Lance 1130, Owner'S Manual

Page: 14 / 132

14
WARNING
Coupler and hitch selection and condition
are critical for safe towing.
Uncoupling can result in death or serious
injury.
• Make sure the hitch and ball are rated
for the trailer.
• Make sure the hitch [ball size] matches
the coupler.
• Check the hitch ball for wear, corrosion
and cracks before coupling.
• Replace worn, corroded or cracked
hitch ball before coupling to the trailer.
• Make sure the hitch ball is tight to the
hitch before coupling the trailer.
WARNING
An improperly coupled trailer can result in
death or serious injury.
Do not move the trailer until:
• The coupler is secured and locked;
• The safety chains are secured to the tow
vehicle; and
• The trailer jacks are fully retracted.
Do not tow the trailer on the road until:
• The trailer brakes are checked;
• The breakaway switch is connected to the
tow vehicle;
• The load is secured to the trailer; and
• The trailer lights are connected and
checked.
Proper Use of Safety Chains
Safety chains are provided on bumper pull trailers
so that control of the trailer can still be maintained if
the trailer comes loose from the tow vehicle for any
reason.
To be effective, safety chains must be in good
condition and properly connected to the tow vehicle.
WARNING
Incorrect rigging of the safety chains can
result in loss of control of the trailer and tow
vehicle, leading to death or serious injury, if
the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle.
Chains must:
• Fasten to frame of tow vehicle, not to
hitch or ball.
• Cross underneath hitch and coupler
with minimum slack to permit turn-
ing and to hold tongue up, if the trailer
comes loose.
Proper Connection of Breakaway Switch
Your trailer is equipped with a breakaway system
that can apply the brakes on your trailer if your trailer
comes loose from the hitch for any reason. The
breakaway system, including the trailer battery,
must be in good condition and properly rigged to
be effective.
WARNING
An ineffective breakaway system can result
in a runaway trailer, leading to death or seri-
ous injury if the coupler or ball hitch fails.
Test the function of the breakaway system
before towing the trailer. Do not tow the
trailer if the breakaway system is not work-
ing; have it serviced or repaired.
Connect the breakaway lanyard to the tow
vehicle –
NOT to the safety chains; and
NOT to the hitch, ball or support.
Matching Trailer and Hitch
DANGER
Use of an under-rated hitch, ball or tow
vehicle can result in loss of control leading
to death or serious injury.
Make certain your hitch and tow vehicle are
rated for your trailer.
Worn Tires, Loose Wheels and Lug Nuts
Just as with your tow vehicle, the trailer tires and
wheels are important safety items. Therefore, it is
essential to inspect the trailer tires before each tow.