLQFRUSRUDWLQJ
a wheel, a mechanical device which attaches, either integrally or separably, to the
QRQSQHXPDWLFWLUHDQGSURYLGHVWKHFRQQHFWLRQEHWZHHQWLUHDQGWKHYHKLFOH
:KHHOKROGLQJ¿[WXUH7KH¿[WXUHXVHGWRKROGWKHZKHHODQGWLUHDVVHPEO\
securely during testing.
7.4 Tire Safety - Everything Rides on It
7KH1DWLRQDO7UDI¿F6DIHW\$GPLQLVWUDWLRQ1+76$KDVSXEOLVKHGDEURFKXUH'27
+6WKDWGLVFXVVHVDOODVSHFWVRI7LUH6DIHW\DVUHTXLUHGE\&)5
This brochure is reproduced in part below. It can be obtained and downloaded from
1+76$IUHHRIFKDUJHIURPWKHIROORZLQJZHEVLWH
KWWSZZZQKWVDGRWJRYFDUVUXOHV7LUH6DIHW\ULGHVRQLWWLUHVBLQGH[KWPO
6WXGLHVRIWLUHVDIHW\VKRZWKDWPDLQWDLQLQJSURSHUWLUHSUHVVXUHREVHUYLQJWLUH
and vehicle load limits (not carrying more weight in your vehicle than your tires
RUYHKLFOHFDQVDIHO\KDQGOHDYRLGLQJURDGKD]DUGVDQGLQVSHFWLQJWLUHVIRUFXWV
slashes, and other irregularities are the most important things you can do to avoid
WLUHIDLOXUHVXFKDVWUHDGVHSDUDWLRQRUEORZRXWDQGÀDWWLUHV7KHVHDFWLRQVDORQJ
with other care and maintenance activities, can also:
• Improve vehicle handling
‡+HOSSURWHFW\RXDQGRWKHUVIURPDYRLGDEOHEUHDNGRZQVDQGDFFLGHQWV
• Improve fuel economy
• Increase the life of your tires.
7KLVERRNOHWSUHVHQWVDFRPSUHKHQVLYHRYHUYLHZRIWLUHVDIHW\LQFOXGLQJ
information on the following topics:
• Basic tire maintenance
48
‡8QLIRUP7LUH4XDOLW\*UDGLQJ6\VWHP
• Fundamental characteristics of tires
• Tire safety tips.
8VHWKLVLQIRUPDWLRQWRPDNHWLUHVDIHW\DUHJXODUSDUWRI\RXUYHKLFOHPDLQWHQDQFH
routine. Recognize that the time you spend is minimal compared with the
LQFRQYHQLHQFHDQGVDIHW\FRQVHTXHQFHVRIDÀDWWLUHRURWKHUWLUHIDLOXUH
6DIHW\¿UVW±%DVLFWLUHPDLQWHQDQFH
3URSHUO\PDLQWDLQHGWLUHVLPSURYHWKHVWHHULQJVWRSSLQJWUDFWLRQDQGORDG
FDUU\LQJFDSDELOLW\RI\RXUYHKLFOH8QGHULQÀDWHGWLUHVDQGRYHUORDGHGYHKLFOHV
DUHDPDMRUFDXVHRIWLUHIDLOXUH7KHUHIRUHDVPHQWLRQHGDERYHWRDYRLGÀDWWLUHV
and other types of tire failure, you should maintain proper tire pressure, observe
tire and vehicle load limits, avoid road hazards, and regularly inspect your tires.
7.4.2 Finding your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure and load limits
7LUHLQIRUPDWLRQSODFDUGVDQGYHKLFOHFHUWL¿FDWLRQODEHOVFRQWDLQLQIRUPDWLRQRQ
tires and load limits. These labels indicate the vehicle manufacturer’s information
including:
• Recommended tire size
‡5HFRPPHQGHGWLUHLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUH
‡9HKLFOHFDSDFLW\ZHLJKW9&:±WKHPD[LPXPRFFXSDQWDQGFDUJRZHLJKWD
YHKLFOHLVGHVLJQHGWRFDUU\
‡)URQWDQGUHDUJURVVD[OHZHLJKWUDWLQJV*$:5±WKHPD[LPXPZHLJKWWKH
axle
V\VWHPVDUHGHVLJQHGWRFDUU\
%RWKSODFDUGVDQGFHUWL¿FDWLRQODEHOVDUHSHUPDQHQWO\DWWDFKHGWRWKHWUDLOHUQHDU
the left front.
7.4.3 Understanding tire pressure and load limits
7LUHLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUHLVWKHOHYHORIDLULQWKHWLUHWKDWSURYLGHVLWZLWKORDG
carrying capacity and affects the overall performance of the vehicle. The tire
LQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUHLVDQXPEHUWKDWLQGLFDWHVWKHDPRXQWRIDLUSUHVVXUH±PHDVXUHG
LQSRXQGVSHUVTXDUHLQFKSVL±DWLUHUHTXLUHVWREHSURSHUO\LQÀDWHG<RXZLOO
DOVR¿QGWKLVQXPEHURQWKHYHKLFOHLQIRUPDWLRQSODFDUGH[SUHVVHGLQNLORSDVFDOV
N3DZKLFKLVWKHPHWULFPHDVXUHXVHGLQWHUQDWLRQDOO\
0DQXIDFWXUHUVRISDVVHQJHUYHKLFOHVDQGOLJKWWUXFNVGHWHUPLQHWKLVQXPEHU
based on the vehicle’s design load limit, that is, the greatest amount of weight a
vehicle can safely carry and the vehicle’s tire size. The proper tire pressure for
\RXUYHKLFOHLVUHIHUUHGWRDVWKH³UHFRPPHQGHGFROGLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUH´$V\RX
ZLOOUHDGEHORZLWLVGLI¿FXOWWRREWDLQWKHUHFRPPHQGHGWLUHSUHVVXUHLI\RXUWLUHV
DUHQRWFROG
Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of vehicle, tire
PDQXIDFWXUHUVOLVWWKH³PD[LPXPSHUPLVVLEOHLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUH´RQWKHWLUH
sidewall. This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be
49
put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
7.4.4 Checking tire pressure
,WLVLPSRUWDQWWRFKHFN\RXUYHKLFOH¶VWLUHSUHVVXUHDWOHDVWRQFHDPRQWKIRUWKH
following reasons:
• Most tires may naturally lose air over time.
• Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other object or if you
VWULNHWKHFXUEZKHQSDUNLQJ
‡:LWKUDGLDOWLUHVLWLVXVXDOO\QRWSRVVLEOHWRGHWHUPLQHXQGHULQÀDWLRQE\YLVXDO
inspection.
)RUFRQYHQLHQFHSXUFKDVHDWLUHSUHVVXUHJDXJHWRNHHSLQ\RXUYHKLFOH*DXJHV
can be purchased at tire dealerships, auto supply stores, and other retail outlets.
7KHUHFRPPHQGHGWLUHLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUHWKDWYHKLFOHPDQXIDFWXUHUVSURYLGH
UHÀHFWVWKHSURSHUSVLZKHQDWLUHLVFROG7KHWHUPFROGGRHVQRWUHODWHWRWKH
outside temperature. Rather, a cold tire is one that has not been driven on for at
OHDVWWKUHHKRXUV:KHQ\RXGULYH\RXUWLUHVJHWZDUPHUFDXVLQJWKHDLUSUHVVXUH
within them to increase. Therefore, to get an accurate tire pressure reading, you
must measure tire pressure when the tires are cold or compensate for the extra
pressure in warm tires.
