Multiquip Trailers - Manual (Page 13)

trailer • owner's manual — rev. #4 (11/08/13) — page 13
Towing stability also depends on keeping the center of
gravity as low as possible. Load heavy items on the floor,
and over the axles, but do not exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). When loading additional items, be
sure to maintain even side-to-side weight distribution and
proper tongue weight. Refer to the LOADING THE TRAILER
section of this manual for additional loading information.
shifting Cargo
Since the trailer “ride” can be bumpy and rough, you must
secure your cargo so that it does not shift while the trailer
is being towed.
inappropriate Cargo
Multiquip trailers are designed for transporting specific
cargo. We recommend you carry only that cargo on the
trailer. A utility trailer must not be used to carry certain
items, such as people, containers of hazardous substances
or containers of flammable substances.
warning
Improper tongue weight (load distribution) can result in
loss of control of the trailer, leading to death or serious
injury. Make certain that tongue weight is within the
allowable range. Be sure to:
• Distribute the load front-to-rear to provide proper
tongue weight (see Table 1).
• Distribute the load evenly, right and left, to avoid tire
overload.
• Keep the center of gravity low.
warning
Shifting cargo can result in loss of control of the trailer,
and can lead to death or serious injury. Secure all loads
with proper sized fasteners, ropes, straps, bolts, etc.
warning
Do not transport people on the trailer. The transport of
people puts their lives at risk and may be illegal.
safety guidelines
inoperable Brakes, lights or mirrors
Be sure that the brakes and all of the lights on your trailer
are functioning properly before towing your trailer. Check
the trailer taillights by turning on your tow vehicle headlights.
Check the trailer brake lights by having someone step on
the tow vehicle brake pedal while you look at trailer lights.
Do the same thing to check the turn signal lights (see Trailer
Wiring Diagram).
If your trailer has electric brakes, your tow vehicle will have
an electric brake controller that sends power to the trailer
brakes. Before towing the trailer on the road, you must
operate the brake controller while trying to pull the trailer
in order to confirm that the electric brakes operate. While
towing the trailer at less than 5 mph, manually operate the
electric brake controller in the tow vehicle cab. You should
feel the operation of the trailer brakes.
Standard mirrors usually do not provide adequate visibility
for viewing traffic to the sides and rear of a towed trailer.
You must provide mirrors that allow you to safely observe
approaching traffic.
warning
Do not transport flammable, explosive, poisonous or
other dangerous materials in your trailer.
Exceptions:
• Fuel in the tanks of vehicles that are being towed
• Fuel stored in the tank of an on-board generator
warning
Improper electrical connection between the tow vehicle
and the trailer will result in inoperable lights and electric
brakes, and can lead to collision.
Before each tow:
• Check that the taillights, brake lights and turn signals
work.
• Check that the electric brakes work by operating the
brake controller inside the tow vehicle.