Trailer guidelines
VIN TAG
Figure B. VIN Tag Location
The trailer VIN Tag contains the following critical safety information for the use of your trailer.
gaWR:The maximum gross weight that an axle cansupport. It is the lowest of axle, wheel, or tire rating.
Usually, the tire or wheel rating is lower than the axle rating, and determines GAWR.
gVWR: The maximum allowable gross weight of the trailer and its contents. The gross weight of the trailer includes the weight of the trailer and all of the items within it. GVWR is sometimes referred to as GTWR (Gross Trailer Weight Rating), or MGTW (Maximum Gross Trailer Weight). GVWR, GTWR and MGTW are all the same rating.
The sum total of the GAWR for all trailer axles may be less than the GVWR for the trailer, because some of the trailer load is to be carried by the tow vehicle, rather than by the trailer axle(s).The total weight of the cargo and trailer must not exceed the GVWR, and the load on an axle must not exceed its GAWR.
psiC: The tire pressure (psi) measured when cold.
vin: The Vehicle Identifi cation Number.
emptY WeigHt: Some information that comes with the trailer (such as the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin) is not a reliable source for “empty” or “net” weight. The shipping documents list average or standard weights and your trailer may be equipped with options.
To determine the “empty” or “net” weight of your trailer, weigh it on an axle scale. To fi nd the weight of the trailer using an axle scale, you must know the axle weights of your tow vehicle without the trailer coupled. Some of the trailer weight will be transferred from the trailer to the tow vehicle axles, and an axle scale weighs all axles, including the tow vehicle axles.
toW veHiCle
The towing hitch attached to your tow vehicle must have a capacity equal to or greater than the load rating of the trailer you intend to tow.The hitch capacity must also be matched to the tow vehicle capacity.Your vehicle dealer can provide and install the proper hitch on your tow vehicle.
suspension sYstem
Sway bars, shock absorbers, heavy duty springs, heavy duty tires and other suspension components may be required to suffi ciently tow the trailer and pump.
side vieW mirrors
The size of the trailer that is being towed and your state law regulations determine the size of the mirrors. However, some states prohibit extended mirrors on a tow vehicle, except while a trailer is actually being towed. In this situation, detachable extended mirrors are necessary. Check with your dealer or the appropriate state agency for mirror requirements.
HeavY dutY FlasHer
A Heavy Duty Flasher is an electrical component that may be required when your trailer turn signal lights are attached to the tow vehicle fl asher circuit.
eleCtriCal ConneCtor
An Electrical Connector connects the lights on the trailer to the lights on the towing vehicle.
emergenCY Flares andtriangle reFleCtors
It is wise to carry these warning devices even if you are not towing a trailer. It is particularly important to have these when towing a trailer because the hazard fl ashers of your towing vehicle will not operate for as long a period of time when the battery is running both the trailer lights and tow vehicle lights.
page 44 — DCA20spxu2 servpro® • operation and parts manual — rev. #0 (09/23/13)