7.4.5 Steps for maintaining proper tire pressure
‡6WHS/RFDWHWKHUHFRPPHQGHGWLUHSUHVVXUHRQWKHYHKLFOH¶VWLUHLQIRUPDWLRQ
SODFDUGFHUWL¿FDWLRQODEHORULQWKHRZQHU¶VPDQXDO
‡6WHS5HFRUGWKHWLUHSUHVVXUHRIDOOWLUHV
‡6WHS,IWKHWLUHSUHVVXUHLVWRRKLJKLQDQ\RIWKHWLUHVVORZO\UHOHDVHDLUE\
gently pressing on the tire valve stem with the edge of your tire gauge until you
get to the correct pressure.
‡6WHS,IWKHWLUHSUHVVXUHLVWRRORZQRWHWKHGLIIHUHQFHEHWZHHQWKHPHDVXUHG
WLUHSUHVVXUHDQGWKHFRUUHFWWLUHSUHVVXUH7KHVH³PLVVLQJ´SRXQGVRISUHVVXUHDUH
what you will need to add.
‡6WHS$WDVHUYLFHVWDWLRQDGGWKHPLVVLQJSRXQGVRIDLUSUHVVXUHWRHDFKWLUH
WKDWLVXQGHULQÀDWHG
‡6WHS&KHFNDOOWKHWLUHVWRPDNHVXUHWKH\KDYHWKHVDPHDLUSUHVVXUHH[FHSW
in cases in which the front and rear tires are supposed to have different amounts of
SUHVVXUH
,I\RXKDYHEHHQGULYLQJ\RXUYHKLFOHDQGWKLQNWKDWDWLUHLVXQGHULQÀDWHG¿OO
LWWRWKHUHFRPPHQGHGFROGLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUHLQGLFDWHGRQ\RXUYHKLFOH¶VWLUH
LQIRUPDWLRQSODFDUGRUFHUWL¿FDWLRQODEHO:KLOH\RXUWLUHPD\VWLOOEHVOLJKWO\
XQGHULQÀDWHGGXHWRWKHH[WUDSRXQGVRISUHVVXUHLQWKHZDUPWLUHLWLVVDIHU
to drive with air pressure that is slightly lower than the vehicle manufacturer’s
UHFRPPHQGHGFROGLQÀDWLRQSUHVVXUHWKDQWRGULYHZLWKDVLJQL¿FDQWO\XQGHU
LQÀDWHGWLUH6LQFHWKLVLVDWHPSRUDU\¿[GRQ¶WIRUJHWWRUHFKHFNDQGDGMXVWWKH
tire’s pressure when you can obtain a cold reading.
7.4.6 Tire size
To maintain tire safety, purchase new tires that are the same size as the vehicle’s
50
RULJLQDOWLUHVRUDQRWKHUVL]HUHFRPPHQGHGE\WKHPDQXIDFWXUHU/RRNDWWKH
tire information placard, the owner’s manual, or the sidewall of the tire you are
UHSODFLQJWR¿QGWKLVLQIRUPDWLRQ,I\RXKDYHDQ\GRXEWDERXWWKHFRUUHFWVL]HWR
choose, consult with the tire dealer.
7.4.7 Tire tread
The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle
from slipping or sliding, especially when the road is wet or icy. In general, tires
are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an
LQFK7LUHVKDYHEXLOWLQWUHDGZHDULQGLFDWRUVWKDWOHW\RXNQRZZKHQLWLVWLPH
to replace your tires. These indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in
WKHERWWRPRIWKHWUHDGJURRYHV:KHQWKH\DSSHDU³HYHQ´ZLWKWKHRXWVLGHRIWKH
WUHDGLWLVWLPHWRUHSODFH\RXUWLUHV$QRWKHUPHWKRGIRUFKHFNLQJWUHDGGHSWKLV
WRSODFHDSHQQ\LQWKHWUHDGZLWK/LQFROQ¶VKHDGXSVLGHGRZQDQGIDFLQJ\RX,I
\RXFDQVHHWKHWRSRI/LQFROQ¶VKHDG\RXDUHUHDG\IRUQHZWLUHV
7.4.8 Tire balance and wheel alignment
7RDYRLGYLEUDWLRQRUVKDNLQJRIWKHYHKLFOHZKHQDWLUHURWDWHVWKHWLUHPXVWEH
properly balanced. This balance is achieved by positioning weights on the wheel
WRFRXQWHUEDODQFHKHDY\VSRWVRQWKHZKHHODQGWLUHDVVHPEO\$ZKHHODOLJQPHQW
adjusts the angles of the wheels so that they are positioned correctly relative
to the vehicle’s frame. This adjustment maximizes the life of your tires. These
DGMXVWPHQWVUHTXLUHVSHFLDOHTXLSPHQWDQGVKRXOGEHSHUIRUPHGE\DTXDOL¿HG
technician.
7.4.9 Tire repair
The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for
WKHDUHDLQVLGHWKHWLUHWKDWVXUURXQGVWKHSXQFWXUHKROH3XQFWXUHVWKURXJKWKH
tread can be repaired if they are not too large, but punctures to the sidewall should
not be repaired. Tires must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected
before being plugged and patched.
7.4.10 Tire Fundamentals
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the
VLGHZDOORIDOOWLUHV7KLVLQIRUPDWLRQLGHQWL¿HVDQGGHVFULEHVWKHIXQGDPHQWDO
FKDUDFWHULVWLFVRIWKHWLUHDQGDOVRSURYLGHVDWLUHLGHQWL¿FDWLRQQXPEHUIRUVDIHW\
VWDQGDUGFHUWL¿FDWLRQDQGLQFDVHRIDUHFDOO
7.4.10.1 Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires
3OHDVHUHIHUWRWKHGLDJUDPRQWKHQH[WSDJH
51
Radial
Ratio of height to
width (aspect ratio)
Nominal width of
tire in millimeters
Rim diameter
code
Load index &
speed symbol
Passenger
car tire
Tire ply
composition
and materials
used
Max.
permissable
LQÀDWLRQ
pressure
Treadwear, traction
and temperature grades
U.S. DOT tire
LGHQWL¿FDWLRQQXPEHU
Sever snow
conditions
Max. load rating
P:7KH³3´LQGLFDWHVWKHWLUHLVIRUSDVVHQJHUYHKLFOHV
Next number:7KLVWKUHHGLJLWQXPEHUJLYHVWKHZLGWKLQPLOOLPHWHUVRIWKHWLUH
from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider
the tire.
Next number:7KLVWZRGLJLWQXPEHUNQRZQDVWKHDVSHFWUDWLRJLYHVWKHWLUH¶V
UDWLRRIKHLJKWWRZLGWK1XPEHUVRIRUORZHULQGLFDWHDVKRUWVLGHZDOOIRU
improved steering response and better overall handling on dry pavement.
R:7KH³5´VWDQGVIRUUDGLDO5DGLDOSO\FRQVWUXFWLRQRIWLUHVKDVEHHQWKHLQGXVWU\
standard for the past 20 years.
Next number:7KLVWZRGLJLWQXPEHULVWKHZKHHORUULPGLDPHWHULQLQFKHV,I
you change your wheel size, you will have to purchase new tires to match the new
wheel diameter.
Next number:7KLVWZRRUWKUHHGLJLWQXPEHULVWKHWLUH¶VORDGLQGH[,WLV
DPHDVXUHPHQWRIKRZPXFKZHLJKWHDFKWLUHFDQVXSSRUW<RXPD\¿QGWKLV
information in your owner’s manual. If not, contact a local tire dealer. Note: You
PD\QRW¿QGWKLVLQIRUPDWLRQRQDOOWLUHVEHFDXVHLWLVQRWUHTXLUHGE\ODZ
067KH³06´RU³06´LQGLFDWHVWKDWWKHWLUHKDVVRPHPXGDQGVQRZ
FDSDELOLW\0RVWUDGLDOWLUHVKDYHWKHVHPDUNLQJVKHQFHWKH\KDYHVRPHPXGDQG
snow capability.
