TRAILER TOWING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING

TRAILER TOWING can be hazardous.

In trailer towing, as in most driving situations, exposure to certain hazards occurs. Trailer towing is safe when precautions are taken. The following safety information is only a summary of the more complete information found in the Safety Standards listed at the end of these precautions. Read and follow all Safety Standards. In addition, the end user must check and comply with all federal, state, and local laws before use.

HAVE ALL INSTALLATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR WORK PERFORMED ONLY BY QUALIFIED PEOPLE.

 

 

3

 

 

2

 

 

1

 

 

3

 

5

3

4

 

 

7

6

 

 

 

 

 

1 Coupler

Hitch is on towing vehicle.

2Tongue

3Lights

4Wheels And Bearings

5Rating Plate

6Jack Stand

7Safety Chains

3.

When towing, it takes longer to start, stop, and pass − use

 

training and practice to avoid accidents.

4.

Turning and backing up present new problems − plan ahead.

5.

Require each driver to be fully trained and experienced in trailer

 

towing before going out on the road.

6.

Holes are provided for mounting weld/power generator.

7.

Be sure trailer is fully prepared and connected to towing vehicle.

8.

Observe maximum speed of 45 mph (72 kph) when towing.

9.

Do not modify or change the trailer in any way − changes void the

 

warranty. Read Owner’s Manual.

10.

Use only genuine factory parts as replacements.

11.

Adjust load on trailer so tongue weight is approximately 10% of

1.Use a towing vehicle prepared and capable of handling the load.

2.Towing any trailer requires special awareness because of the changed driving situation.

the gross trailer weight and center load side-to-side to reduce

fishtailing.

12. Tighten all parts, bolts, nuts, and mounting hardware.

Rating

Plate

GVWR − Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (Maximum Total Trailer Weight In- cluding Its Load)

GAWR − Gross Axle Weight Rating

VIN NO − Vehicle Identifi- cation Number

OVERLOADING can cause serious injury or equipment damage.

1.Do not overload the trailer.

2.The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum total trailer weight with the engine driven welding generator and all equipment, such as tools, cables, and shielding gas cylinder, installed.

3.The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum load-bearing capacity of the axle(s).

4.Weigh trailer − adjust weight by removing accessory equipment if necessary − call local authorities for nearest scale location.

5.Use gross trailer weight to select a proper towing vehicle.

 

Tongue − Level

 

 

 

 

 

Bathroom

 

 

 

 

 

Scale

 

Pipe

 

 

 

 

 

Approximately

 

 

 

 

10% Of GTW

 

 

Board

Trailer

Gross Vehicle

Gross Trailer

Maximum

 

 

And

Weight Rating

 

 

Coupler

GVWR

Weight GTW2

Tongue Weight3

 

 

Class1

lb (kg)

lb (kg)

lb (kg)

 

 

1

Up to 2000

1000 (455)

100 (45)

1

Information From SAE

(Up to 910)

2000 (910)

200 (90)

 

 

J684 May 1987

 

 

 

 

 

2

2000 to 3500

2000 (910)

200 (90)

2

Gross Trailer Weight

 

(910 to 1590)

3500 (1590)

350 (158)

 

(Actual Loaded Weight)

 

 

 

 

 

3

3500 to 5000

3500 (1590)

350 (158)

3

10% Of GTW

(1590 to 2270)

Recommended

 

 

 

UNCONTROLLED TILTING OF TRAILER can result in personal injury or equipment damage.

1.Install generator according to Owner’s Manual with engine end toward hitch end of trailer.

2.Distribute weight so that trailer tongue weight is approximately 10% of the gross trailer weight.

INCORRECT TONGUE WEIGHT can cause fishtailing and loss of control of towing vehicle resulting in serious injury and equipment damage.

3.Tongue weight is the amount of trailer weight that rests on the towing vehicle hitch − that is, the downward pressure on the coupler.

4.Remove or adjust trailer load to get correct tongue weight.

5.Do not let tongue weight exceed coupler and hitch rating.

6.Use slower speeds when towing a trailer − never above 45 mph (72 km/h) − to prevent fishtailing.

Bottom

View

Side

View

SAFETY CHAINS CAN PREVENT RUNAWAY TRAILER in case hitch/coupler fails.

1.Always use safety chains when towing.

2.Cross safety chains under coupling to prevent tongue from dropping to ground.

3.Allow only enough slack for tight turns.

4.Do not let safety chains drag on ground.

5.Twist safety chains equally from hook ends to take up slack.

6.Use safety chains rated equal to or greater than twice the maximum gross trailer weight rating.

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Miller Electric RCT-224 Trailer manual Trailer Towing Safety Precautions, Trailer Towing can be hazardous