Table of Contents
An Industry Best from a Manufacturer You Can Count On... .......................... 2
1 INTRODUCTION AND WARRANTY .................................................. 5
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 5
1.2 Warranty ................................................................................................. 6
2 GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION ............................................... 10
2.1 Safety Alert Symbols and Signal Words ............................................... 10
2.2 Major Hazards ...................................................................................... 10
Improper Sizing of the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle ......................................... 11
Driving Too Fast ........................................................................................... 11
Failure to Adjust Driving Behavior When Towing a Trailer ............................ 11
Trailer Not Properly Coupled to the Hitch ..................................................... 12
Proper Use of Safety Chains ........................................................................ 13
Proper Connection of Breakaway Brake ....................................................... 13
Matching Trailer and Hitch ............................................................................ 14
Worn Tires, Loose Wheels and Lug Nuts ..................................................... 14
Improper Loading.......................................................................................... 16
Unsafe Load Distribution .............................................................................. 16
Shifting Cargo ............................................................................................... 17
Inappropriate Cargo ...................................................................................... 18
Inoperable Brakes or Lights .......................................................................... 18
Trailer Modifications ...................................................................................... 19
Hazards For Dump Trailers .......................................................................... 19
Hazards For Tilt Deck Trailers ...................................................................... 20
Hazards from Accessories ............................................................................ 21
Safety Warning Labels on Your Trailer ......................................................... 22
Safe Trailer Towing Guidelines ..................................................................... 34
Reporting Safety Defects .............................................................................. 35
3 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION ......................................................... 36
3.1 Trailer Tire Information ......................................................................... 36
3.2 Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit – Trailer .............................. 37
Trailers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less ........................................................ 38
Trailers Over 10,000 Pounds GVWR ............................................................ 38
3.3 Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit – Tow Vehicle ..................... 39
3.4 Glossary Of Tire Terminology ............................................................... 39
3.5 Tire Safety - Everything Rides On It ..................................................... 43
Safety First–Basic Tire Maintenance ............................................................ 44
Finding Your Vehicle's Recommended Tire Pressure and Load Limits ........ 44
Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits .............................................. 44
Checking Tire Pressure ................................................................................ 45
Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure .................................................. 45
Tire Size .................................................................................................... 46
Tire Tread .................................................................................................... 46
Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment............................................................... 46
Tire Repair .................................................................................................... 46
Tire Fundamentals ........................................................................................ 46
3.5.1.1 Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires ................................... 47
3.5.1.2 UTQGS Information .................................................................. 49
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