Speed Rating: The speed rating denotes the speed at which a tire is designed to be
driven for extended periods of time. The ratings range from 99 miles per hour
PSKWRPSK7KHVHUDWLQJVDUHOLVWHGEHORZ1RWH<RXPD\QRW¿QGWKLV
information on all tires because it is not required by law.
*)RUWLUHVZLWKDPD[LPXPVSHHGFDSDELOLW\RYHUPSKWLUHPDQXIDFWXUHUV
VRPHWLPHVXVHWKHOHWWHUV=5)RUWKRVHZLWKDPD[LPXPVSHHGFDSDELOLW\RYHU
PSKWLUHPDQXIDFWXUHUVDOZD\VXVHWKHOHWWHUV=5
86'277LUH,GHQWL¿FDWLRQ1XPEHU
7KLVEHJLQVZLWKWKHOHWWHUV³'27´DQGLQGLFDWHVWKDWWKHWLUHPHHWVDOO
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was
52
PDQXIDFWXUHGDQGWKHODVWIRXUQXPEHUVUHSUHVHQWWKHZHHNDQG\HDUWKHWLUHZDV
EXLOW)RUH[DPSOHWKHQXPEHUVPHDQVWKHVWZHHNRI7KHRWKHU
QXPEHUVDUHPDUNHWLQJFRGHVXVHGDWWKHPDQXIDFWXUHU¶VGLVFUHWLRQ7KLV
information is used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used
7KHQXPEHURISOLHVLQGLFDWHVWKHQXPEHURIOD\HUVRIUXEEHUFRDWHGIDEULFLQWKH
tire. In general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight a tire can support
Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which include steel,
nylon, polyester, and others.
Maximum Load Rating:7KLVQXPEHULQGLFDWHVWKHPD[LPXPORDGLQNLORJUDPV
and pounds that can be carried by the tire.
0D[LPXP3HUPLVVLEOH,QÀDWLRQ3UHVVXUH This number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
7.4.10.2 UTQGS Information
Tread-wear Number: This number indicates the tire’s wear rate. The higher the
WUHDGZHDUQXPEHULVWKHORQJHULWVKRXOGWDNHIRUWKHWUHDGWRZHDUGRZQ)RU
H[DPSOHDWLUHJUDGHGVKRXOGODVWWZLFHDVORQJDVDWLUHJUDGHG
Traction Letter: This letter indicates a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. A
higher graded tire should allow you to stop your car on wet roads in a shorter
distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as
³$$´´$´³%´DQG³&´
Temperature Letter: This letter indicates a tire’s resistance to heat. The
WHPSHUDWXUHJUDGHLVIRUDWLUHWKDWLVLQÀDWHGSURSHUO\DQGQRWRYHUORDGHG
([FHVVLYHVSHHGXQGHULQÀDWLRQRUH[FHVVLYHORDGLQJHLWKHUVHSDUDWHO\RULQ
FRPELQDWLRQFDQFDXVHKHDWEXLOGXSDQGSRVVLEOHWLUHIDLOXUH)URPKLJKHVWWR
ORZHVWDWLUH¶VUHVLVWDQFHWRKHDWLVJUDGHGDV³$´³%´RU³&´
7.4.10.3. Additional Information on Light Truck Tires
3OHDVHUHIHUWRWKHIROORZLQJGLDJUDP
Load
range
Maximum load
LQÀDWLRQZKHQ
used as a dual
Severe snow
conditions
Light truck tire
Maximum load
LQÀDWLRQZKHQ
used as a single
/RDGLQÀDWLRQ
limits
53
7LUHVIRUOLJKWWUXFNVKDYHRWKHUPDUNLQJVEHVLGHVWKRVHIRXQGRQWKHVLGHZDOOVRI
passenger tires.
LT:7KH³/7´LQGLFDWHVWKHWLUHLVIRUOLJKWWUXFNVRUWUDLOHUV
ST:$Q³67´LVDQLQGLFDWLRQWKHWLUHLVIRUWUDLOHUXVHRQO\
Max. Load Dual kg (lb) at kPa (psi) Cold: This information indicates the
maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a dual, that is, when four
WLUHVDUHSXWRQHDFKUHDUD[OHDWRWDORIVL[RUPRUHWLUHVRQWKHYHKLFOH
Max. Load Single kg (lb) at kPa (psi) Cold: This information indicates the
maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single.
Load Range:7KLVLQIRUPDWLRQLGHQWL¿HVWKHWLUH¶VORDGFDUU\LQJFDSDELOLWLHVDQG
LWVLQÀDWLRQOLPLWV
7.4.11 Tire Safety Tips
7.4.11.1 Preventing Tire Damage
‡6ORZGRZQLI\RXKDYHWRJRRYHUDSRWKROHRURWKHUREMHFWLQWKHURDG
‡'RQRWUXQRYHUFXUEVRURWKHUIRUHLJQREMHFWVLQWKHURDGZD\DQGWU\QRWWR
VWULNHWKHFXUEZKHQSDUNLQJ
7.4.11.2 Tire Safety Checklist
‡&KHFNWLUHSUHVVXUHUHJXODUO\DWOHDVWRQFHDPRQWKLQFOXGLQJWKHVSDUH
‡,QVSHFWWLUHVIRUXQHYHQZHDUSDWWHUQVRQWKHWUHDGFUDFNVIRUHLJQREMHFWVRU
other signs of wear or trauma.
• Remove bits of glass and foreign objects wedged in the tread.
‡0DNHVXUH\RXUWLUHYDOYHVKDYHYDOYHFDSV
‡&KHFNWLUHSUHVVXUHEHIRUHJRLQJRQDORQJWULS
‡'RQRWRYHUORDG\RXUYHKLFOH
7.5 Changing a Flat Tire
7.5.1 If possible, get the Trailer on level ground.
7.5.2,ISRVVLEOHNHHSWKH7UDLOHUFRXSOHGWRWKH7RZ9HKLFOHDQGHQJDJHWKH7RZ
9HKLFOH¶VHPHUJHQF\EUDNH,I7RZ9HKLFOHLVQRWFRXSOHGWRWKH7UDLOHUORZHU
the Tongue Jack and secure in place with Locking Pin6HHWKHVHFWLRQ³7UDLOHU
)HDWXUHV´IRULQVWUXFWLRQVRQXVLQJWKH7RQJXH-DFN
7.5.3&KRFNWKH:KHHO\RXDUHnotFKDQJLQJZLWKEULFNVRUZRRGHQEORFNV
54
7.5.43ODFHDTire JackXQGHUWKHSDUWRIWKHD[HOQHDUWKHÀDWWLUH
7.5.5-DFNXSWKHD[OHWROLIWWKHZKHHODIHZLQFKHVRIIWKHJURXQG
3ODFHD7LUH-DFNKHUH
7.5.6 5HPRYHWKH/XJ1XWVDQG:KHHO
55
7.5.73ODFHSpare Tire on the axle and tighten Lug Nuts between 95 - 120 ft/lb.
'RQRWH[FHHGIWOE
7.5.8 Tighten Lug Nuts in the following sequence:
1
3
4
5
2
7.5.9 /RZHUTire Jack and remove from under Trailer.
