SECTION 1 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1-2
– Triple-L-Trailer –
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Anticipate the trailer “swaying.” Swaying is the trailer reac-
tion to the air pressure wave caused by passing trucks
and busses. Continued pulling of the trailer provides a sta-
bilizing force to correct swaying. Do not apply the brakes
to correct trailer swaying.
Check rear view mirrors frequently to observe the trailer
and traffic.
Use lower gear when driving down steep or long grades.
Use the engine and transmission as a brake. Do not ride
the brakes, as they can overheat and become ineffective.
Be aware of your trailer height, especially when approach-
ing roofed areas and when around trees.
Hitting a bump or depression in the road surface or run-
ning off the shoulder of the road, and then returning to the
road surface, can adversely affect the stability of the trailer
or towing vehicle.
Rounding a corner or curve at excessive speed can
adversely affect the stability of the trailer or towing vehicle.
Trailer Improperly Coupled to the Hitch
It is critical that the trailer be securely coupled to the hitch,
and that the safety chains are correctly attached. Uncou-
pling could 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 AND THE TRAILER JACK(S) ARE FULLY
RETRACTED.
DO NOT TOW THE TRAILER ON THE ROAD UNTIL THE TIRES
AND WHEELS ARE CHECKED, THE TRAILER BRAKES ARE
CHECKED, THE BREAKAWAY CABLE IS CONNECTED TO THE
TOW VEHICLE, THE LOAD IS SECURED TO THE TRAILER AND
THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE CONNECTED AND CHECKED.
Incorrect Use of Safety Chains
If your trailer comes loose from the hitch for any reason,
safety chains are provided so that control of the trailer can
still be maintained. The chains originally supplied with the
trailer are of proper size. Be sure the chains are not
allowed to drag while towing. If links become worn,
replace with proper size chain. Always check that the
chains are attached to the tow vehicle before towing.
FASTEN CHAINS ONLY TO FRAME OF TOW VEHICLE. DO NOT
FASTEN CHAINS TO ANY PART OF THE HITCH UNLESS THE
HITCH HAS HOLES OR LOOPS SPECIFICALLY FOR THAT PUR-
POSE. CROSS CHAINS UNDERNEATH HITCH AND COUPLER
WITH ENOUGH SLACK TO PERMIT TURNING AND TO HOLD
TONGUE UP, IF THE TRAILER COMES LOOSE.
Incorrect Use of Breakaway Brake
When equipped with brakes, a breakaway brake system
applies the brakes on your trailer if your trailer comes
loose from the hitch for any reason. The safety chains and
breakaway brake system must be in good condition and
properly rigged to be effective.
THE BREAKAWAY CABLE MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE TOW
VEHICLE; AND NOT TO ANY PART OF THE HITCH. BEFORE TOW-
ING THE TRAILER, TEST THE FUNCTION OF THE BREAKAWAY
BRAKE SYSTEM. IF THE BREAKAWAY BRAKE SYSTEM IS NOT
WORKING, DO NOT TOW THE TRAILER; HAVE IT SERVICED OR
REPAIRED.
Mismatch of Trailer and Hitch
The use of a Weight Carrying Hitch instead of a Weight
Distributing Hitch can place too much tongue load on the
rear end of the towing vehicle. This combined loading can
cause the rear end of the towing vehicle to sag downward
and the forward end to be raised upward, causing steer-
ing problems and towing vehicle sway at other than slow
speeds.
BE SURE YOUR HITCH AND TOW VEHICLE ARE RATED FOR THE
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING OF YOUR TRAILER.
Unsafe Tires, Lug Nuts or Wheels
It is essential to visually inspect the trailer tires and wheels
before each tow.
If a tire has a bald spot, bulge, cuts, is showing any cords,
or is cracked, replace the tire before towing. If a tire has
uneven tread wear, take the trailer to a dealer or service
center for diagnosis. Uneven tread wear can be caused by
tire imbalance, axle misalignment or incorrect inflation.
Tires with too little tread will not provide adequate tracking
on wet roadways and could result in loss of control, lead-
ing to death or serious injury.
Improper tire pressure may cause an unstable trailer and
could result in a tire blowout and loss of control. Tires
must be inspected and inflated in accordance with section
4 of this manual.
TRAILER TIRES WILL BE INFLATED TO HIGHER PRESSURES
THAN PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES. UNDER-INFLATED FRONT
TIRES ON THE TOWING VEHICLE COULD CAUSE STEERING
PROBLEMS. LOW PRESSURE IN THE REAR TIRES OF THE TOW-
ING VEHICLE COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SWAY.
