Craftsman 123.24201 - Manual (Page 38)

7J. CHECKING THE TONGUE WEIGHT
Fo check the longue weight, the tow vehicle and nailer must be on level ground, as
they will be when the trailer is being towed
If you know the weight on your tow vehicle axles when you are nor towing a tiailer,
trailer tongue weight can be determined with the use of a truck axle scale.
The recommended method of checking tongue weight is to use an accessory called a
“longue weight scale ” If a tongue weight scale is not available, you cart check the
tongue weight using a bathroom scale
Using a bathroom scale to check longue weight: The loaded trailer must be on a
smooth and level surface, and you must block the trailer wheels, front and rear
7.1.1 Checking Tongue Weight— Using a lever and bathroom scale
Cl O O C5
A
WARNING A
An unrestrained trailer can fall off its support, resulting in seri­
ous injuiyf 01“death,
i
Before checking tongue rveight, block trailer wheels, front and rear
• Raise the tongue of the trailer with the tongue jack
■ Place a bathroom scale on the ground, directly below the couplet,
• Place a strong block support (such as a cement block) on the scale -- note the
scale reading for the weight of the block support,
• Lovvei the tongue until the coupler rests on the block support and the jack is
‘/2
inch above the ground
• The scale reading, minus the weight of the block support is the tongue weight
7,2 Securing the Cargo
Since the trailer ‘Tide” can be bumpy and rough, you must secure your cargo so that
it does not shift while the trailer is being towed.
A WARNING A
Shitting cargo can result in loss of control of the trailer, and can
lead to death oj serious injury'
Tie down all loads with proper sized fasteners, ropes, straps, etc.
7,2.1 Loading Cargo
Couple the trailer to the low vehicle before loading This is essentia! because the
longue can rise during loading, befóte the cargo is properly distributed To
measure the tongue weight, you will have to uncouple the trailer after it is loaded
Do not transport people in the trailer Do not transport comainers of hazardous
substances, cans or containers of flammable substances, such as gasoline.
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