Multiquip Trailers - Manual (Page 17)

trailer • owner's manual — rev. #4 (11/08/13) — page 17
Follow all of the safety precautions and instructions in this
manual to ensure safety of persons and equipment, and
satisfactory life of the trailer. Always use an adequate tow
vehicle and hitch. If the vehicle or hitch is not properly
selected and matched to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) of your trailer, you can cause an accident that
could lead to death or serious injury.
If you already have a tow vehicle, know your vehicle tow
rating and make certain the trailer’s rated capacity is less
than or equal to the tow vehicle’s rated towing capacity. If
you already have (or plan to buy) a trailer, make certain
that the tow rating of the tow vehicle is equal to or greater
than that of the trailer.
The trailer VIN tag contains the critical safety information
for the use of your trailer.
trailer vin tag
Figure 3 below is a sample of the Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) Tag which is typically located on the left front
of the trailer. See Figure 4 for location.
Figure 3. Vehicle VIN Tag
warning
Proper selection and condition of the coupler and hitch
are essential to safely towing your trailer. 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.
coupling to the tow vehicle
Figure 4. VIN Tag Location
The trailer VIN tag contains the following critical safety
information for your trailer.
gawr: The maximum gross weight that an axle can
support. It is the lowest of axle, wheel, or tire rating. Usually,
the tire or wheel rating is lower than the axle rating, and
determines GAWR.
gvwr: The maximum allowable gross weight of the trailer
and its contents. The gross weight of the trailer includes
the weight of the trailer and all of the items within it. GVWR
is sometimes referred to as GTWR (Gross Trailer Weight
Rating), or MGTW (Maximum Gross Trailer Weight). GVWR,
GTWR and MGTW are all the same rating.
The sum total of the GAWR for all trailer axles may be less
than the GVWR for the trailer, because some of the trailer
load is to be carried by the tow vehicle, rather than by the
trailer axle. The total weight of the cargo and trailer must
not exceed the GVWR, and the load on an axle must not
exceed its GAWR.
psiC: The tire pressure (psi) measured when cold.
vin: The Vehicle Identification Number.
emptY weigHt: Some information that comes with the
trailer (such as the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin)
is not a reliable source for “empty” or “net” weight. The
shipping documents list average or standard weights and
your trailer may be equipped with options. xxcvcvc
VIN TAG
VI
N
TA
G