Smithco BIG VAC 72-000-A, Parts & Service

Page: 50 / 58

48
Accessories
TOWING SAFETY WARNINGS
1. Connect safety chains properly EVERY TIME YOU TOW. Cross chains under coupler. Attach securely to
the hitch or tow vehicle so they can’t bounce loose. Leave only enough slack to permit full turning. Too
much slack may prevent chains from maintaining control if other connections separate. Don’t let chains
drag on the road.
2. Make towing light and surge brake connections EVERY TIME YOU TOW, no matter how short the trip.
Check operation before getting on the road.
3. Check tire inflation often (min. 35 psi). Follow tow vehicle manufacturers recommendations. Improper tire
inflation can cause sweeper to sway.
4. Never allow people in or on sweeper while towing, under any circumstances.
5. The additional weight of a sweeper affects acceleration, braking and handling. Allow extra time for passing,
stopping and changing lanes. Severe bumps can damage your towing vehicle, hitch and sweeper. Drive
slowly on rough roads. Stop and make a thorough inspection if any part of your towing system strikes the
road. Correct any problems before resuming travel.
6. Check for excessive sway and eliminate it. Excessive sway can lead to loss of control. Sway motion
should settle out quickly. Sway tends to increase on a downgrade. Starting slowly, increase speed in
gradual steps. If sway occurs, adjust load and equipment. Repeat until the trailer is stable at highway
speed.
7. Turbulence from another vehicle, a wind gust, or a downgrade can cause sudden sway. So can a shift of
the sweepers load or a tire blowout. If the trailer sways it is the driver's responsibility to assess the
situation and take appropriate action. Below are suggestions that may apply, depending on conditions:
SAFE TOWING TIPS
DO
· Reduce your speed gradually
· Hold the steering wheel as steady as possible
· Apply the sweeper brakes alone, without using the tow vehicles brakes.
DON’T
· Don’t hit your brake pedal hard unless absolutely necessary. A “jackknife” can result.
· Don’t try to steer out of the sway condition. Sudden or violent steering can make it worse.
· Don’t speed up. Sway increases as you go faster.
· Don’t continue towing a sweeper that tends to sway. You may lose control during an emergency
maneuver or if the conditions listed above occur.