This information is the property of Sauber Mfg. Co. and is intended for customer use only.
Operation & Maintenance Manual
Model 1580-TBA Tilt-Bed Trailer
07/2017
Page 2
Improper sizing of the tow vehicle for the trailer
Trailers that weigh too much for the tow vehicle can cause unsafe stability issues which can lead to loss of control
and a serious accident. Know your vehicle tow rating and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR.) Vehicle
manufacturers will provide you with maximum towing capacities, as well as the GCWR. The additional strain put
on the engine and drive-train of the vehicle may also lead to serious maintenance problems. For these reasons,
the maximum towing capacity of your towing vehicle should not be exceeded. The towing capacity of your vehicle
can be found in the tow vehicle's Owner's Manual.
Use of a hitch with a load rating less than the load rating of the trailer can result in loss of control and may lead to
a serious accident. Ensure that your hitch and tow vehicle are rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and tongue weight of your trailer.
Overloading and/or improper weight distribution
The total weight of the load you put in or on the trailer, plus the empty weight of the trailer itself, must not exceed
the trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR.) If you do not know the empty weight of the trailer plus the
cargo weight, you must weigh the loaded trailer at a commercial scale. In addition, you must distribute the load in
the trailer such that the load on any axle does not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR.) The GVWR and
GAWR are located on the OEM certification and VIN label attached to the front frame of the trailer.
Never exceed the trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or the Gross Axle Weight Rating. Do not load a trailer so
that the weight on any tire exceeds its rating.
Improper front/rear load distribution can lead to trailer sway and poor handling conditions. Undesirable trailer
sway results from tongue weights that are too low, while tow vehicle instability results from tongue weights that
are too high.
Uneven left/right load distribution can cause tire, wheel, axle or structural failure. To the extent possible, be sure
your trailer is evenly loaded left/right. Towing stability also depends on keeping the center of gravity as low as pos-
sible.
Make certain the tongue weight is within the allowable range. Keep the center of gravity as low as possible.
Unsecured loads
Your trailer may be designed for specific cargo, such as reels, or poles. If your trailer is designed for specific
cargo, do not carry any other cargo such as people, hazardous substances or containers of flammable materials.
It is important to avoid shifting cargo. The trailer ride can be bumpy and rough. Securing cargo so that it does not
shift or bounce out of the trailer is imperative. Tie down all loads with proper sized fasteners. Always secure doors
or lids if present on your trailer by securing it's latch.