7.5.10 Raise the Tongue Jack and secure in place with Locking Pin6HHWKH
VHFWLRQ³7UDLOHU)HDWXUHV´IRULQVWUXFWLRQVRQXVLQJWKH7RQJXH-DFN
WARNING
1HYHUFUDZOXQGHUDWUDLOHURQMDFNV7KHWUDLOHUFRXOGVOLSRII
WKHMDFNRUWKHMDFNFRXOGIDLOUHVXOWLQJLQVHULRXVLQMXU\RUGHDWK
WARNING
/XJQXWVDUHSURQHWRORRVHQDIWHULQLWLDOLQVWDOODWLRQZKLFKFDQ
lead to death or serious injury.
&KHFNOXJQXWVIRUWLJKWQHVVRQDQHZWUDLOHURUZKHQZKHHOV
KDYHEHHQUHPRXQWHGDIWHUWKH¿UVWDQGPLOHVRIGULY
ing and after any impact.
/XJQXWVIRUWKHWLUHVPXVWEHWLJKWHQHGE\WKHXVHUEHIRUHHDFK
XVH/LIHWLPH3URGXFWVFDQQRWEHKHOGUHVSRQVLEOHIRUGDPDJHV
caused by loosened lug nuts.
56
7.6 Checking the Tire Pressure
$OZD\VFKHFNWKHWLUHSUHVVXUHEHIRUHHDFKWRZ8VHDSUHVVXUHJDXJHWRHQVXUH
SURSHUWLUHSUHVVXUH7KHWLUHVSURYLGHGZLWK\RXU7UDLOHUVKRXOGEH¿OOHGWR80 psi.
7LUHSUHVVXUHPXVWEHFKHFNHGZKHQWKHWLUHLVFROG,IWKHWUDLOHUKDVEHHQWRZHG
for at least one mile, allow at least three hours after a tow for the tire to cool before
FKHFNLQJWKHSUHVVXUH
WARNING
7RKHOSHQVXUHORQJWUHDGOLIHDQG\RXUVDIHW\$OZD\VFKHFN
tire pressure to ensure optimum life and performance from your
tires. The tires that came with your trailer should have a tire
SUHVVXUHRISVL/LIHWLPH3URGXFWVFDQQRWEHKHOGUHVSRQVLEOH
for damages caused by uneven tread wear and blow outs from an
XQGHULQÀDWHGRURYHULQÀDWHGWLUH´
57
SECTION 8: LOADING THE
TRAILER
/2$',1*7+(&$5*2
Improper trailer loading causes many accidents and deaths. To safely load a trailer,
you must consider:
‡2YHUDOOORDGZHLJKW
‡/RDGZHLJKWGLVWULEXWLRQ
‡3URSHUWRQJXHZHLJKWDQG
‡6HFXULQJWKHORDGSURSHUO\
To determine that you have loaded the trailer within its rating, you must consider
the distribution of weight, as well as the total weight of the trailer and its contents.
7KHWUDLOHUD[OHVFDUU\PRVWRIWKHWRWDOZHLJKWRIWKHWUDLOHUDQGLWVFRQWHQWV*URVV
9HKLFOH:HLJKWRU³*9:´7KHUHPDLQGHURIWKHWRWDOZHLJKWLVFDUULHGE\WKHWRZ
vehicle hitch. For safe towing, it is essential that the trailer tongue and tow vehicle
hitch carry the proper amount of the loaded trailer weight, otherwise the trailer can
VXGGHQO\VZD\ZLOGO\DWWRZLQJVSHHG5HDGWKH³7RQJXH:HLJKW´VHFWLRQEHORZ
The load distribution must be such that no component part of the trailer is loaded
beyond its rating. This means that you must consider the rating of the tires, wheels
DQGD[OHV)RUWDQGHPDQGWULSOHD[OHWUDLOHUV\RXPXVWPDNHVXUHWKDWWKHIURQWWR
rear load distribution does not result in overloading any axle.
7RZLQJVWDELOLW\DOVRGHSHQGVRQNHHSLQJWKHFHQWHURIJUDYLW\DVORZDVSRVVLEOH
/RDGKHDY\LWHPVRQWKHÀRRUDQGRYHUWKHD[OHV:KHQORDGLQJDGGLWLRQDOLWHPVEH
VXUHWRPDLQWDLQHYHQVLGHWRVLGHZHLJKWGLVWULEXWLRQDQGSURSHUWRQJXHZHLJKW7KH
total weight of the trailer and its contents must never exceed the total weight rating of
WKHWUDLOHU*URVV9HKLFOH:HLJKW5DWLQJRU³*9:5´
WARNING
An overloaded trailer can result in loss of control of the trailer,
leading to death or serious injury.
'RQRWORDGDWUDLOHUVRWKDWWKHZHLJKWRQDQ\WLUHH[FHHGVLWV
rating.
'RQRWH[FHHGWKHWUDLOHU*URVV9HKLFOH:HLJKW5DWLQJ*9:5
RUDQD[OH*URVV$[OH:HLJKW5DWLQJ*$:5
Tongue Weight
It is critical to have a portion of the trailer load carried by the tow vehicle. That is,
the trailer tongue must exert a downward force on the hitch. This is necessary for two
reasons. First, the proper amount of tongue weight is necessary for the tow vehicle
to be able to maintain control of the tow vehicle/trailer system. If, for example, the
58
tongue exerts an upward pull on the hitch, instead of pushing down on it (because
WKHWUDLOHULVRYHUORDGHGEHKLQGLWVD[OHVWKHUHDUZKHHORIWKHWRZYHKLFOHFDQ
lose traction or grip and cause loss of control. Also, even if there is some weight on
the tongue, but not enough weight on the tongue, the trailer can suddenly become
unstable at high speeds.
If, on the other hand, there is too much tongue weight, the front wheels of the tow
vehicle can be too lightly loaded and cause loss of steering control and traction, as
well, if the front wheels are driving.
In addition to tow vehicle control, tongue weight is necessary to insure that the trailer
D[OHVGRQRWH[FHHGWKHLU*URVV$[OH:HLJKW5DWLQJ*$:5
7KHWDEOHEHORZKDV³UXOHVRIWKXPE´IRUSURSHUWRQJXHZHLJKW
In the table below, the second column notes the rule of thumb percentage of total
ZHLJKWRIWKHWUDLOHUSOXVLWVFDUJR*URVV9HKLFOH:HLJKWRU³*9:´WKDWVKRXOG
appear on the tongue of the trailer. For example, a trailer with a ball hitch and a
ORDGHGZHLJKWRISRXQGVVKRXOGKDYHRISRXQGVRQWKHWRQJXH
That is, the example trailer would have no more than 100 to 150 pounds on its tongue.
Tongue Weight as a Percentage of Loaded Trailer Weight
Type of Hitch
3HUFHQWDJH
%DOO+LWFKRU%XPSHU+LWFK
±
WARNING
Never go under the trailer unless it has been properly supported
ZLWKMDFNVWDQGVWKDWKDYHEHHQUDWHGIRUWKHORDG:LWKRXWEH
ing properly supported, the trailer may fall suddenly which may
UHVXOWLQVHULRXVLQMXU\RUGHDWK´
WARNING
,PSURSHUWRQJXHZHLJKWORDGGLVWULEXWLRQFDQUHVXOWLQORVVRI
control of the trailer, leading to death or serious injury.
0DNHFHUWDLQWKDWWRQJXHZHLJKWLVZLWKLQWKHDOORZDEOHUDQJH
Be sure to:
‡'LVWULEXWHWKHORDGIURQWWRUHDUWRSURYLGHSURSHUWRQJXH
ZHLJKWVHHFKDUW
‡'LVWULEXWHWKHORDGHYHQO\ULJKWDQGOHIWWRDYRLGWLUHRYHU
ORDGDQG
• Keep the center of gravity low.
