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Warning - Econoline Trailers

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1. Shifting cargo can result in loss of control of the trailer and can lead to death or serious injury Tie down all loads with proper sized fasteners ropes straps etc USE CAUTION WHEN UTILIZING RATCHET BINDERS to secure your load Over binding and or ratcheting may cause damage to vour trailer Damage could include Damaged Side rails Bending of Frame Breaking or Cracking Welds Breaking Binding Chains Ropes Straps Damage to cargo 4 2 1 DISTRIBUTING THE_CARGO OPEN TRAILER Couple the trailer to the tow vehicle before loading This is essential for the bumper pull trailer because the tongue of a bumper pull trailer can rise during loading before the cargo is properly distributed To measure the tongue weight you will have to uncouple the trailer after it is loaded 35 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow Do not transport people containers of hazardous substances cans or containers of flammable substances such as gasoline kerosene paint etc However fuel in the tank of an off road vehicle or a car or motorcycle etc may be carried on your open trailer 4 2 1 1 Preparing the Trailer for Loading Before loading cargo onto the trailer e Inspect the deck of the trailer for corrosion or damage and e Inspect the hold down openings and or D rings Hold down openings must be sturdy with no visible cracks or kinks D rings must be tight to the deck and must not be bent If
2. cracking and rust and corrosion proper and secure attachment of flooring to frame Inspect for wear loss of arch bending or loosening of fasteners cracks in welds Inspect for Cuts cracks wear bulging etc Repack bearings inspect for damage or wear Break In Service Before 1 Trip Before 1 Trip Before 1 Trip Before 1 Trip Before 1 Trip Every 50 Miles for First 200 Miles Every 50 Miles for First 200 Miles Before 1 Trip 41 Weekly 3 Months or 3000 Miles 6 Months 12 Mos or 6000 or 12000 Miles miles At Every Use At Every Use At Every Use At Every Use At Every Use Repeat Break In Service whenever wheel is removed Repeat Break In Service whenever wheel is removed X Me Ae Brake Linings Pads Item Oil Seals Equalizers Hitch Hydraulic Cylinder Tilt Bed Models Trailer Wiring Mainframe Inspect for excessive unusual wear or contamination Maintenance Schedule Continued Function Required oil to manufacturer s specifications Grease and check for improper wear Regardless of hitch type lubrication is required Inspect for abnormal wear lubricate hoses for leaks or wear spots fray etc Visually inspect the trailer main frame and all welded points for cracks distortion excessive corrosion or any other condition that might negatively affect the structural Break In Service Chec
3. Maximum load Load amp inflation when used as a dual Severe snow Light conditions Maximum load A amp inflation when Load inflation used as a single limits Tires for light trucks have other markings besides those found on the sidewalls of passenger tires LT The LT indicates the tire is for light trucks or 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 Ibs at kPa psi Cold This information indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single Load Range This information identifies the tire s load carrying capabilities and its inflation limits 2 4 11 TIRE SAFETY TIPS Preventing Tire Damage e Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other object in the road e Do not run over curbs or other foreign objects in the roadway and try not to strike the curb when parking Tire Safety Checklist e Check tire pressure regularly at least once a month including the spare Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread cracks foreign objects or other signs of wear or trauma Remove bits of glass and foreign objects wedged in the tread Make sure your tire valves have valve caps Check tire pressure b
4. or Equalizing Hitch A mechanical device that connects the trailer to the towing vehicle and by means of leverage applied on both the trailer and towing vehicle structures when properly adjusted distributes the imposed vertical load at the hitch and coupling connection between structures of the towing vehicle and trailer 25 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow Weight Carrying Hitch A mechanical and or structural device that connects the trailer to the towing vehicle and that does not employ features designed to redistruibute the load imposed at the hitch and carrying connection Safety chains or cables Chains or cables permanently attached to the trailer such that if the coupler connection comes loose the safety chains or cables can keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle With properly rigged safety chains or cables it is possible to keep the tongue of the trailer from digging into the road pavement even if the coupler to hitch connection comes apart Some states do not allow safety cables e g Pennsylvania therefore it may be wise to check with the State Police to see if your state has any restrictions on the use of safety cables if your trailer is SO equipped Trailer lighting and braking connector A device that connects electrical power from the tow vehicle to the trailer Electricity is used to turn on brake lights running lights and turn signals as required In addition if your trailer has a separate brak
