Bumper Pull Utility Trailer Owner’s Manual WARNING This Owner’s Manual contains safety information and instructions for your trailer. You must read this manual before loading or towing your trailer. You must follow all safety precautions and instructions. Carry-On Trailer, Inc.
Contents 1. Introduction............................................................................................. 5 2. Safety ..................................................................................................... 6 2.1 Safety Alert Symbols And Signal Words........................................................6 2.2 Major Hazards....................................................................................................6 2.2.1 Improper Sizing Of Trailer To Tow Vehicle.....
Contents 4. Coupling To Tow Vehicle....................................................................... 26 4.1 Tow Vehicle And Hitch....................................................................................26 4.1.1 Trailer Information........................................................................................................ 26 4.1.2 Tow Vehicle................................................................................................................... 26 4.
7. Breaking In A New Trailer..................................................................... 41 7.1 Retighten Lugs At First 10, 25 & 50 Miles.....................................................41 7.2 Adjust Brake At First 200 Miles.....................................................................41 7.3 Synchronizing Brake Systems......................................................................41 8. Accessories.............................................................................
Introduction 1. Introduction Congratulations on the purchase of your trailer. We believe you will be happy and completely satisfied with your purchase. Our goal is to provide a valued customer a quality trailer at a reasonable price. For your safety, read and understand this manual before operating your trailer. If there are any questions about information in this manual, please consult your dealer. When calling about your trailer, please have the VIN number available for the dealer.
Safety 2. Safety 2.1 Safety Alert Symbols And Signal Words An Owner’s Manual that provides general trailer information cannot cover all of the specific details necessary for the proper combination of every trailer, tow vehicle and hitch. You must read, understand and follow the instructions given by the tow vehicle and trailer hitch manufacturers, as well as the instructions in this manual. Our trailers are built with components produced by various manufacturers.
Safety the possibility for loss of control. Also your tires may overheat, increasing the possibility of a blowout. ^ WARNING Driving too fast for conditions can result in loss of control and cause death or serious injury. 2.2.4 Trailer Not Properly Coupled To Hitch It is critical that the trailer be securely coupled to the hitch, and that the safety chains and emergency breakaway brake lanyard are correctly attached. Uncoupling may result in death or serious injury to you and to others.
Safety 2.2.5 Proper Use Of Safety Chains Safety chains are provided so that control of the trailer can be maintained if your trailer comes loose from the hitch. ^ WARNING 2.2.7 Matching Trailer And Hitch ^ DANGER Be sure hitch and tow vehicle are rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer. Improper rigging of the safety chains can result in loss of control of the trailer and tow vehicle, leading to death or serious injury, if the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle.
Safety ^ WARNING Inflate tires to pressure stated on the Certification / VIN label. Improper tire pressure may cause unstable trailer. Blowout and loss of control may occur. Death or serious injury can result. Make sure of proper tire pressure before towing trailer. The tightness of the wheel nuts or bolts is very important in keeping the wheels properly seated to the hub. Before each tow, check to make sure they are tight.
Safety 2.2.10 Unsafe Load Distribution Improper front / rear load distribution can lead to an unstable trailer or poor tow vehicle handling. Poor trailer stability results from tongue weights that are too low, and poor tow vehicle stability results from tongue weights that are too high. Refer to the “Loading And Unloading” section for more information.
Safety 2.2.14 Trailer Modifications ^ WARNING Modification of the trailer structure or alteration of your trailer can make the trailer unsafe and will void all warranty options. Before making any alteration to the trailer, contact your dealer or the manufacturer and describe the alteration you are contemplating. Do not transport flammable, explosive, poisonous or other dangerous materials on your trailer. The exception is fuel in the tank of a vehicle or equipment being hauled. 2.2.
Safety Some drivers place their hands at the bottom of the steering wheel, and while the tow vehicle is in reverse, “think” of the hands as being on the top of the wheel. When the hands move to the right (counter-clockwise, as you would do to turn the tow vehicle to the left when moving forward), the rear of the trailer moves to the right. Conversely, rotating the steering wheel clockwise with your hands at the bottom of the wheel will move the rear of the trailer to the left, while backing up.
Safety 2.2.17 Safety Warning Labels On Your Trailer Depending on trailer configuration, your trailer may not be equipped with all safety labels shown.