59
8.1. Checking the Tongue Weight
7RFKHFNWKHWRQJXHZHLJKWWKHWRZYHKLFOHDQGWUDLOHUPXVWEHRQOHYHOJURXQGDV
they will be when the trailer is being towed.
,I\RXNQRZWKHZHLJKWRQ\RXUWRZYHKLFOHD[OHVZKHQ\RXDUHQRWWRZLQJDWUDLOHU
WUDLOHUWRQJXHZHLJKWFDQEHGHWHUPLQHGZLWKWKHXVHRIDWUXFND[OHVFDOH
7KHUHFRPPHQGHGPHWKRGRIFKHFNLQJWRQJXHZHLJKWLVWRXVHDQDFFHVVRU\FDOOHGD
³WRQJXHZHLJKWVFDOH´,IDWRQJXHZHLJKWVFDOHLVQRWDYDLODEOH\RXFDQFKHFNWKH
tongue weight using a bathroom scale.
8VLQJDEDWKURRPVFDOHWRFKHFNWRQJXHZHLJKW7KHORDGHGWUDLOHUPXVWEHRQD
VPRRWKDQGOHYHOVXUIDFHDQG\RXPXVWEORFNWKHWUDLOHUZKHHOVIURQWDQGUHDU
8.1.1 Checking Tongue Weight — Using a lever and bathroom scale
WARNING
An unrestrained trailer can fall off its support, resulting in seri
ous injury or death.
%HIRUHFKHFNLQJWRQJXHZHLJKWEORFNWUDLOHUZKHHOVIURQWDQGUHDU
‡5DLVHWKHWRQJXHRIWKHWUDLOHUZLWKWKHWRQJXHMDFN
‡3ODFHDEDWKURRPVFDOHRQWKHJURXQGGLUHFWO\EHORZWKHFRXSOHU
‡3ODFHDVWURQJEORFNVXSSRUWVXFKDVDFHPHQWEORFNRQWKHVFDOH±QRWHWKH
VFDOHUHDGLQJIRUWKHZHLJKWRIWKHEORFNVXSSRUW
‡/RZHUWKHWRQJXHXQWLOWKHFRXSOHUUHVWVRQWKHEORFNVXSSRUWDQGWKHMDFNLVò
inch above the ground.
‡7KHVFDOHUHDGLQJPLQXVWKHZHLJKWRIWKHEORFNVXSSRUWLVWKHWRQJXHZHLJKW
8.2 Securing the Cargo
6LQFHWKHWUDLOHU³ULGH´FDQEHEXPS\DQGURXJK\RXPXVWVHFXUH\RXUFDUJRVRWKDW
it does not shift while the trailer is being towed.
WARNING
6KLIWLQJFDUJRFDQUHVXOWLQORVVRIFRQWURORIWKHWUDLOHUDQGFDQ
lead to death or serious injury.
Tie down all loads with proper sized fasteners, ropes, straps, etc.
8.2.1 Loading Cargo
&RXSOHWKHWUDLOHUWRWKHWRZYHKLFOHEHIRUHORDGLQJ7KLVLVHVVHQWLDOEHFDXVHWKH
tongue can rise during loading, before the cargo is properly distributed. To
measure the tongue weight, you will have to uncouple the trailer after it is loaded.
'RQRWWUDQVSRUWSHRSOHLQWKHWUDLOHU'RQRWWUDQVSRUWFRQWDLQHUVRIKD]DUGRXV
VXEVWDQFHVFDQVRUFRQWDLQHUVRIÀDPPDEOHVXEVWDQFHVVXFKDVJDVROLQH
60
NHURVHQHSDLQWHWF+RZHYHUIXHOLQWKHWDQNRIDQRIIURDGYHKLFOHRUDFDURU
motorcycle, etc. may be carried on your open trailer.
WARNING
'RQRWWUDQVSRUWÀDPPDEOHH[SORVLYHSRLVRQRXVRURWKHU
dangerous materials in your trailer. Failure to heed this warning
could result in property damage, serious injury and death.
([FHSWLRQV
‡)XHOLQWKHWDQNVRIYHKLFOHVWKDWDUHEHLQJWRZHG
• Fuel stored in proper containers used in trailer living quar
WHUVIRUFRRNLQJ
‡)XHOVWRUHGLQWKHWDQNRIDQRQERDUGJHQHUDWRU
8.2.1.1 Preparing the Trailer for Loading
Before loading cargo onto the trailer:
‡LQVSHFWWKHGHFNRIWKHWUDLOHUIRUFRUURVLRQRUGDPDJHDQG
‡LQVSHFWWKHKROGGRZQRSHQLQJVDQGRU³'´ULQJV+ROGGRZQRSHQLQJVPXVW
EHVWXUG\ZLWKQRYLVLEOHFUDFNVRUNLQNV'ULQJVPXVWEHWLJKWWRWKHGHFNDQG
must not be bent.
,IWKHGHFNRUDQ\UHTXLUHGKROGGRZQLVGDPDJHGGRQRWORDGWKHFDUJR%ULQJ
the trailer to your dealer or a competent repair service before using it to carry
cargo.
WARNING
'DPDJHGRUORRVH³'´ULQJVFDQEUHDNDOORZLQJFDUJRWREHFRPH
ORRVHLQVLGHWKHWUDLOHU/RRVHFDUJRFDQVKLIWWKHFHQWHURIJUDYLW\
and result in loss of control of the trailer.
,QVSHFW ³'´ULQJV DQG WHVW WKHP IRU ORRVHQHVV EHIRUH ORDGLQJ
cargo.
'RQRWXVHDGDPDJHGRUORRVH³'´ULQJWRVHFXUHFDUJR
Failure to head this warning could result in property damage,
serious injury and death.
8.2.1.2 Loading the Trailer
Before loading the trailer, couple the trailer to the tow vehicle and ensure the
GHFNLVOHYHO'RQRWORDGRUXQORDGWKHWUDLOHUZKHQWKHGHFNLVQRWOHYHO
(QVXUHWKHWRSRIWKHUDPSRUUDPSVLVVHFXUHWRWKHWUDLOHUDQGWKHERWWRP
LVUHVWLQJRQ¿UPJURXQG3RFNHWVPD\EHSURYLGHGWRKROGWKHUDPSWRWKH
frame of the trailer.
/RDGWKHFDUJRRQWRWKHWUDLOHU
6HFXUHWKHFDUJRWRWKHWUDLOHUXVLQJDSSURSULDWHVWUDSVFKDLQVDQGWHQVLRQLQJ
devices.
6LQFHWKHWUDLOHU³ULGH´FDQEHEXPS\DQGURXJK\RXPXVWVHFXUH\RXUFDUJRVR
61
that it does not shift while the trailer is being towed.
WARNING
/RDGFDQVXGGHQO\PRYHRUWRSSOHZKLFKFDQUHVXOWLQGHDWKRU
serious injury.
'RQRWORDGRUXQORDG\RXURSHQWUDLOHUXQOHVVLWLVSUHYHQWHG
IURPWLSSLQJDQGLVRQ¿UPDQGOHYHOJURXQG
5HWXUQWKHUDPSVWRWKHLUVWRZHGSRVLWLRQVDQGVHFXUHWKHPVRWKDWWKH\ZLOO
not move during transit.
WARNING
6KLIWLQJFDUJRFDQUHVXOWLQORVVRIFRQWURORIWKHWUDLOHUDQGFDQ
lead to death or serious injury.
Tie down all loads with proper sized fasteners, ropes, straps, etc.
WARNING
'R127XVHWKH*DWHIRUWLHGRZQORFDWLRQV$OODUWLFOHVEHLQJ
WRZHGPXVWEHWLHGWRWKHVLGHZDOOVRIWKH7UDLOHU*DWHFDQ
dislodge causing property damage and possible injury or death to
other motorists and pedestrians.