5. trailer brakes General Safety Information Improper electrical connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer will result in inoperable lights and electric brakes and can lead to collision Before each tow Check that the taillights brake lights and turn signals work Check that the electric brakes work by operating the brake controller inside the tow vehicle Standard mirrors usually do not provide adequate visibility for viewing traffic to the sides and rear a towed trailer You must provide mirrors that allow you to safely observe approaching traffic 1 2 13 HAZARDS FROM MODIFYING YOUR TRAILER Essential safety items can be damaged by altering your trailer Before making any alteration to your trailer contact your dealer or Econoline Trailers Inc Error Reference source not found at 1 800 624 1866 and describe the alteration you are contemplating Alteration of the trailer structure or modification of mechanical electrical or other systems on your trailer must be performed only by qualified technicians who are familiar with the system as installed on your trailer 1 2 14 SAFETY WARNING LABELS ON YOUR TRAILER Figure 1 1 Warning Labels and Locations BREAKAWAY SWITCH LABEL TIRE PRESSURE TORQUE LABEL EACH SIDE E WEIGHT L DOT REQUIRED MARKING amp REFLECTIVE TAPE EACH SIDE General Safety Information To protect you and others against death or serious injury all of the labels sh
6. Econoline Trailers Inc at 1 800 624 1866 for a free copy The breakaway brake system may be fitted with a charging capability that draws power from the tow vehicle If the electrical system on your tow vehicle does not provide power to the breakaway brake battery you must periodically charge the battery to keep the breakaway brake system in working order Connect the pull pin lanyard to the tow vehicle so that the pull pin will be pulled out before all of the slack in the safety chains is taken up see Breakaway Brake System figure Do not connect the pull pin cable to a safety chain or to the hitch ball or hitch ball assembly This would keep the breakaway brake system from operating when it is needed To test the break away brake battery remove the pull pin from the switch and attempt to pull the trailer forward You should feel the trailer resisting being towed but the wheels will not necessarily be locked If the brakes do not function do not tow the trailer until brakes or battery are repaired Immediately replace the pull pin The breakaway brake system battery discharges rapidly when the pull pin is removed An ineffective breakaway brake system can result in a runaway trailer leading to death or serious injury if the coupler or ball hitch fails Connect the breakaway cable to the tow vehicle and NOT to the hitch ball or support Before towing the trailer test the function of the breakaway brake system If the bre
7. a non pneumatic tire assembly incorporating a wheel a mechanical device which attaches either integrally or separably to the non pneumatic rim and provides the connection between the non pneumatic rim and the vehicle or in the case of a non pneumatic tire assembly not incorporating a wheel a mechanical device which attaches either integrally or separably to the non pneumatic tire and provides the connection between tire and the vehicle Wheel holding fixture The fixture used to hold the wheel and tire assembly securely during testing 2 4 TIRE SAFETY EVERYTHING RIDES ON IT The National Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA has published a brochure DOT HS 809 361 that discusses all aspects of Tire Safety as required by CFR 575 6 This brochure is reproduced in part below It can be obtained and downloaded from NHTSA free of charge from the following web site http www nhtsa dot gov cars rules TireSafety ridesonit tires_index html Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire pressure observing tire and vehicle load limits not carrying more weight in your vehicle than your tires or vehicle can safely handle avoiding road hazards and inspecting tires for cuts slashes and other irregularities are the most important things you can do to avoid tire failure such as tread separation or blowout and flat tires These actions along with other care and maintenance activities can also Improve vehicle handling Help
8. about once each hour Confirm that The coupler is secure to the hitch and is locked Electrical connectors are made There is appropriate slack in the safety chains There is appropriate slack in the breakaway switch pullpin cable The tires are not visibly low on pressure and The cargo is secure and in good condition 12 General Safety Information 2 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION This portion of the User s Manual contains tire safety information as required by 49 CFR 575 6 Section 2 1 contains Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit Trailer Section 2 2 contains Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit Tow Vehicle Section 2 3 contains a Glossary of Tire Terminology including cold inflation pressure maximum inflation pressure recommended inflation pressure and other non technical terms Section 2 4 contains information from the NHTSA brochure entitled Tire Safety Everything Rides On It This brochure describes the following items e Tire labeling including a description and explanation of each marking on the tires and information about the DOT Tire Identification Number TIN e Recommended tire inflation pressure including a description and explanation of A Cold inflation pressure B Vehicle Placard and location on the vehicle C Adverse safety consequences of under inflation including tire failure D Measuring and adjusti
