Multiquip Trailers - Manual (Page 18)

page 18 — trailer • owner's manual — rev. #4 (11/08/13)
To determine the “empty” or “net” weight of your trailer,
weigh it on an axle scale. To find the weight of the trailer
using an axle scale, you must know the axle weights of
your tow vehicle without the trailer coupled. Some of the
trailer weight will be transferred from the trailer to the tow
vehicle axles, and an axle scale weighs all axles, including
the tow vehicle axles.
tow veHiCle
When equipping a new vehicle or an older vehicle to tow
your trailer, ask the vehicle dealer for advice on how to
outfit the towing vehicle. Discuss the following information
and equipment with the vehicle dealer.
overall Carrying and towing Capacity of vehicle
Vehicle manufacturers will provide you with the maximum
capacities of their various models. No amount of
reinforcement will give a 100 horsepower, 2,500 pound
truck the towing capacity that a 300 horsepower, 5,000
pound truck has.
towing Hitch
The towing hitch attached to your tow vehicle must have
a capacity equal to or greater than the load rating of the
trailer you intend to tow. The hitch capacity must also be
matched to the tow vehicle capacity. Your vehicle dealer
can provide and install the proper hitch on your tow vehicle.
suspension system
Sway bars, shock absorbers, heavy duty springs, heavy
duty tires and other suspension components may be
required to sufficiently tow the trailer and pump.
Brake Controller
For trailers equipped with electric brakes, the electric brake
controller is part of the tow vehicle and is essential in the
operation of the electric brakes on the trailer. The brake
controller is not the same as the safety breakaway brake
system that may be equipped on the trailer.
side view mirrors
The size of the trailer that is being towed and your state
law regulations determine the size of the mirrors. However,
some states prohibit extended mirrors on a tow vehicle,
coupling to the tow vehicle
except while a trailer is actually being towed. In this
situation, detachable extended mirrors are necessary.
Check with your dealer or the appropriate state agency
for mirror requirements.
Heavy Duty Flasher
A Heavy Duty Flasher is an electrical component that may
be required when your trailer turn signal lights are attached
to the tow vehicle flasher circuit.
electrical Connector
An Electrical connector connects the light and brake
systems on the trailer to the light and brake controls on
the towing vehicle.
Heavy Duty engine oil Cooling system
The tow vehicle engine works harder when a trailer is being
towed. Depending on the size of the trailer, you may need to
install a separate engine oil cooler. Inadequate cooling may
result in sudden engine failure. Ask the tow vehicle dealer
if it is necessary to install a heavy duty cooling system.
automatic transmission oil Cooler
The automatic transmission of a towing vehicle handles
more power when a trailer is being towed. Inadequate
cooling will shorten transmission life, and may result in
sudden transmission failure. Ask the tow vehicle dealer if it
is necessary to install a separate oil cooler for the automatic
transmission.
Fire extinguisher
Multiquip recommends maintaining access to a fire
extinguisher at all times.
emergency Flares and triangle reflectors
It is wise to carry these warning devices even if you are
not towing a trailer. It is particularly important to have these
when towing a trailer because the hazard flashers of your
towing vehicle will not operate for as long a period of time
when the battery is running both the trailer lights and tow
vehicle lights.