WARNING
'RQRWWUDQVSRUWSHRSOHLQWKHWUDLOHU)DLOXUHWRKHHGWKLVZDUQ
LQJFRXOGUHVXOWLQVHULRXVLQMXU\VXFKDVEURNHQERQHVEUDLQ
damage, paralysis or death.
62
SECTION 9: CHECK TRAILER
BEFORE & DURING TOWING
PRE-TOW CHECKLIST
9.1 Before Towing, Double Check All These Items:
‡7LUHVZKHHOVDQGOXJQXWVVHHWKHVHFWLRQ³%UHDNLQJLQ1HZ7UDLOHU³DQGWKH
VHFWLRQ³7LUH6DIHW\,QIRUPDWLRQ³
‡&RXSOHUVHFXUHGDQGORFNHGVHHWKHVHFWLRQ³&RXSOLQJWRWKH7RZ9HKLFOH´
‡6DIHW\FKDLQVSURSHUO\ULJJHGWRWRZYHKLFOHQRWWRKLWFKRUEDOOVHHWKHVHFWLRQ
³&RXSOLQJWRWKH7RZ9HKLFOH´RIWKLVPDQXDO
‡7HVWRIOLJKWV7DLO6WRS7XUQDQG%DFNXS
‡&DUJRSURSHUO\ORDGHGEDODQFHGDQGWLHGGRZQVHHWKHVHFWLRQ³/RDGLQJWKH
7UDLOHU´RIWKLVPDQXDO
• Tongue weight
‡'RRUVDQGJDWHVODWFKHGDQGVHFXUHG
‡)ODUHVDQGUHÀHFWRUV
WARNING
An improperly coupled trailer can result in death or serious
injury.
'RQRWPRYHWKHWUDLOHUXQWLO
‡7KHFRXSOHULVVHFXUHGDQGORFNHGWRKLWFK
‡7KHVDIHW\FKDLQVDUHVHFXUHGWRWKHWRZYHKLFOHDQG
‡7KHWUDLOHUMDFNVDUHIXOO\UHWUDFWHG
'RQRWWRZWKHWUDLOHURQWKHURDGXQWLO
‡7LUHVDQGZKHHOVDUHFKHFNHG
‡7KHORDGLVVHFXUHGWRWKHWUDLOHUDQG
‡7KHWUDLOHUOLJKWVDUHFRQQHFWHGDQGFKHFNHG
MAKE REGULAR STOPS
9.2 After Each 50 Miles, or One Hour of Towing, Stop and Check the Following
Items:
‡&RXSOHUVHFXUHG
‡6DIHW\FKDLQVDUHIDVWHQHGDQGQRWGUDJJLQJ
‡&DUJRVHFXUHG
‡&DUJRGRRUODWFKHGDQGVHFXUHG
63
WARNING
6LQFHURDGVFDQEHEXPS\DQGURXJKOXJQXWVFDQORRVHQRYHU
time and even separate from the wheel and possibly causing the
separation of the wheel from the trailer. The lug nuts must be
tightened by the user before each use.
The tires must be maintained at the proper tire pressure before
HDFKXVH/LIHWLPHFDQQRWEHKHOGUHVSRQVLEOHIRUGDPDJHV
caused by loosened lugnuts, or uneven tread wear and blow outs
IURPDQXQGHULQÀDWHGRURYHULQÀDWHGWLUH
Failure to heed these warnings could result in personal injury,
property damage and death.
WARNING
'R127XVHWKH*DWHIRUWLHGRZQORFDWLRQV$OODUWLFOHVEHLQJ
WRZHGPXVWEHWLHGWRWKHVLGHZDOOVRIWKH7UDLOHU*DWHFDQ
dislodge causing property damage and possible injury or death to
other motorists and pedestrians.
Follow local and state speed limit laws, but do not exceed 65 mph.
WARNING
'RQRWWUDQVSRUWSHRSOHLQWKHWUDLOHU)DLOXUHWRKHHGWKLVZDUQ
LQJFRXOGUHVXOWLQVHULRXVLQMXU\VXFKDVEURNHQERQHVEUDLQ
damage, paralysis or death.
64
SECTION 10: BREAKING IN A
NEW TRAILER
LUG NUTS & TIRE PRESSURE
10.1 Retightening Lug Nuts at First 10, 25 & 50 Miles
:KHHOOXJVFDQVKLIWDQGVHWWOHTXLFNO\DIWHUEHLQJ¿UVWDVVHPEOHGDQGPXVWEH
FKHFNHGDIWHUWKH¿UVWDQGPLOHVRIGULYLQJDQGDIWHUDQ\LPSDFW)DLOXUH
WRSHUIRUPWKLVFKHFNPD\UHVXOWLQDZKHHOFRPLQJORRVHIURPWKHWUDLOHUFDXVLQJD
crash leading to death or serious injury.
WARNING
/XJQXWVDUHSURQHWRORRVHQDIWHULQLWLDOLQVWDOODWLRQZKLFKFDQ
lead to death or serious injury.
&KHFNOXJQXWVIRUWLJKWQHVVRQDQHZWUDLOHURUZKHQZKHHOV
KDYHEHHQUHPRXQWHGDIWHUWKH¿UVWDQGPLOHVRIGULY
ing and after any impact.
WARNING
The lug nuts for the tires must be tightened by the user before
each use. The tires must be maintained at the proper tire pressure
EHIRUHHDFKXVH/LIHWLPHFDQQRWEHKHOGUHVSRQVLEOHIRUGDP
ages caused by loosened lugnuts, or uneven tread wear and blow
RXWVIURPDQXQGHULQÀDWHGRURYHULQÀDWHGWLUH
Failure to heed this warning could result in property damage,
serious injury and death.
WARNING
,IWRZYHKLFOHEUDNHVGRQRWZRUNSURSHUO\GHDWKRUVHULRXV
injury can occur.
5RDGWHVW\RXUWRZYHKLFOH¶VEUDNHVLQDVDIHDUHDDWQRPRUH
than 30 mph before each tow.
10.2 Tire Pressure
&KHFNWKHSUHVVXUHLQHDFKWLUHWRHQVXUHWLUHLVVHWWRWKHWLUHPDQXIDFWXUHUV
UHFRPPHQGHGSUHVVXUH7KHWLUHVWKDWFDPHZLWK\RXUWUDLOHUVKRXOGEH¿OOHGWR
SVL8VHDWLUHJDXJHWRJHWDQDFFXUDWHUHDGLQJ<RXVKRXOGFKHFNWKHSUHVVXUH
before each tow.
65
SECTION 11: MAINTENANCE
INSPECTION, SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
11.1 Inspection, Service & Maintenance Summary Charts
You must inspect, maintain and service your trailer regularly to insure safe and
reliable operation. If you cannot or are unsure how to perform the items listed here,
have your dealer do them.
Note:,QDGGLWLRQWRWKLVPDQXDODOVRFKHFNWKHUHOHYDQWFRPSRQHQW
manufacturer’s manual.