9. cooling will shorten transmission life and may result in sudden transmission failure Ask the tow vehicle dealer if it is necessary to install a separate oil cooler for the automatic transmission Fire Extinguisher It is sensible to have a fire extinguisher in the tow vehicle Emergency Flares and Emergency Triangle Reflectors It is wise to carry these warning devices even if you are not towing a trailer It is particularly important to have these when towing a trailer because the hazard flashers of your towing vehicle will not operate for as long a period of time when the battery is running both the trailer lights and tow vehicle lights 3 2 COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING THE TRAILER A secure coupling or fastening of the trailer to the tow vehicle is essential A loss of coupling may result in death or serious injury Therefore you must understand and follow all of the instructions for coupling The following parts are involved in making a secure coupling between the trailer and tow vehicle Coupling That part of the trailer connecting mechanism by which the connection is actually made to the trailer hitch This does not include any structural member extension of the trailer frame or brake controller Hitch That part of 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 Weight Distributing Hitch
10. designed to carry Front and rear gross axle weight ratings GAWR the maximum weight the axle systems are designed to Carry Both placards and certification labels are permanently attached to the trailer near the left front 2 4 3 UNDERSTANDING TIRE PRESSURE AND LOAD LIMITS Tire inflation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it with load carrying capacity and affects the overall performance of the vehicle The tire inflation pressure is a number that indicates the amount of air pressure measured in pounds per square inch psi a tire requires to be properly inflated You will also find this number on the vehicle information placard expressed in kilopascals kPa which is the metric measure used internationally Manufacturers of passenger vehicles and light trucks determine this number based on the vehicle s design load limit that is the greatest amount of weight a vehicle can safely carry and the vehicle s tire size The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is referred to as the recommended cold inflation pressure As you will read below it is difficult to obtain the recommended tire pressure if your tires are not cold Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of vehicle tire manufacturers list the maximum permissible inflation pressure on the tire sidewall This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions 2 4 4 CHECKING
11. for submitting to the manufacturer any claim you wish to make under the terms of this Limited Warranty REQUIRED WARRANTY CLAIM PROCEDURE 1 In order to validate your Limited Warranty Your Online Warranty Registration must be completed or the original copy of this form signed by the dealer and the purchaser must be postmarked to Econoline Trailers Inc no later than ten 10 days following the purchase of your Econoline trailer IF THIS SIGNED WARRANTY IS NOT POSTMARKED BY THE TENTH DAY AFTER PURCHASE OF THIS TRAILER ALL EXPRESS WARRANTIES SHALL BE NULL AND VOID 2 Within five 5 days after discovering a problem with your Econoline trailer return the trailer for inspection to your Econoline Trailers dealer where you bought the trailer 3 Tf the dealer determines that the work to be performed may qualify for coverage under this Limited Warranty and you want to file a claim under this warranty he or she must complete a Limited Warranty Claim form and submit it to Econoline Trailers Inc by registered mail or fax together with all required information prior to any work being done a A representative of Econoline Trailers will gather the required information and a determination will be made to either warrant the repair work or decline the claim NOTE Additional information may be required to complete the warranty claim assessment including but not limited to photographs recent repair bills and state inspection documentation b Once a
12. have these instructions call Econoline Trailers Inc at 1 800 624 1866 for a free copy TIRE PRESSURE Check tire pressures on both the trailer and tow vehicle Inflate to the maximum shown on the VIN Certification Label 40 7 INSPECTION SERVICE amp MAINTENANCE 7 1 INSPECTION SERVICE amp 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 Severe conditions including excessive brake usage extremely rough roads etc may require more frequent maintenance Note In addition to this manual also check the relevant component manufacturer s manual Item Brakes Lighting and Electrical components Breakaway System Hitch and Safety Chains Tire Inflation Wheel Wheel Nuts Brake Controller Flooring Springs and Suspension parts Tire Condition Wheel Bearings Maintenance Schedule Function Required Test that they are functioning properly Test that they are functioning properly Check Battery Charge and switch operation Inspect for wear operation and security Check air pressure in all tires and insure they are Inflated to Manufacturer s Specification Inspect for damage nicks our of round Tighten to proper Torque specs Check for correct amperage amp modulation Inspect for rot
