15
•
Ensure the hitch is in proper working order and in good condition.
•
Ensure the hitch is fastened tightly before attaching it to the coupler.
•
Ensure the safety chains are properly rigged once hitch and coupler are attached
Failure to properly couple the towing vehicle to the trailer can result in serious damage, injury
and death.
I
NADEQUATE OR
I
NAPPROPRIATE
T
OWING
V
EHICLE AND
H
ITCH
Using a hitch or towing vehicle with a load rating less than the load rating of the trailer can cause
you to lose control of the trailer, and lead to serious injury and death. Always make sure your
hitch and towing vehicle have the same rating as the GVWR as the trailer.
I
MPROPER
T
IRE
P
RESSURE AND
W
EARING
Trailer tires are carrying a heavier load than regular car or truck tires, and will therefore fail more
often. Because of this, make sure to inspect your tires before towing your trailer.
Do not use a tire if you see bald spots, bulges, cuts, cracks, or cords showing. If you see uneven
tread wear, it is recommended you take it in for maintenance to diagnose the cause. It is
recommended you do not tow your trailer with uneven tread wear since this will cause early wear
and tear on the tires, causing them to fail sooner than expected.
Always make sure your tires have the correct amount of pressure in them before towing.
Incorrect tire pressure will cause your trailer to be unstable, and can result in a tires blow out and
loss of control, which can lead to serious injury or death. Always make sure to check your tires in
cold weather, as the pressure will change with the temperature.
L
OOSE
L
UG
N
UTS
Please refer to the
Checking Your Trailer
section of this manual for more details.
Check your lug nuts to make sure they are tightened before towing your trailer. Failure to do so
could result in the wheel becoming loose, and cause serious injury or death.
I
MPROPER
T
RAILER
S
TRUCTURE
M
AINTENANCE
Aluminum trailers are advantageous since they will not rust the same way steel trailers will, but
you must still take sufficient care of them. Always make sure to never exceed the GVWR and the
GAWR of the trailer to prevent failure of the structure. Clean off your trailer of dirt and grime
after every tow. Inspect welds for cracks and wear. Inspect bolts to make sure they are
sufficiently tight.
