Operating Guide
6
2. Safety
2.1 Safety alert SymBolS and SIgnal
wordS
An Owner’s Manual that provides general trailer
information cannot cover all of the specic 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. Some of these items have
separate instruction manuals. Where this manual
indicates that you should read another manual, and
you do not have that manual, contact your dealer for
assistance.
The safety information in this manual is denoted by the
safety alert symbol:
^
This symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
The level of risk is indicated by the following signal
words:
^ DANGER
DANGER - Indicates a hazardous situation,
which, if not avoided, WILL result in death
or serious injury.
^ WARNING
WARNING - Indicates a hazardous
situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
^ CAUTION
CAUTION - Indicates a hazardous situation,
which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
NOTICE
NOTICE - Indicates a situation that could
result in damage to the equipment or other
property.
2.2 major hazardS
Loss of control of the trailer or trailer/tow vehicle
combination can result in death or serious injury. The
most common causes for loss of control of the trailer
are:
• Improper sizing the trailer for the tow vehicle, or
vice versa.
• Excessive Speed: Driving too fast for the
conditions.
• Improper braking and steering under sway
conditions
• Overloading and/or improper weight distribution.
• Not keeping lug nuts tight.
• Failure to adjust driving behavior when towing a
trailer.
• Not maintaining proper tire pressure
• Improper or mis-coupling of the trailer to the hitch.
2.2.1 Improper SIzIng of traIler to tow VehIcle
Trailers that weigh too much for the tow vehicle can
cause stability problems, which can lead to death or
serious injury. The additional strain put on the engine
and drive-train may lead to serious tow vehicle
maintenance problems.
Do not exceed the maximum towing capacity of your
tow vehicle. The towing capacity of your tow vehicle,
in terms of maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and
maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
can be found in the tow vehicle Owner’s Manual.
^ DANGER
Use of an under-rated hitch, ball or tow
vehicle can result in loss of control leading
to death or serious injury.
Make certain your hitch and tow vehicle
are rated for your trailer.
2.2.2 drIVIng too faSt
With ideal road conditions, the maximum recommended
speed for safely towing a trailer is 55 mph. Driving
too fast can cause the trailer to sway, thus increasing
Safety