13. 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 Fasten chains to frame of tow vehicle Do not fasten chains to any part of the hitch unless the hitch has holes or loops specifically for that purpose Cross chains underneath hitch and coupler with enough slack to permit turning and to hold tongue up if the trailer comes loose 1 2 6 PROPER CONNECTION OF BREAKAWAY BRAKE If equipped with brakes your trailer will be equipped with a breakaway brake system that can apply the brakes on your trailer if your trailer comes loose from the hitch ball for any reason The breakaway brake system including battery must be in good condition and properly rigged to be effective General Safety Information An ineffective or inoperative breakaway brake system can result in a runaway trailer leading to death or serious injury if the coupler or hitch fails The breakaway cable must be connected to the tow vehicle and NOT to any part of the hitch Before towing the trailer test the function of the breakaway brake system If the breakaway brake system is not working do not tow the trailer have it serviced or repaired 1 2 7 MATCHING TRAILER AND HITCH Use of a hitch with a load rating less than the load rating of the trailer can result in loss of control and may lead to death or serious injury 1 2 8 WORN TIRES LOOSE WHEELS AND L
14. tire gauge until you get to the correct pressure e Step 4 If the tire pressure is too low note the difference between the measured tire pressure and the correct tire pressure These missing pounds of pressure are what you will need to add e Step 5 At a service station add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that is underinflated e Step 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 If you have been driving your vehicle and think that a tire is underinflated fill it to the recommended cold inflation pressure indicated on your vehicle s tire information placard or certification label While your tire may still be slightly underinflated due to the extra pounds of pressure in the warm tire it is safer to drive with air pressure that is slightly lower than the vehicle manufacturer s recommended cold inflation pressure than to drive with a significantly underinflated tire Since this is a temporary fix don t forget to recheck and adjust the tire s pressure when you can obtain a cold reading 2 4 6 TIRE SIZE To maintain tire safety purchase new tires that are the same size as the vehicle s original tires or another size recommended by the manufacturer Look at the tire information placard the owner s manual or the sidewall of the tire you are replacing to find this information If you have any doubt about th
15. to Econoline Trailers Inc in order to qualify for replacement or reimbursement under this Limited Warranty TRANSFERABILITY This warranty applies only to the original owner and is not transferable to any other parties Econoline Trailers Inc does not assume responsibility for any warranties promises or representations beyond those expressed in this written contract LIMITATIONS The Manufacturer s obligations and undertakings in this warranty are limited to repairing or replacing part s that in the opinion of Econoline Trailers Inc shall be proven defective in materials and or workmanship existing on the date of original retail sale by an authorized Econoline Trailers Inc dealership In no event shall manufacturer be liable for any incidental and or consequential cost or damages including loss of use and any other damages of any type arising out of such defective parts and or products Warranties of merchantability and fitness are excluded from this warranty Implied warranties are limited to the life of this warranty Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other legal rights which vary from state to state 45 If you feel that a repair should be covered under this warranty a claim should be made by deliv
16. ARNING Hazards or unsafe practices which COULD result in severe personal injury or death if the warning is ignored CAUTION Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in minor or moderate injury if the warning is ignored Notice NOTICE Practices that could result in damage to the trailer or other property General Safety Information 1 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 Failure to adjust driving behavior when towing a trailer Overloading and or improper weight distribution Improper or mis coupling of the trailer to the hitch Improper braking and steering under sway conditions Not maintaining proper tire pressure Not keeping lug nuts tight 1 2 1 IMPROPER SIZING OF THE TRAILER TO THE TOW VEHICLE Trailers that weigh too much for the towing vehicle can cause stability problems which can lead to death or serious injury Furthermore the additional strain put on the engine and drive train may lead to serious tow vehicle maintenance problems For these reasons the maximum towing capacity of your towing vehicle should not be exceeded The towing capacity of your tow vehicle in terms of maximum Gross Trailer Weight GTW and maximum Gross Combined
17. Econoline Trailers This User 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 Econoline Trailers Inc P O Box 609 Double Springs AL 35553 Toll Free 800 624 1866 Fax 205 489 3252 email info econolinetrailers com www econolinetrailers com Table of Contents ALL ECONOLINE TRAILERS GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION 1 SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS AND SIGNAL WORDS 2 MAJOR HAZARDS 1 2 1 Improper Sizing of the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle 1 2 2 Driving Too Fast 1 2 3 Failure to Adjust Driving Behavior When Towing a Trailer 1 2 4 Trailer Not Properly Coupled to the Hitch 1 2 5 Proper Use of Safety Chains 1 2 6 Proper Connection of Breakaway Brake 1 2 7 Matching Trailer and Hitch 1 2 8 Worn Tires Loose Wheels and Lug Nuts 1 2 9 Improper Loading 1 2 10 Unsafe Load Distribution 1 2 11 Shifting Cargo 1 2 12 Inoperable Brakes Lights or Mirrors 1 2 13 Hazards From Modifying Your Trailer 1 2 14 Safety Warning Labels on Your Trailer 1 2 15 Trailer Towing Guide 1 2 16 Reporting Safety Defects 1 3 SAFE TRAILER TOWING GUIDELINES TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION 2 1 STEPS FOR DETERMINING CORRECT LOAD LIMIT TRAILER 2 1 1 Trailers Over 10 000 Pounds GVWR Note These trailers are not required to have a tire information placard on the vehicle 2 2 STEPS FOR DETERMINING CO