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Safety ^ WARNING To protect you and others against death or serious injury, all applicable labels shown must be on the trailer and must be legible. If any of these labels are missing or cannot be read, contact your dealer for replacement labels.
Safety 2.2.18 Reporting Safety Defects If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Carry-On Trailer, Inc. 101 Joe Harvey St Lavonia, GA 30553 If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
Tire Safety 3. Tire Safety Information 3.1 Trailer Tire Information This portion of the User’s Manual contains tire safety information as required by 49 CFR 575.6. Trailer tires may be worn out even though they still have plenty of tread left. This is because trailer tires have to carry a lot of weight all the time, even when not in use. Section 3.1 contains “Trailer Tire Information”. Section 3.2 contains “Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit - Trailer”. Section 3.
Tire Safety after five years, trailer tires are considered worn out and should be replaced, even if they have had minimal or no use. This is such a general statement that it may not apply in all cases. It is best to have your tires inspected by a tire supplier to determine if your tires need to be replaced. If you are storing your trailer for an extended period, make sure the tires are fully inflated to the maximum rated pressure and that you store them in a cool, dry place, such as a garage.
Tire Safety 3.3 Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit - Tow Vehicle 1. Locate the statement, “The combined weight of 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs.,” on your vehicle’s placard. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers who will be riding in your vehicle. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage capacity.
Tire Safety is higher or deeper than the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire or the outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle. Light truck (LT) tire: A tire designated by its manufacturer as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles. May be used on trailers. Load rating: The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.
Tire Safety Rim diameter: This means the nominal diameter of the bead seat. Rim size designation: This means the rim diameter and width. Rim type designation: This means the industry of manufacturer’s designation for a rim by style or code. Rim width: This means the nominal distance between rim flanges. Section width: The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.
Tire Safety • • • Uniform Tire Quality Grading System Fundamental characteristics of tires Tire safety tips. Use this information to make tire safety a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine. Recognize that the time you spend is minimal compared with the inconvenience and safety consequences of a flat tire or other tire failure. 3.5.1 Safety First- Basic Tire Maintenance Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-carrying capability of your vehicle.
Tire Safety are what you will need to add. 5. At a service station, add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that is under inflated. 6. Check all the tires to make sure they have the same air pressure except in cases in which the front and rear tires are supposed to have different amounts of pressure).
Tire Safety Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall for improved steering response and better overall handling on dry pavement. R: The “R” stands for radial. Radial ply construction of tires has been the industry standard for the past 20 years. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure: This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions. 3.5.10.
Tire Safety trailers. ST: An “ST” is an indication the tire is for trailer use only. Max. Load Dual kg (lbs) at kPa (psi) Cold: This information indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a dual, that is, when four tires are put on each rear axle (a total of six or more tires on the vehicle). Max. Load Single kg (lbs) at kPa (psi) Cold: This information indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle 4. Coupling To Tow Vehicle Follow all of the safety precautions and instructions in this manual to ensure safety of persons, cargo, and satisfactory life of the trailer. 4.1 Tow Vehicle And Hitch If the vehicle and hitch are not properly selected and matched to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer, you can cause an accident that could lead to death or serious injury.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle Hitch: The connecting mechanism including the ball support platform and ball and those components that extend and are attached to the towing vehicle, including bumpers intended to serve as hitches. Safety chains: Chains permanently attached to the trailer such that if the coupler connection comes loose, the safety chains can keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle 4.3.1.1 Before Coupling Trailer To Tow Vehicle 1. Be sure the size and rating of hitch ball match the size and rating of the coupler. Hitch balls and couplers are marked with their size and rating. ^ WARNING Coupler-to-hitch mismatch can result in uncoupling, leading to death or serious injury. Be sure the LOAD RATING of the hitch ball is equal or greater than the load rating of the coupler. 6. Raise the bottom surface of the coupler to be above the top of the hitch ball. 4.3.1.