Inspection and Service before Each Use
Item
Inspection/Service
&RXSOHUDQG+LWFK%DOO
&KHFNIRUFUDFNVSLWVDQG
ÀDWV5HSODFHZEDOOFRXSOHU
KDYLQJWUDLOHU*9:5DWLQJ
*UHDVH
&KHFNORFNLQJGHYLFHUHSODFH
Manual Section Reference
6HFWLRQ
6DIHW\&KDLQV+RRNV
&KHFNIRUZHDUDQGGDPDJH
6HFWLRQV
Tires
‡$LU3UHVVXUH
&KHFNWLUHSUHVVXUHZKHQFROG
,QÀDWHWLUHVWRSVL
6HFWLRQV
:KHHOV
‡/XJ1XWV%ROWV+XE
&KHFNIRUWLJKWQHVV
7LJKWHQWRIWOE'R
not exceed 120 ft./lb. For new
DQGUHPRXQWHGZKHHOVFKHFN
WRUTXHDIWHU¿UVW
miles of driving and after any
impact
6HFWLRQ
6HFWLRQV
Inspection and Service each 3 Months or 3,000 Miles
Item
Inspection/Service
Manual Section Reference
6WUXFWXUH
‡+LQJHV'RRUV
Inspect. Repair or replace
GDPDJHGZRUQRUEURNHQSDUWV
6HFWLRQ
11.2.2.1
:KHHOV
• Rims
Inspect for dents, damage or out
of round
Tires
Inspect for cuts wear and
bulging
Basic tire maintenance
6HFWLRQV
Inspection and Service each 6 Months or 6,000 Miles
Item
Inspection/Service
Manual Section Reference
Tires
Rotate @ 5,000 miles
6HFWLRQ
66
:KHHOV
‡816($/('%HDULQJV+XEV
&KHFNDQGFRQ¿UPIUHHUXQQLQJ 6HFWLRQ
Replace if not.
6HFWLRQ
'LVDVVHPEOHLQVSHFWDV
6HH$[OH0IU¶V0DQXDO
VHPEOHDQGUHSDFN5HSODFH
promptly if immersed in water
Inspection and Service each 6 Months or 6,000 Miles
6XVSHQVLRQ
Inspect for bending loose fas
teners, wear
6HH6XVSHQVLRQ0DQXIDFWXUHU¶V
Manual
Inspection and Service Each Year or 12,000 Miles
Item
Inspection/Service
6WUXFWXUH
• Frame members
‡:HOGV
‡6OLGHRXW
Inspect all frame members, bolts
ULYHWV5HSDLURUUHSODFHGDP
DJHGZRUQRUEURNHQSDUWV
Inspect all welds. Repair as
needed
&OHDQGLUWEXLOGXS/XEULFDWH
slides, shafts and gears
6WUXFWXUH
• Axle Attachment Bolts
&KHFN%<'($/(5
Manual Section Reference
6HFWLRQ
6HFWLRQ
6HFWLRQ
6HFWLRQ
6HH$[OH0DQXIDFWXUHU¶V0DQXDO
11.2 Inspection and Service Instructions
11.2.1 Axle Bolts, Frame, Suspension, & Structure
WARNING
:RUQ RU EURNHQ VXVSHQVLRQ SDUWV FDQ FDXVH ORVV RI FRQWURO DQG
property damage, serious injury and death may result. Have trail
er professionally inspected annually and after any impact.
7RSHUIRUPPDQ\RIWKHLQVSHFWLRQDQGPDLQWHQDQFHDFWLYLWLHV\RXPXVWMDFNXSWKH
trailer.
:KHQMDFNLQJDQGXVLQJMDFNVWDQGVSODFHWKHPVRDVWRFOHDUZLULQJDQGVXVSHQVLRQ
SDUWVVSULQJVWRUVLRQEDUVHWF3ODFHMDFNVDQGMDFNVWDQGVLQVLGHRIWKHSHULPHWHU
strip on the supporting structure to which the axles are attached.
WARNING
1HYHUFUDZOXQGHU\RXUWUDLOHUXQOHVVLWLVRQ¿UPDQGOHYHOJURXQG
DQGUHVWLQJRQSURSHUO\SODFHGDQGVHFXUHGMDFNVWDQGV
Failure to heed this warning could result in property damage, seri
ous injury and death.
67
3ODFH7LUH-DFNKHUH
Figure 11 - 1: Jacking Points
11.2.2 Trailer Structure
%HFDXVHWKHWUDLOHUÀRRUUHFHLYHVWKHPRVWDEXVHLWZLOOPRVWOLNHO\FRUURGHEHIRUH
DQ\RWKHUSDUWRIWKHVWUXFWXUH8VLQJDSRZHUZDVKHUZDVKWKHÀRRUDQGZDOOVRI
the trailer after each use.
11.2.2.1 Fasteners and Frame Members
Inspect all of the fasteners and structural frame members for bending and other
GDPDJHFUDFNVRUIDLOXUH5HSDLURUUHSODFHDQ\GDPDJHGIDVWHQHUDQGUHSDLUWKH
frame member. If you have any questions about the condition or method of repair
of fasteners or frame members, get the recommendation of, or have the repair done
by, your dealer.
The various fastener types used on your trailer are:
• Bolts, which are used mainly for attaching door and gate hinges to the trailer
ERG\
‡%XFN5LYHWVZKLFKDUHXVHGWRDWWDFKWKHVLGHVDQGURRISDQHOVRIWKHERG\WR
HDFKRWKHUDQGWRWKHIUDPHRIWKHWUDLOHUDQG
‡+XFN%ROWVPD\EHDWYDULRXVORFDWLRQVRQWKHVXEIUDPH+XFNEROWVDUHQRW
XVHUVHUYLFHDEOH,I\RXGHWHFWDORRVHKXFNEROWIDVWHQHUGRQRWWRZWKHWUDLOHU
&DOO\RXUGHDOHUIRULQVWUXFWLRQV
WARNING
%URNHQRUGDPDJHGIDVWHQHUVRUZHOGVFDQFDXVHVHULRXVLQMXU\
damage to trailer and contents and death. Inspect for, and repair
all damaged parts at least once a year.
11.2.2.2 Welds
$OOZHOGVFDQFUDFNRUIDLOZKHQVXEMHFWHGWRKHDY\ORDGVRUPRYHPHQWRIFDUJR
WKDWZDVQRWSURSHUO\WLHGWRSUHYHQWPRYHPHQW$Q\WLPH\RXNQRZRUVXVSHFW
the trailer has been subjected to heavy loads or movement of cargo, immediately
68
inspect the welds and fasteners for damage. To prevent severe damage to your
WUDLOHULQVSHFWDOORIWKHZHOGVIRUFUDFNVRUIDLOXUHDWOHDVWRQFHD\HDU
WARNING
Improper weld repair will lead to early failure of the trailer struc
WXUHDQGFDQFDXVHVHULRXVLQMXU\RUGHDWK'RQRWUHSDLUFUDFNHG
RU EURNHQ ZHOGV XQOHVV \RX KDYH WKH VNLOOV DQG HTXLSPHQW WR
PDNHDSURSHUUHSDLU,IQRWKDYHWKHZHOGVUHSDLUHGE\DFHUWL
¿HGZHOGHU
11.2.3 Trailer Connection to Tow Vehicle
11.2.3.1 Coupler and Ball
The coupler on the trailer connects to the ball attached to the hitch on the tow
vehicle. The coupler, ball and hitch transfer the towing forces between the
tow vehicle and the trailer. Before each tow, coat the ball with a thin layer of
DXWRPRWLYHEHDULQJJUHDVHWRUHGXFHZHDUDQGHQVXUHSURSHURSHUDWLRQDQGFKHFN
WKHORFNLQJGHYLFHWKDWVHFXUHVWKHFRXSOHUWRWKHEDOOIRUSURSHURSHUDWLRQ
,I\RXVHHRUIHHOHYLGHQFHRIZHDUVXFKDVÀDWVSRWVGHIRUPDWLRQVSLWWLQJRU
corrosion, on the ball or coupler, immediately have your dealer inspect them to
determine the proper action to prevent possible failure of the ball and coupler
V\VWHP$OOEHQWRUEURNHQFRXSOHUSDUWVPXVWEHUHSODFHGEHIRUHWRZLQJWKHWUDLOHU
The coupler handle lever must be able to rotate freely and automatically snap into
the latched position. Oil the pivot points, sliding surfaces, and spring ends with
6$(:PRWRURLO.HHSWKHEDOOSRFNHWDQGODWFKPHFKDQLVPFOHDQ'LUWRU
contamination can prevent proper operation of the latching mechanism.
