Multiquip Trailers - Manual (Page 10)

page 10 — trailer • owner's manual — rev. #4 (11/08/13)
safety guidelines
This owner's manual provides general trailer information
but cannot cover all of the specific details necessary for
the proper combination of every trailer, tow vehicle and
hitch. Therefore, you must read, understand and follow
the instructions given by the tow vehicle and trailer hitch
manufacturers, in addition to the instructions in this manual.
Safety precautions should be followed at all times when
operating this equipment. Failure to read, understand and
follow the Operating Instructions could result in injury to
yourself and others.
loss oF Control
Loss of control of the trailer or trailer/tow vehicle
combination can result in death or serious injury. The most
common causes for loss of control of the trailer are:
„ Driving too fast for the conditions (maximum speed when
towing a trailer is 60 mph)
„ Failure to adjust handling while towing with a trailer
„ Trailer not properly coupled to the hitch
„ Incorrect use of safety chains
„ Incorrect use of breakaway brake
„ Mismatch of trailer and hitch
„ Unsafe tires, lug nuts or wheels
„ Overloading the trailer
„ Unsafe load distribution
„ Shifting or inappropriate cargo
„ Inoperable brakes, lights or mirrors
Driving too Fast
Even under ideal road and weather conditions, never drive
faster than what is safe. Remember, if you drive too fast,
the trailer tires will overheat and possibly blowout. As your
speed increases, you are more likely to suddenly lose
control. Check for local trailer tow speed limits in your area.
warning
Driving too fast for conditions can result in loss of control
and cause death or serious injury. Decrease your speed
as road, weather and lighting conditions deteriorate.
Failure to adjust Handling while towing
When towing a trailer, you will have decreased acceleration,
increased stopping distance, and increased turning radius
(which means you must make wider turns to keep from
hitting curbs, vehicles, and anything else that is on the
inside corner). In addition, you will need a longer distance
to pass, due to slower acceleration and increased length.
„ Be alert for slippery conditions. You are more likely to be
affected by slippery road surfaces when driving a tow
vehicle with a trailer than driving a tow vehicle without
a trailer.
„ Anticipate the trailer “swaying.” Swaying is the trailer
reaction to the air pressure wave caused by passing
trucks and buses. Continued pulling of the trailer provides
a stabilizing force to correct swaying. Do not apply the
brakes to correct trailer swaying.
„ Check rearview mirrors frequently to observe the trailer
and traffic.
„ Use lower gear when driving down steep or long grades.
Use the engine and transmission as a brake. Do not ride
the brakes, as they can overheat and become ineffective.
„ Be aware of your trailer height, especially when
approaching roofed areas and around trees.
trailer not properly Coupled to Hitch
It is critical that the trailer be securely coupled to the hitch
and that the safety chains are correctly attached.
warning
A loss of coupling may result in death or serious injury.
• Be sure the hitch load rating is equal to or greater
than the load rating of the coupler.
• Be sure the hitch size matches the coupler size.
• Observe the hitch for wear, corrosion and cracks
before coupling. Replace worn, corroded or
cracked hitch components before coupling the
trailer to the tow vehicle.
• Be sure the hitch components are tight before
coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.