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle 6. Lower the trailer so that its entire tongue weight is held by the hitch, and continue retracting the jack to its fully retraced position. ^ CAUTION ^ WARNING Ring-to-pintle mismatch can result in uncoupling, leading to death or serious injury. Drop leg jacks may be spring loaded and may rapidly return to the raise position when released. Be sure the LOAD RATING of the pintle is equal or greater than the load rating of the ring. Keep clear when releasing drop legs.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle 3. In the open position, the ring is able to drop fully onto the pintle. 7. Fully retract jack drop leg if equipped. Go to Section 4.3.3 “Connect Safety Chains” to continue connecting trailer to tow vehicle. 4.3.3 Connect Safety Chains 1. Visually inspect the safety chains and hooks for 4. See the coupler instructions for details of placing the pintle in the “open” position. 5. Slowly back up the tow vehicle so that the pintle is aligned under the ring. 4.3.2.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle hydraulic actuator will engage or the electric brake pullpin will be pulled out before all of the slack in the safety chains is taken up. Do not connect the lanyard to a safety chain, hitch ball or hitch ball assembly. This would keep the breakaway brake system from operating when it is needed.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle the tow vehicle. If the electrical system on your tow vehicle does not provide power to the battery, you must periodically charge the battery with a commercial battery charger to keep the battery charged. ^ CAUTION Extreme cold weather can degrade battery performance and cause brakes to not operate properly. Check battery charge level before towing. Do not tow trailer if the battery requires recharging.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle board should be 4 feet or longer so it will extend several feet above the actuator. Keep the end of the board a few inches off the ground, and position it to press against the front end of the actuator’s coupler. Press the board towards the rear of the trailer. Keep pressing the top of the board to stroke the actuator and its internal master cylinder. If the trailer brake system is operational, the brakes will apply and keep the trailer from rolling away from you.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle The numbers quoted are for example purposes only and should be tailored to the specific trailer. For questions regarding the actual percent of tongue weight for the trailer, check with the manufacturer for specifics. ^ WARNING 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. 4.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle ^ WARNING Used lock nuts are prone to loosen, resulting in the hitch separating from the trailer, which can lead to death or serious injury. NEVER re-use a lock nut. Use new lock nuts each time the hitch height is adjusted. Contact your dealer for the proper grade and size of lock nut. 6. Raise or lower the hitch as necessary. 7. Install bolts and new lock nuts. 8. Tighten lock nuts to torque specified by your dealer. 9.
Loading And Unloading 5. Loading And Unloading Improper trailer loading causes many accidents and deaths. To safely load a trailer, you must consider: • Overall load weight. • Load weight distribution. • Proper tongue weight. • Securing the load properly. To determine that you have loaded the trailer within its rating, you must consider the distribution of weight, as well as the total weight of the trailer and its contents.
Loading And Unloading ^ CAUTION ^ WARNING Use a safe lifting procedure to avoid injury when handling ramps. Loading a pivoting-deck trailer before retracting the deck catch pin can crack the catch pin, which can cause loss of cargo or loss of control of the trailer. Death or serious injury may result. 3. Remove ramps from storage position and secure to rear of trailer. Adjust ramp position to align with equipment tires or tracks.
Loading And Unloading 5.1.3.2 Hydraulic Tilt Trailer 1. Couple the trailer to the tow vehicle. ^ WARNING Trailer must be coupled to tow vehicle before loading trailer. 2. Read and understand the hoist operating procedure before operating the tilt deck. 3. Locate the tilt deck controller. Position yourself in a 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. safe location clear of the tilt deck. Press and hold button to raise the tilt deck. Release the button when the rear of the tilt deck touches the ground.
Loading And Unloading before operating the tilt deck. 6. Locate the tilt deck controller. Position yourself in a safe location clear of the tilt deck. 7. Press and hold button to raise the tilt deck. Release the button when the rear of the tilt deck touches the ground. 8. Unload the cargo from trailer. 9. Press and hold button to lower the tilt deck. Release the button when the tilt deck is in the driving position. 10. Stow controller. 5.
Pre-Tow Checklist 6. Pre-Tow Checklist 6.1 Pre-Tow Checklist Before towing, double-check all of these items: • Tires, wheels and lug nuts. See “Breaking In A New Trailer” section of this manual. • Tire Pressure. Inflate tires on trailer and tow vehicle to the pressure stated on the Certification / VIN label. • Coupler secured and locked. See “Coupling To Tow Vehicle” section of this manual. • Safety chains properly rigged to tow vehicle, not to hitch or ball.
Breaking In A New Trailer 7. Breaking In A New Trailer ^ WARNING 7.1 Retighten Lugs At First 10, 25 & 50 Miles Wheel lugs can shift and settle quickly after being first assembled, and must be checked after the first 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving. Failure to perform this check may result in a wheel coming loose from the trailer, causing a crash leading to death or serious injury. Improper tightening of the lug nuts or bolts voids the axle warranty.