:KHQUHSODFLQJDEDOOWKHORDGUDWLQJPXVWPDWFKRUH[FHHGWKH*9:5RIWKH
trailer.
11.2.4 Landing Leg or Jack
,IDJUHDVH¿WWLQJLVSUHVHQW\RXPXVWXVHDJUHDVHJXQWROXEULFDWHWKHMDFN
PHFKDQLVP*UHDVHWKHJHDUVLQWKHWRSRIKDQGFUDQNHGMDFNVRQFHD\HDUE\
UHPRYLQJWKHWRSRIWKHMDFNDQGSXPSLQJRUKDQGSDFNLQJJUHDVHLQWRWKHJHDUV
11.2.5 Lights and Signals
%HIRUHHDFKWRZFKHFNWKHWUDLOHUWDLOOLJKWVVWRSOLJKWVWXUQVLJQDOVDQGDQ\
clearance lights for proper operation.
WARNING
Improper operating taillights, stoplights and turn signals can
FDXVH FROOLVLRQV &KHFN DOO OLJKWV EHIRUH HDFK WRZ )DLOXUH WR
heed this warning could result in property damage, serious injury
and death.
69
11.2.6 Tires
Before each tow, be sure the tire pressure is at the value indicated on the sidewall.
7LUHSUHVVXUHPXVWEHFKHFNHGZKLOHWKHWLUHLVFROG'RQRWFKHFNWKHWLUHSUHVVXUH
immediately after towing the trailer. Allow at least three hours for a tire to cool, if
the trailer has been towed for as much as one mile. Replace the tire before towing
the trailer if the tire treads have less than 1/16 inch depth or the telltale bands are
visible.
A bubble, cut or bulge in a side wall can result in a tire blowout. Inspect both side
ZDOOVRIHDFKWLUHIRUDQ\EXEEOHFXWRUEXOJHDQGUHSODFHDGDPDJHGWLUHEHIRUH
towing the trailer.
7LUHVGRQRWZHDUHYHQO\'HSHQGLQJRQWKHORDGEDODQFHVRPHZLOOZHDUIDVWHU
than others. To help increase the life of your tires, rotate tires every 5000 miles.
WARNING
:RUQGDPDJHGRUXQGHULQÀDWHGWLUHVFDQFDXVHORVVRIFRQWURO
resulting in damage, serious injury and possibly death. Inspect
tires before each tow.
11.2.7 Wheel Rims
,IWKHWUDLOHUKDVEHHQVWUXFNRULPSDFWHGRQRUQHDUWKHZKHHOVRULIWKHWUDLOHUKDV
VWUXFNDFXUELQVSHFWWKHULPVIRUGDPDJHHJEHLQJRXWRIURXQGDQGUHSODFH
any damaged wheel. Inspect the wheels for damage every year, even if no obvious
LPSDFWKDVRFFXUUHG$OVRFKHFNWKHWLUHVWRHQVXUHWKH\¶UHDWWKHUHFRPPHQGHG
pressure.
11.2.8 Wheels, Bearings and Lug Nuts
7RFKHFN\RXUEHDULQJVMDFNWUDLOHUDQGFKHFNZKHHOVIRUVLGHWRVLGHORRVHQHVV
If the wheels are loose, or spin with a wobble, the bearings must be serviced or
replaced.
0RVWWUDLOHUD[OHVDUHEXLOWZLWKVHDOHGEHDULQJVWKDWDUHQRWVHUYLFHDEOH6HDOHG
bearings must be replaced as complete units.
11.2.8.1 Unsealed Bearings (Hubs)
You must inspect and lubricate the bearings once a year or every 12,000 miles to
insure safe operation of your trailer.
If a trailer wheel bearing is immersed in water, it must be replaced.
If your trailer has not been used for an extended amount of time, have the bearings
LQVSHFWHGDQGSDFNHGPRUHIUHTXHQWO\DWOHDVWHYHU\VL[PRQWKVDQGSULRUWRXVH
)ROORZWKHVWHSVEHORZWRGLVDVVHPEOHDQGVHUYLFHWKH816($/('ZKHHO
70
bearings.
• After removing the grease cap, cotter pin, spindle nut and spindle washer,
remove the hub and drum to inspect the bearings for wear and damage.
‡5HSODFHEHDULQJVWKDWKDYHÀDWVSRWVRQUROOHUVEURNHQUROOHUFDJHVUXVWRU
pitting. Always replace bearings and cups in sets. The inner and outer bearings
are to be replaced at the same time.
‡5HSODFHVHDOVWKDWKDYHQLFNVWHDUVRUZHDU
‡/XEULFDWHWKHEHDULQJVZLWKDKLJKTXDOLW\(3DXWRPRWLYHZKHHOEHDULQJ
grease.
(YHU\WLPHWKHZKHHOKXELVUHPRYHGDQGWKHEHDULQJVDUHUHDVVHPEOHGIROORZWKH
VWHSVEHORZWRFKHFNWKHZKHHOEHDULQJVIRUIUHHUXQQLQJDQGDGMXVW
• Turn the hub slowly, by hand, while tightening the spindle nut, until you can no
longer turn the hub by hand.
‡/RRVHQWKHVSLQGOHQXWMXVWXQWLO\RXDUHDEOHWRWXUQLWWKHVSLQGOHQXWE\
KDQG'RQRWWXUQWKHKXEZKLOHWKHVSLQGOHQXWLVORRVH
‡3XWDQHZFRWWHUSLQWKURXJKWKHVSLQGOHQXWDQGD[OH
‡&KHFNWKHDGMXVWPHQWV%RWKWKHKXEDQGWKHVSLQGOHQXWVKRXOGEHDEOHWR
PRYHIUHHO\WKHVSLQGOHQXWPRWLRQZLOOEHOLPLWHGE\WKHFRWWHUSLQ
11.2.9 Lug Nuts (Bolts)
/XJQXWVDUHSURQHWRORRVHQULJKWDIWHUDZKHHOLVPRXQWHGWRDKXE:KHQGULYLQJ
RQDUHPRXQWHGZKHHOFKHFNWRVHHLIWKHOXJQXWVDUHWLJKWDIWHUWKH¿UVWDQG
50 miles of driving and before each tow thereafter.
WARNING
/XJQXWVDUHSURQHWRORRVHQDIWHULQLWLDOLQVWDOODWLRQZKLFKFDQ
lead to death or serious injury.
&KHFNOXJQXWVIRUWLJKWQHVVRQDQHZWUDLOHURUZKHQZKHHOV
KDYHEHHQUHPRXQWHGDIWHUWKH¿UVWDQGPLOHVRI
driving.
WARNING
Metal creep between the wheel rim and lug nuts will cause rim to
loosen and could result in a wheel coming off, leading to death or
serious injury. Tighten lug nuts before each tow.
71
1
3
5
4
2
Figure 11 - 2: Lug nut sequence of tightening
Tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque for the axle size on your trailer, to prevent
wheels from coming loose. Use a torque wrench to tighten the fasteners. If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten the fasteners with a lug wrench as much as you
can, then have a service garage or dealer tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque.
2YHUWLJKWHQLQJZLOOUHVXOWLQEUHDNLQJWKHVWXGVRUSHUPDQHQWO\GHIRUPLQJWKH
PRXQWLQJVWXGKROHVLQWKHZKHHOV'Rnot exceed 120 ft./lb.
72