18. KING THE TRAILER BEFORE AND DURING EACH TOW 5 1 PRE TOW CHECKLIST 5 2 MAKE REGULAR STOPS 6 BREAKING IN A NEW TRAILER 6 1 RETIGHTEN LUG NUTS AT FIRST 10 25 amp 50 MILES 6 2 ADJUST BRAKE SHOES AT FIRST 200 MILES 6 3 SYNCHRONIZING THE BRAKE SYSTEMS 7 INSPECTION SERVICE amp MAINTENANCE 8 SERVICE RECORD 9 WARRANTY INFORMATION AND CLAIM PROCEDURES 10 DIAGRAMS 10 1 Axle Assembly 10 2 Wheel Alignment 10 3 Wiring Diagrams General Safety Information 1 GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION 1 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 Therefore 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 call Econoline Trailers Inc at 1 800 624 1866 for a free copy The safety information in this manual is denoted by the safety alert signal words The level of risk is indicated by the following signal words DANGER Immediate hazards which WILL result in severe personal injury or death if the warning is ignored W
19. LE TYPE Generally the word trailer is used However after this you may put a Model or additional descriptor 3 1 1 2 Definitions Tow Vehicle When equipping a new vehicle or an older vehicle to tow your trailer ask the vehicle dealer for advice on how to outfit the towing vehicle Discuss the following information and equipment with the vehicle dealer Overall Carrying and Towing Capacity of Vehicle Vehicle manufacturers will provide you with the maximum towing capacities of their various models as well as the GCWR No amount of reinforcement will give a 100 horsepower 2 500 pound truck the towing capacity that a 300 horsepower 5 000 pound truck has Towing Hitch The towing hitch attached to your tow vehicle must have a capacity equal to or greater than the load rating of the trailer you intend to tow The hitch capacity must also be matched to the tow vehicle capacity Suspension System A tow vehicle equipped with a factory installed Towing Package likely comes equipped with heavy duty springs heavy duty tires and other suspension components which are able to serve the size and weight of the trailer that the vehicle is rated to tow However the addition of additional equipment may further improve the tow vehicle performance These may include adjustable air shocks helper springs etc 24 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow Brake Controller The brake controller is part of the tow vehicle and is ess
20. RRECT LOAD LIMIT TOW VEHICLE 2 3 GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMINOLOGY 2 4 TIRE SAFETY EVERYTHING RIDES ON IT 2 4 1 Safety First Basic Tire Maintenance 2 4 2 Finding Your Vehicle s Recommended Tire Pressure and Load Limits 2 4 3 Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits 2 4 4 Checking Tire Pressure 2 4 5 Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure 2 4 6 Tire Size 2 4 7 Tire Tread 2 4 8 Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment 2 4 9 Tire Repair 2 4 10 Tire Fundamentals 2 4 10 1 Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires 2 4 10 2 UTQGS Information 2 4 10 3 Additional Information on Light Truck Tires 2 4 11 Tire Safety Tips COUPLING TO THE TOW VEHICLE 3 1 USE AN ADEQUATE TOW VEHICLE AND HITCH 3 1 1 1 Certification VIN tag contains the following critical safety information for the use of your trailer 3 1 1 2 Definitions 3 2 COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING THE TRAILER 3 2 1 Various Coupler Designs 3 2 2 Trailer with Pintle Hitch Coupler 3 2 2 1 Before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle 3 2 3 Trailer with Gooseneck Hitch Coupler 3 2 3 1 Before hitching the trailer to the tow vehicle ok DCODMDANA AGAAAwWWNDMHPD Table of Contents ALL ECONOLINE TRAILERS 4 LOADING THE TRAILER 4 1 TONGUE WEIGHT 4 2 SECURING THE CARGO 4 2 1 Distributing the Cargo Open Trailer 4 2 1 1 Preparing the Trailer for Loading 4 2 1 2 Loading a Rigid deck Trailer 4 2 1 3 Loading an Econoline Trailers Tilt Bed Trailer 5 CHEC
21. TIRE PRESSURE It is important to check your vehicle s tire pressure at least once a month for the following reasons e Most tires may naturally lose air over time e Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other object or if you strike the curb when parking e With radial tires it is usually not possible to determine under inflation by visual inspection 18 General Safety Information For convenience purchase a tire pressure gauge to keep in your vehicle Gauges can be purchased at tire dealerships auto supply stores and other retail outlets The recommended tire inflation pressure that vehicle manufacturers provide reflects the proper psi when a tire is cold The term cold does not relate to the outside temperature Rather a cold tire is one that has not been driven on for at least three hours When you drive your tires get warmer causing the air pressure within them to increase Therefore to get an accurate tire pressure reading you must measure tire pressure when the tires are cold or compensate for the extra pressure in warm tires 2 4 5 STEPS FOR MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURE e Step 1 Locate the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle s tire information placard certification label or in the owner s manual e Step 2 Record the tire pressure of all tires e Step 3 If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires slowly release air by gently pressing on the tire valve stem with the edge of your
