Multiquip LT12P Trailer Guidelines, Common Causes for Loss of Trailer, Trailer Towing Guidelines

Page 53

TRAILER GUIDELINES

The following guidelines are intended to assist the operator in the operation and handling of a trailer.

Safety precautions should be followed at all times when operating a trailer. Failure to read, understand and follow the safety guidelines could result in injury to yourself and others. Loss of control of the trailer or tow vehicle can result in death or serious injury.

COMMON CAUSES FOR LOSS OF TRAILER

Driving too fast for the conditions (maximum speed when towing a trailer is 55 mph).

Overloading the trailer or loading the trailer unevenly.

Trailer improperly coupled to the hitch.

No braking on trailer.

Not maintaining proper tire pressure.

Not keeping lug nuts tight.

Not properly maintaining the trailer structure.

Ensure machine is towed level to tow vehicle.

TRAILER TOWING GUIDELINES

Recheck the load tiedowns to make sure the load will not shift during towing.

Before towing, check coupling, safety chain, safety brake, tires, wheels and lights.

Check the lug nuts or bolts for tightness.

Check coupler tightness after towing 50 miles.

Use your mirrors to verify that you have room to change lanes or pull into traffic.

Use your turn signals well in advance. Allow plenty of stopping space for your trailer and tow vehicle.

Allow plenty of stopping space for your trailer and tow vehicle.

DO NOT drive so fast that the trailer begins to sway due to speed.

Allow plenty of room for passing. A rule of thumb is that the passing distance with a trailer is 4 times the passing distance without the trailer.

Shift your automatic transmission into a lower gear for city driving.

ALWAYS use lower gears for climbing and descending grades.

DO NOT ride the brakes while descending grades, they may get so hot that they stop working. Then you will potentially have a runaway tow vehicle and trailer.

To conserve fuel, don’t use full throttle to climb a hill. Instead, build speed on the approach.

Slow down for bumps in the road. Take your foot off the brake when crossing the bump.

DO NOT brake while in a curve unless absolutely necessary. Instead, slow down before you enter the curve and power through the curve.This way, the towing vehicle remains in charge.

DO NOT apply the brakes to correct extreme trailer swaying. Continued pulling of the trailer, and even slight acceleration, will provide a stabilizing force.

Anticipate the trailer “swaying.” Swaying is the trailer reaction to the air pressure wave caused by passing trucks and buses. Continued pulling of the trailer provides a stabilizing force to correct swaying. DO NOT apply the brakes to correct trailer swaying.

Use lower gear when driving down steep or long grades. Use the engine and transmission as a brake. Do not ride the brakes, as they can overheat and become ineffective.

Be aware of your trailer height, especially when approaching roofed areas and around trees.

Make regular stops, about once each hour. Confi rm that:

Coupler is secure to the hitch and is locked.

Electrical connectors are secure.

There is appropriate slack in the safety chains.

There is appropriate slack in the breakaway switch pullpin cable.

Tires are not visibly low on pressure.

LT12 SERIES LIGHT TOWER • OPERATION MANUAL — REV. #12 (01/20/09) — PAGE 53

Image 53
Contents This Manual Must Accompany the Equipment AT ALL Times Models LT12D, LT12PProposition 65 Warning Nhtsa Reporting Safety DefectsSpecifications are subject to change without notice Table of ContentsSafety Messages Safety InformationLight Tower Safety General Safetyfire extinguisher first aid kitLamp Safety Before servicing equipment Engine SafetyTowing Safety Fuel SafetyLoading and Tie-Down on Flatbed Truck Transporting SafetyGrounding Safety Electrical SafetyPower Cord/Cable Safety Environmental Safety Battery SafetyLamp Footcandle Plot Lamp Footcandle PlotTrailer Specifications SpecificationsGenerator Specifications Engine Specifications Dimensions DimensionsReference Letter Description Dimension Length Mast Stowed Position Length Mast Deployed PositionGeneral Information Major Components Control Panel Side ComponentsRear Light CONTROL/BREAKER Control PanelControl Panel Inspection Indoor InstallationBefore Starting Engine OIL CheckWipe up any spilled fuel immediately Battery CheckFuel Check AIR Cleaner FAN Belt Tension Cleaning the RadiatorCoolant Operation in Freezing WeatherLocation of Female Connectors Starting the Engine OperationStarting the Engine Perkins Starting the Engine Lombardini/Deutz EnginesOutriggers and Support Stands Mast OperationDeploying the Mast to Vertical Position Raising the MastMast Operation Stowing the Mast to Horizontal Position Lowering the MastTurning on the Lamps Rotating the MastApplying AN External Load Testing the 120 VAC Gfci ReceptacleNormal Shutdown Emergency ShutdownBasic Inspection and Maintenance MaintenanceInspection/Maintenance FrequencyFlushing OUT Radiator and Changing Coolant General InspectionCheck Cable Wear Changing OILServicingthe Mast RAISE/LOWER Cable System Replacing Fuel FilterLower the mast to the horizontal resting position StorageRemoval from Long Term Storage Wheel HUB Adjustment Maintenance TrailersAdjustable Channel Leaf Suspension Components Leaf SuspensionSymptom Solution TroubleshootingGenerator Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause Solution Engine TroubleshootingEngine revolution is not Lamp Troubleshooting Replacement minimizes color differences When switch is first Checking voltage and ballast Turned onClean fixture Lamp starts slowly ARC does not strike Defective Lamp?Connections Lamp Troubleshooting GuideStarting Ballast RemovalStator LT12 Wiring Diagram S/N 902148 and belowBLK GRN WHT RED LT12 Wiring Diagram S/N 902149 to LT12 Wiring Diagram S/N 902149 to LT12 Wiring Diagram S/N 902626 and Above BLK BRN Blue RED WHT YEL GRN Perkins Engine Wiring Diagram Deutz Engine Wiring Diagram DEUTZ/LOMBARDINI Specific LT12 Control PANEL/IGNITION Wiring DiagramTrailer Towing Guidelines Trailer GuidelinesCommon Causes for Loss of Trailer Coupling to the TOW Vehicle Driving ConditionsTrailer VIN TAG Inoperable BRAKES, Lights or MirrorsTrailer Towing Tips TOW Vehicle Electrical ConnectorSuspension System Side View MirrorsJackstand Safety ChainsCoupler Types Ball Hitch CouplerCoupling theTrailer to theTow Vehicle Ball Coupler Lock washer and hitch frameUncoupling the Ball Hitch Attaching Safety ChainConnecting Trailer Lights Pintle Coupler and Pintle Hook Pintle Hitch CouplerCoupling Trailer to Tow Vehicle Pintle Coupler Tire SafetyUnsafe Tires, Lug Nuts or Wheels Step Determining Load Limit of TrailerTighten lug nuts before each tow Be sure lug nuts are tight before each towP indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles Determining Load Limit of Tow Vehicle StepTire Fundamentals Letter Rating Speed Rating Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards UtqgsTable A. Speed Rating Table B. Tire Wear Troubleshooting Tire Safety TipsTire Repair Replacing Worn or Damaged TiresWheel Rims Lights and SignalsWheels, Bearings and Lug Nuts Lug Nut Torque RequirementsFigure L. Trailer to Tow Vehicle Wiring Diagram HERE’S HOW to GET Help