An overloaded trailer can result in failure
or loss of control of the trailer, leading to
death or serious injury.
Never load a trailer so that the weight on
any tire exceeds its rating.
Never exceed the trailer Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or axle Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR).
Improper tongue weight (load distribution)
can result in loss of control of the trailer,
leading to death or serious injury.
Make certain that tongue weight is within
the allowable range.
Be sure to:
• Distribute the load evenly, right and left.
• Keep the center of gravity low.
• Distribute the load front-to-rear to provide
proper tongue weight (see chart).
A shifting load can result in failure, or to
loss of control of the trailer, and can lead
to death or serious injury.
You must tie down all loads with proper
sized fasteners, chains, straps, etc. to
prevent the load from shifting while
towing.
Do not transport people on your trailer.
Besides putting their lives at risk, the
transport of people on a trailer is illegal.
Practice Practice Practice with the Trailer
If you are new to towing an off-road trailer it is highly recommended for you to practice in a
safe
environment where you can see the different maneuverability and braking that a trailer
requires. Drive slowly at first about 5 mph and practice with the trailer until you are
comfortable how the trailer follows the vehicle. Practice stopping the vehicle and backing up
the trailer. Make sure you are in a safe environment with no people or obstacles in the way.
Basic Towing Guidelines
1.
before using Off-road
t
railer check the following
a.
Coupling
b.
Safety Chains
c.
Brakes
d.
Tires
e.
Wheels
f.
Lights
g.
Lug Nuts
h.
Nothing will move when towing
i.
Doors are
l
ocked
2. M
ake sure the mirrors can see oncoming traffic
3.
Use the
t
urn
s
ignals way in advance
4.
Leave a big gap to stop
5.
Use
l
ower
g
ears to climb and
go
down hills
6.
STOP each 50 miles and recheck everything again
7. Use Caution
on bumps and holes in the road
8.
Drive at 55 mph no faster
9. I
f you pass allow a big distance
DO NOT DRIVE OVER 55 MPH
