Baldor TS25, Operator'S Manual

Page: 48 / 55

Table 1 – Hitch Towing Capacity
Hitch Maximum Maximum Normally
Class Towing Cap. Tongue Wt. Installed
Sub Class I 1000 Lbs. 100 Lbs Foreign or U.S. Sub–
compact vehicles
Class I 2000 Lbs. 200 Lbs. Compact Vehicles
Class II 3500 Lbs. 300 Lbs. Mid–size & Full Size
Vehicles
Class III 5000 Lbs. Plus 500 Lbs. Plus Full Size Vehicles,
Pick–up Truck
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RULES FOR SAFE TRAILER OPERATION
CAUTION – Before you start:
S
Make sure vehicle is capable of towing the load.
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Be sure hitch capacity is equal to or greater than the load when mounted on the vehicle.
S
See that hitch ball rated capacity is equal to or greater than the load.
S
Make sure your safety chain(s) is rated equal to or greater than twice the maximum
gross trailer weight rating of your trailer.
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It is against the law to carry passengers in the back of any trailer.
S
Reduce weight in car trunk and rear seat areas by the amount of tongue weight of your trailer.
S
Any 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.