Accessories 8. Accessories This section provides some basic information for the safe operation of accessories. You must read and follow these instructions before using the accessory. If you are uncertain whether you have all of the instructions, contact your dealer before operating the accessory. 8.1 Accessory Battery Your trailer may be equipped with an accessory battery that operates the tilt deck.
Inspection, Service And Maintenance 9. Inspection, Service And Maintenance 9.1 Inspection, Service & Maintenance Summary Charts You must inspect, maintain and service your trailer regularly to insure safe and reliable operation. If you cannot or are unsure how to perform the items listed here, have your dealer do them. Note: In addition to this manual, also check the relevant component manufacturer’s manual.
Inspection, Service And Maintenance Inspection And Service Every Month Inspection / Service Manual Section Reference Lubricate tilt deck pivot points (if Section 9. equipped). Item Lubrication Lubricate hydraulic cylinder ends (if Section 9. equipped). Item Brakes, electric • Magnet • Inspection and Service Every 6 Months or 6,000 Miles Inspection/Service Manual Section Reference Controller (in tow vehicle) Tires Check wear and current draw. Section 9. Check power output (amperage) Section 9.
Inspection, Service And Maintenance Item Brakes, all types • Shoes and Drums Inspection And Service Every Year or 12,000 Miles Inspection/Service Manual Section Reference Check for scoring and wear. Replace Section 9. per manufacturer’s specifications. See Brake Mfr’s Manual Jack, Drop-leg (if equipped) Structure • Frame Members • Welds Wheels • Wheel Bearings • Rims Structure • Axle Attachment Bolts Grease gears at top. See Jack Mfr’s Manual Inspect all frame members, bolts & Section 9.
Inspection, Service And Maintenance 9.2 Inspection And Service Instructions ^ WARNING Worn or broken suspension parts can cause loss of control and injury may result. Have trailer professionally inspected annually and after any impact. To perform many of the inspection and maintenance activities, you must jack up the trailer. When jacking and using jack stands, place them so as to clear wiring, brake lines, and suspension parts (springs, torsion bars, etc.).
Inspection, Service And Maintenance is “hard braked” from a rearward direction. Trailer disc brakes are self-adjusting and do not need to be periodically adjusted. Using pads or shoes without enough brake lining material can result in brake damage, create excessive heat and potentially cause the loss of braking capacity. Read your axle and brake manual to see how to adjust your brakes. If you do not have this manual, contact your dealer for assistance. 9.2.2.
Inspection, Service And Maintenance Check fluid level prior to using the trailer. The master cylinder is normally located on the tongue of the trailer. The fluid level must maintained at full mark on reservoir. Check with your dealer for the type of brake fluid used in the brake system. 9.2.3.2 Hydraulic Surge Brake Before each tow, perform the following steps: 1. Check that the brake master cylinder level as instructed above. Check for leaks and repair as required. 2.
Inspection, Service And Maintenance The coupler latch lever must be able to rotate freely and automatically snap into the latched position. Oil the pivot points, sliding surfaces, and spring ends with SAE 30W motor oil. Keep the ball pocket and latch mechanism clean. Dirt or contamination can prevent proper operation of the latching mechanism. To avoid risk of collisions, all lights must work. 9.2.7 Wheel Rims When replacing a ball, the load rating must match or exceed the GVWR of the trailer.
Inspection, Service And Maintenance Never go under trailer unless it is on firm and level ground and resting on properly placed and secured jack stands. If your axle(s) are equipped with a grease zerk on the ends of the axle(s), the bearings must be greased every 6 months or 6,000 miles to ensure reliable and safe operation of your trailer. 1. Remove the rubber plug from the axle end. 2. Place grease gun on zerk. 3. Pump grease until new grease begins to appear.
Inspection, Service And Maintenance Lug nuts or bolts are prone to loosen after being first assembled. Death or serious injury can result. Check lug nuts or bolts for tightness on a new trailer, and after re-mounting a wheel at 10, 25 and 50 miles. ^ WARNING Metal creep between the wheel rim and lug nuts or bolts can cause rim to loosen. Death or injury can occur if wheel comes off. Tighten lug nuts or bolts before each tow.
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