safety guidelines — TRAILERS
DRIvIng COnDITIOns
When towing a trailer, you will have decreased acceleration, increased stopping distance, and increased turning radius (which means you must make wider turns to keep from hitting curbs, vehicles, and anything else that is on the inside corner). In addition, you will need a longer distance to pass, due to slower acceleration and increased length.
Be alert for slippery conditions.You are more likely to be affected by slippery road surfaces when driving a tow vehicle with a trailer, than driving a tow vehicle without a trailer.
Check rearview mirrors frequently to observe the trailer and traffi c.
neveR drive faster than what is safe.
WaRnIng
Driving too fast for severe road conditions can result in loss of control and cause death or serious injury.
Decrease your speed as road, weather, and lighting conditions deteriorate.
Always check for local trailer tow speed limits in your area.
WaRnIng
Do not transport people on the trailer. The transport of people puts their lives at risk and may be illegal.
COupLIng TO THe TOW veHICLe
Follow all of the safety precautions and instructions in this manual to ensure safety of persons, equipment, and satisfactory life of the trailer. Always use an adequate tow vehicle and hitch. If the vehicle or hitch is not properly selected and matched to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer, you can cause an accident that could lead to death or serious injury.
If you already have a tow vehicle, know your vehicle tow rating and make certain the trailer’s rated capacity is less than or equal to the tow vehicle’s rated towing capacity. If you already have (or plan to buy) a trailer, make certain that the tow rating of the tow vehicle is equal to or greater than that of the trailer.
The trailer VIN tag contains the critical safetyinformation
for the use of your trailer. Again, be sure your hitch and tow vehicle are rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your trailer.
WaRnIng
Proper selection and condition of the coupler and hitch are essential to safely towing your trailer. A loss of coupling may result in death or serious injury.
•Be sure the hitch load rating is equal to or greater than the load rating of the coupler.
•Be sure the hitch size matches the coupler size.
•Observe the hitch for wear, corrosion and cracks before coupling. Replace worn, corroded or cracked hitch components before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.
•Be sure the hitch components are tight before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.
WaRnIng
An improperly coupled trailer can result in death or serious injury.
DO nOT move the trailer until:
•The coupler is secured and locked to hitch.
•The safety chains are secured to the tow vehicle.
•The trailer jack(s) are fully retracted.
DO nOT tow the trailer on the road until:
•Tires and wheels are checked.
•The trailer brakes are checked.
•The breakaway switch is connected to the tow vehicle.
•The load is secured to the trailer.
•The trailer lights are connected and checked.
WaRnIng
Use of a hitch with a load rating less than the load rating of the trailer can result in loss of control and may lead to death or serious injury.
Use of a tow vehicle with a towing capacity less than the load rating of the trailer can result in loss of control, and may lead to death or serious injury.
Be sure your hitch and tow vehicle are rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your trailer.
page 28 — MLT25 sERIES LIGHT TOWER • operation manual — rev. #0 (11/28/12)
