FEATHERLITE TRAILERS COACH TRAILERS, Owner'S Manual

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Section 4 – Loading The Trailer
R4 3/30/2017 Page 33
^ WARNING
Damaged or loose “D”-rings can break,
allowing cargo to become loose inside the
trailer. Loose cargo can shift the center of
gravity, and result in loss of control of the
trailer.
Inspect “D”-rings, and test them for
looseness before loading cargo.
Do not use a damaged or loose “D”-ring to
secure cargo.
4.2.3 Inspect the Lift
Featherlite coach trailers are equipped with a lift
that is suitable for carrying motor vehicles in an
elevated position. The lift is raised and lowered by
an electric-powered hydraulic pump.
The lift has no user serviceable or adjustable parts.
Inspection of the lift mechanism consists of looking
for evidence of hydraulic leaks, e.g. oil spots on the
floor underneath the trailer. If the hydraulic system
is leaking, have the lift serviced before using it.
4.2.4 Loading the Coach Trailer
Coach trailers are fitted with a drop ramp door. The
weight of the drop ramp door is partially held by a
spring and cable counterbalance assembly. If this
assembly is out of adjustment or worn out, it will
not provide the expected assistance for slow and
careful lowering and raising of ramp.
^ WARNING
A spring and cable counterbalance can
inflict serious injury if it breaks, or if
incorrectly adjusted. Stand to the side
when opening the door.
Inspect the cable and cable ends each time
the door is operated.
Do not attempt to service the
counterbalance. Take the trailer to your
Featherlite dealer for service.
It is possible to create a dangerously high center of
gravity by having heavier cargo on a raised
platform. Plan your load so that heavier cargo will
be secured beneath the raised lift.
^ WARNING
A higher center of gravity can result in loss
of control of the trailer, leading to serious
injury or death.
Load the trailer with more weight below the
lift than on the lift.
Load the cargo up the drop ramp and into the
trailer, with approximately 60% of the cargo in the
front half of the trailer.
1.
Carefully lower the drop ramp to the ground.
Place short ramp extensions between the drop
ramp and the lift platform.
2. Load the cargo intended for the lift platform.
Do not load the lift platform beyond the
capacity of the lift. The maximum load that a
lift platform can carry is marked on the
platform. If the capacity is not noted on the lift,
call Featherlite, Inc. at 800-800-1230 for
assistance.
3. Secure the cargo to the lift platform. You are
responsible to secure your cargo in such a way
that it does not shift within the trailer, when the
trailer is being towed. The trailer “ride” can be
very bumpy and rough.
^ WARNING
A shifting load can result in failure, or to
loss of control of the trailer, and can lead to
death or serious injury.
You must tie down all loads with proper
sized fasteners, ropes, straps, etc. to
prevent the load from shifting while
trailering.
4.
Raise the platform. Verify that there are no
obstructions to the lift. Plug the control
pendant into the lift control socket and operate
the control. If the lift does not raise, check:
•
That the lift platform is not wedged in
place by any cargo.
•
That there is fluid in the lift pump fluid
reservoir.
The lift platform is operated either by:
•
A cable system, or
•
Four jackscrews