6
6
Loading Gear
MAXIMUM GROSS TRAILER
WEIGHT
Your maximum gross trailer weight,
or gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) is 400 lbs. (181kg). This
is the combination of the trailer’s
empty weight (approximately 150
lbs. (68kg)) and its maximum cargo
weight of 250 lbs. (113kg). If your
RACKandROLL 78 trailer model
has the heavy-duty shocks (orange/
blue color), your GVWR is 450 lbs.
(204kg) with a maximum cargo
weight of 350 lbs. (159kg).
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
A minimum of 10% to 15% of the total weight of the trailer and
cargo should be on the tongue coupler. With your trailer loaded,
place a bathroom scale under each wheel and under the tongue
coupler. Add all three numbers for the total weight. Confirm that
10-15% of this number is on the tongue coupler. (
For example,
a maximum load of 250 lbs. (113kg) (results in a 400 lb. (181kg)
total GVWR weight, so the tongue coupler should “weigh” 40-60
lbs. (18-27kg))
In general, 60% of your cargo weight should be
forward of the wheels. You must also balance the weight from
side to side. Adjust the load and/or the front-to-rear location of
the crossbars if necessary so the weight is
centered and slightly forward on the trailer
frame.
ATTACHING YOUR GEAR
Use Yakima
®
roof rack system hardware to
attach gear to your RACKandROLL trailer
crossbars. You can think of your trailer as
a roof rack with its own wheels.
Follow manufacturers’
recommendations and instructions for
the proper and safe attachment of your
accessories and gear.
Whether you want to carry kayaks,
canoes, bicycles, or secure your gear in our aerodynamic boxes,
you can take advantage of the world’s most popular roof rack
carrying systems and accessories from Yakima to meet your
needs. If you carry a boat and accessories, make sure you meet
applicable state regulations regarding using a red flag (day) and
marker light (night) if the boat overhangs a given number of feet
off the rear, as determined by the state(s) in which you travel.
WARNING:
GEAR LOADED WITH A HIGH CENTER OF
GRAVITY INCREASES THE POSSIBILITY
OF A TRAILER ROLL-OVER IN CERTAIN
SITUATIONS.
Serious injury or death
can also result if you
load the trailer without enough weight on the
tongue coupler; the trailer may fishtail and
cause a loss of control of the tow vehicle. Long
boats should be tied at the front to the tongue
to keep boats from rocking.