22. The trailer brakes are checked The breakaway switch is connected to the tow vehicle and the break away battery is checked The load is secured to the trailer and The trailer lights are connected and checked 26 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow 3 2 1 VARIOUS COUPLER DESIGNS Trailers are produced with a variety of coupler devices One of the sections below will pertain to your trailer e Pintle Ring Coupler Lunette Eye coupler e Gooseneck Hitch Coupler e Fifth Wheel Coupler 3 22 TRAILER WITH PINTLE HITCH COUPLER A pintle ring coupler also known as a Lunette Eye coupler connects to a pintle hitch that is located on or under the rear bumper of tow vehicle This system of coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle is sometimes referred to as bumper pull A pintle ring trailer may be fitted with a tongue jack that can raise and lower the coupler The tongue jack is mounted to the A frame front or tongue part of the trailer By rotating the jack handle clockwise the jack will extend and raise the tongue of the trailer Be sure the pintle ring coupler is suitable for the size and weight of the trailer The load rating of the coupler is listed on the trailer tongue You must provide a hitch for your tow vehicle where the load rating of the hitch is equal to or greater than that of your trailer Also if the hitch is too small too large is underrated is loose or is worn the trailer can come loose fro
23. Tow Slowly back up the tow vehicle so that the ball is near or aligned under the coupler if the trailer jack has raised the coupler Couple the trailer to the tow vehicle Using the jack provided with your trailer lower the trailer tongue until the coupler fully engages the ball If the coupler does not line up with the hitch adjust the position of the tow vehicle Engage the coupler locking mechanism In the engaged position the locking mechanism securely holds the coupler to the ball Be sure the coupler is all the way on the ball and the locking mechanism is engaged A properly engaged locking mechanism will allow the coupler to raise the rear of the tow vehicle Using the trailer jack test to see that you can raise the rear of the tow vehicle by 1 inch after the coupler is locked to the hitch Overloading can damage the tongue jack Do not use the tongue jack to raise the tow vehicle more than 1 inch If the coupler cannot be secured to the hitch ball do not tow the trailer Call Econoline Trailers Inc at 1 800 624 1866 or your dealer for assistance Lower the trailer so that its entire tongue weight is held by the ball and continue retracting the jack to its fully retraced position Rig the safety chains Visually inspect the safety chains and hooks for wear or damage Replace worn or damaged safety chains and hooks before towing Rig the safety chains so that they Cris cross underneath the coupler so if the tra
24. Trailer Before amp During Each Tow 3 1 1 1 Certification VIN tag contains the following critical safety information for the use of your trailer MANUFACTURER Name of trailer manufacturer DATE OF MANUFACTURE Month and year the trailer was manufactured GVWR The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable gross weight of the trailer and its contents The gross weight of the trailer includes the weight of the trailer and all of the items within it such as cargo water food and other supplies GAWR The Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum gross weight that an axle can support It is the lowest of axle wheel or tire rating Sometimes the tire or wheel rating is lower than the axle manufacturers rating and will then determine GAWR The sum total of the GAWR for all trailer axles may be less than the GVWR for the trailer because some of the trailer load is carried by the tow vehicle rather than by the trailer axle s The total weight of the cargo and trailer must not exceed the GVWR and the load on an axle must not exceed its GAWR TIRE SIZE The tire size recommended for your trailer and load range PSIC The pounds per square inch cold is the tire pressure Kilopascals Pounds per Square Inch measured when Cold CERTIFICATION STATEMENT This trailer meets all the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in effect on the date of manufacture shown above VIN The Vehicle Identification Number VEHIC
25. UG NUTS Just as with your tow vehicle the trailer tires and wheels are important safety items Therefore it is essential to inspect the trailer tires before each tow If a tire has a bald spot bulge cut cracks or is showing any cords replace the tire before towing If a tire has uneven tread wear take the trailer to a dealer service center for diagnosis Uneven tread wear can be caused by tire imbalance axle misalignment or incorrect inflation Tires with too little tread will not provide adequate frictional forces on wet roadways and can result in loss of control leading to death or serious injury Improper tire pressure causes increased tire wear and may reduce trailer stability which can result in a tire blowout or possible loss of control Therefore before each tow you must also check the tire pressure Remember the proper tire pressure is listed on the Certification VIN label normally mounted on front left side of the trailer and should be checked when tires are cold Allow 3 hours cool down after driving as much as 1 mile at 40 mph before checking tire pressure Improper tire pressure can result in a blowout and loss of control which can lead to death or serious injury Be sure tires are inflated to pressure indicated on the Certification VIN label before towing trailer General Safety Information The tightness of the lug nuts is very important in keeping the wheels properly seated to the hub Before each t
