Multiquip Trailers - Manual (Page 27)

trailer • owner's manual — rev. #4 (11/08/13) — page 27
loading the trailer
Improper trailer loading causes many accidents and deaths.
To safely load a trailer, you must consider:
„ Overall load weight;
„ Load weight distribution;
„ Proper tongue weight; and
„ Securing the load properly.
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. The trailer
axles carry most of the total weight of the trailer and its
contents (Gross Vehicle Weight, or “GVW”). The remainder
of the total weight is carried by the tow vehicle hitch. It is
essential for safe towing that the trailer tongue and tow
vehicle hitch carry the proper amount of the loaded trailer
weight, otherwise the trailer can suddenly sway wildly at
towing speed.
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 and
axles. For tandem and triple axle trailers, you must make
sure that the front-to-rear load distribution does not result
in overloading any axle.
Towing stability also depends on keeping the center of
gravity as low as possible. Load heavy items on the floor
and over the axles. When loading additional items, be
sure to maintain even side-to-side weight distribution and
proper tongue weight. The total weight of the trailer and its
contents must never exceed the total weight rating of the
trailer (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or “GVWR”).
warning
An overloaded trailer can result in loss of control of the
trailer, leading to death or serious injury.
Do not load a trailer so that the weight on any tire
exceeds its rating.
Do not exceed the trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or an axle Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)..
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 tongue
exerts an upward pull on the hitch, instead of pushing down
on it(because the trailer is overloaded behind its axle, the
rear wheel of the tow vehicle can 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 axle(s) do not exceed
their Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Table 1 shows “rules of thumb” for determining proper
tongue weight.
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
• Distribute the load evenly, right and left, to avoid tire
overload
• Keep the center of gravity low.