RULES FOR SAFE TRAILER OPERATION
CAUTION – Before you start:
SMake sure vehicle is capable of towing the load.
SBe sure hitch capacity is equal to or greater than the load when mounted on the vehicle.
SSee that hitch ball rated capacity is equal to or greater than the load.
SMake sure your safety chain(s) is rated equal to or greater than twice the maximum gross trailer weight rating of your trailer.
SIt is against the law to carry passengers in the back of any trailer.
SReduce weight in car trunk and rear seat areas by the amount of tongue weight of your trailer.
SAny alterations or changes made to the trailer void any express or implied warranties on the trail- er or towing equipment.
SELECTING THE PROPER TOWING EQUIPMENT
When selecting the proper towing equipment, the two most important factors that must be considered are the M.G.T.W. (Maximum Gross Trailer Weight) and the Tongue Weight. The M.G.T.W. is the total weight of the trailer plus the payload in the trailer. The tongue weight is the downward pressure exerted at the cou- pler.
The easiest way to measure the gross trailer weight is to place the loaded trailer on a vehicle scale mak- ing sure that the scales are supporting the entire weight of the loaded trailer.
The easiest method for measuring tongue weight (up to 300 lbs.) is to place the trailer tongue on a set of bathroom scales making sure the trailer is level. For heavier tongue weights, place a board across the bathroom scales and a solid object of the same thickness as the scales with a piece of pipe between each. The trailer tongue should be level and in its normal towing position. Multiply the scale reading by three (3) to obtain the tongue weight. Tongue weight should be 10% of trailer weight and not over 10% of M.G.T.W.
TOWING VEHICLE
Make sure the vehicle you are using to tow the trailer is capable of towing the weight. Check the vehicle Owner’s Manual for towing capability of the towing vehicle or contact the car dealer for this information.
| Table 1 – Hitch Towing Capacity |
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Hitch | Maximum | Maximum | Normally | |
Class | Towing Cap. | Tongue Wt. | Installed | |
Sub Class I | 1000 Lbs. | 100 Lbs | Foreign or U.S. Sub– | |
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| compact vehicles |
Class I | 2000 Lbs. | 200 | Lbs. | Compact Vehicles |
Class II | 3500 Lbs. | 300 | Lbs. | |
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| Vehicles |
Class III | 5000 Lbs. Plus | 500 | Lbs. Plus | Full Size Vehicles, |
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