26. Weight Rating GCWR can be found in the tow vehicles Owner s Manual Use of a tow vehicle with a towing capacity less than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the trailer can result in loss of control and may lead to death or serious injury Be sure your hitch and tow vehicle are rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your trailer 1 2 2 DRIVING Too FAST With ideal road conditions the maximum recommended speed for safely towing a trailer is 60 mph If you drive too fast the trailer is more likely to sway thus increasing the possibility for loss of control Also your tires may overheat thus increasing the possibility of a blowout Driving too fast for conditions can result in loss of control and cause death or serious injury Decrease your speed when going downhill or as road weather and lighting conditions deteriorate 1 2 3 General Safety Information FAILURE TO ADJUST DRIVING BEHAVIOR WHEN TOWING A TRAILER When towing a trailer you will have decreased acceleration increased stopping distance and increased turning radius which means you must make wider turns to keep from hitting curbs vehicles and anything else that is on the inside corner Furthermore the trailer will change the handling characteristics of your towing vehicle making it more sensitive to steering inputs and more likely to be pushed around in windy conditions or when being passed by large vehicles In addition you will need a longer dist
27. akaway brake system is not working do not tow the trailer Have it serviced or repaired 30 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow Do not tow the trailer with the breakaway brake system ON because the brakes will overheat which can result in permanent brake failure Failure to replace the pull pin will prevent brakes from working leading to loss of control serious injury or death If you do not use your trailer for three or more months or during winter months Store the battery indoors and Charge the battery every three months Replace the breakaway brake battery according to the intervals specified by battery manufacturer Connect the electrical cables Connect the trailer lights to the tow vehicle s electrical system using the electrical connectors Check all lights for proper operation Clearance and Running Lights Turn on tow vehicle headlights Brake Lights Step on tow vehicle brake pedal Turn Signals Operate tow vehicle directional signal lever Check electric brakes for proper operation using brake controller mounted in the cab If your trailer has electric brakes your tow vehicle will have an electric brake controller that sends power to the trailer brakes Before towing the trailer on the road you must operate the brake controller while trying to pull the trailer in order to confirm that the electric brakes operate While towing the trailer at less than 5 m p h manually operate the ele
28. ance to pass due to slower acceleration and increased length With these caveats in mind gt gt gt 1 2 4 Be alert for slippery conditions You are more likely to be affected by slippery road surfaces when driving a tow vehicle with a trailer than driving a tow vehicle without a trailer Anticipate the trailer swaying Swaying can be caused by excessive steering wind gusts roadway edges or by the trailer reaction to the pressure wave created by passing trucks and busses When encountering trailer sway take your foot off the gas and steer as little as possible in order to stay on the road Use small trim like steering adjustments Do not attempt to steer out of the sway you ll only make it worse Also do not apply the tow vehicle brakes to correct trailer swaying On the other hand application of the trailer brakes alone will tend to straighten out the combination especially when going downhill Check rearview mirrors frequently to observe the trailer and traffic Use lower gear when driving down steep or long grades Use the engine and transmission as a brake Do not ride the brakes as they can overheat and become ineffective Be aware of your trailer height especially when approaching bridges roofed areas and around trees TRAILER NOT PROPERLY COUPLED TO THE HITCH It is critical that the trailer be securely coupled to the towing vehicle and that the safety chains and emergency break away brake cable are c
