On the Road - continued
Do not exceed the specified tongue weight or spring bar rating. Damage to the trailer frame and poor handling
and braking may result.
Before towing this trailer consult the Owner's Manual for proper conventional loading, weighing procedures
and definitions. For safe operation on the road you must: Keep the loaded tongue weight between 10% and
15% of the trailers total weight. Do not exceed the trailer GVWR and GAWR. Do not exceed the tow vehicle
GVWR, GAWR, GCWR or hitch rating. Failure to move cargo or remove cargo to keep within the weight limits
can result in damage and/or loss of stability when towing resulting in serious injury or death. The following
warning tag is installed on your trailer. Please follow all recommendations in the Owner's Manual when loading
and towing your trailer.
DETERMINING AND DISTRIBUTING YOUR TRAILER'S LOAD
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for your trailer are found
on the label attached at the front road side of the trailer. You must compare the GVWR with the actual loaded
weight of your trailer. If the loaded weight of your trailer exceeds the GVWR, your trailer is overloaded and in
such a way you will have to remove items to bring the weight below the GVWR. Follow the method outlined
here to determine the weight distribution of your trailer. When weighing your trailer or tow vehicle always use
a platform scale such as those used by trucking companies or highway weigh scales. The weigh station
attendant can guide you through the correct positioning of the trailer and tow vehicle onto the scales.
1) Weigh the trailer by itself. After driving the tow vehicle and trailer onto the scale, disconnect the trailer
from the two vehicle and move the tow vehicle off the scale. The measured weight of the loaded trailer must
not exceed the GVWR of the trailer. If the GVWR is exceeded cargo or equipment items must be removed.
2) Find the tongue weight. When the total trailer weight is under the rated GVWR, you next determine the
trailer pin or tongue/coupler weight. Re-hitch the truck to the trailer. Move the trailer until the pin or tongue is
off the scales. Ensure the system is level. Read the trailer weight on the axles alone. Subtract
weight on the axle(s) from the total weight. This weight difference will be the approximate pin or tongue weight.
3) Calculate the percentage tongue weight. Divide the loaded tongue weight by the total loaded trailer
weight. Multiply this result by 100. This will tell what percent of the total weight the pin or tongue is carrying.
You need to know this to properly load your tow vehicle. If the tongue weight exceeds the proper range for
your trailer, shift some of the load rearward to arrive at the proper load. If the tongue weight is below the proper
range, move some of the load forward. If you have to shift the load to get the proper pin or tongue weight,
check to be sure that you do not exceed the weight rating of the axle(s), tire(s), tongue or hitch.
Recommended Weight Distribution
Conventional Trailer (Single Axle)
Minimum 10%
Conventional Trailer (Double Axle)
Minimum 10%
Fifth Wheel
Minimum 15%
Maximum 15%
Maximum 15%
Maximum 25%
Weight Distributing Hitches - A weight distribution hitch will change the weight distribution on the trailer and
tow vehicle axles. If used, it is recommended that the trailer and tow vehicle be re-weighed to ensure that
weight ratings are not exceeded.
4) With the trailer attached to the tow vehicle each wheel position should be weighted separately to be sure
individual axles and tires are not overloaded. If an overload condition exists on any axle or wheel position,
trailer loading must be redistributed or removed. If an overload situation is not corrected, tire or mechanical
failures may occur. The individual wheel positions (particularly the rear positions) on the towing vehicle should
also be weighed for possible overload while the trailer remains attached.
18
WARNING
WARNING
CAUTION!
Summary of Contents for 2013 Creek Side
Page 1: ......