29. bands Sidewall That portion of a tire between the tread and bead Sidewall separation The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the sidewall Special Trailer ST tire The ST is an indication the tire is for trailer use only Test rim The rim on which a tire is fitted for testing and may be any rim listed as appropriate for use with that tire 16 General Safety Information Tread That portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road Tread rib A tread section running circumferentially around a tire Tread separation Pulling away of the tread from the tire carcass Treadwear indicators TWI The projections within the principal grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread Vehicle capacity weight The rated cargo and luggage load plus 68 kilograms 150 Ibs times the vehicle s designated seating capacity Vehicle maximum load on the tire The load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by two Vehicle normal load on the tire The load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the curb weight accessory weight and normal occupant weight distributed in accordance with Table of CRF 49 571 110 and dividing by 2 Weather side The surface area of the rim not covered by the inflated tire Wheel center member In the case of
30. ble below the second column notes the rule of thumb percentage of total weight of the trailer plus its cargo Gross Vehicle Weight or GVW that should appear on the tongue of the trailer For example a trailer with a gooseneck hitch with a loaded weight of 12 000 pounds should have 20 25 of 12 000 pounds on the tongue That is the example trailer would have 2 400 to 3 000 pounds on its tongue Tongue Weight as a Percentage of Loaded Trailer Weight Type of Hitch Percentage 10 15 for Pintle Hitch or Bumper large trailers Hitch Gooseneck Hitch Fifth Wheel Hitch 20 25 The numbers quoted above 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 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 front to rear to provide proper tongue weight see chart For dump trailers a flowable load should be evenly distributed throughout the bed Distribute the load evenly right and left Keep the center of gravity low Checking Tongue Weight To check the tongue weight the tow vehicle and trailer must be on level ground as they will be when the trailer is being towed 34 Checking the Traile
31. ctric brake controller in the tow vehicle cab You should feel the operation of the trailer brakes Improper electrical connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer will result in inoperable lights and electric brakes and can lead to collision Before each tow Check that the taillights brake lights and turn signals work Check that the electric brakes work by operating the brake controller inside the tow vehicle Uncoupling the Gooseneck Trailer with Tongue Jack Follow these steps to uncouple your gooseneck trailer from the tow vehicle Block trailer tires to prevent the trailer from rolling before jacking the trailer up Disconnect the electrical connector Disconnect the breakaway brake switch lanyard Disconnect the safety chains from the tow vehicle 31 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow Unlock the coupler and open it Before extending jack make certain the ground surface below the jack pad will support the tongue load Rotate the jack handle or crank clockwise This will slowly extend the jack and transfer the weight of the trailer tongue to the jack 32 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow 4 LOADING THE TRAILER 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 and Securing the load properly To determine that you have loaded the trailer wit
32. d be evenly distributed throughout the bed Distribute the load evenly right and left Keep the center of gravity low 1 2 11 SHIFTING CARGO Since the trailer ride can be bumpy and rough you must secure your cargo so that it does not shift while the trailer is being towed Shifting cargo can result in loss of control of the trailer and can lead to death or serious injury Tie down all loads with proper sized fasteners ropes straps etc 1 2 12 INOPERABLE BRAKES LIGHTS OR MIRRORS Be sure that the electric brakes and all of the lights on your trailer are functioning properly before towing your trailer Electric brakes and lights on a trailer are controlled via a connection to the tow vehicle generally a multi pin electrical connector Check the trailer tail lights by turning on your tow vehicle headlights Check the trailer brake lights by having someone step on the tow vehicle brake pedal while you look at trailer lights Do the same thing to check the turn signal lights If your trailer has electric brakes your tow vehicle will have an electric brake controller that sends power to the trailer brakes Before towing the trailer on the road you must operate the brake controller while trying to pull the trailer in order to confirm that the electric brakes operate While towing the trailer at less than 5 mph manually operate the electric brake controller in the tow vehicle cab You should feel the operation of the
33. e area inside the tire that surrounds the puncture hole Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too large but punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired Tires must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected before being plugged and patched 2 4 10 TRE FUNDAMENTALS Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire identification number for safety standard certification and in case of a recall 2 4 10 1 Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires Please refer to the diagram below neam a Ratio of height to width aspect ratio Nominal width of tire in millimeters identification number ASISA 1 5 95 U S DOT tire ESS DOT ing ag rao ks 4 0 en LEI cues O Ah poy PEZ vamos Treadwear traction i and temperature grades load rating P The P indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles Next number This three digit number gives the width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge In general the larger the number the wider the tire Next number This two digit number known as the aspect ratio gives the tire s ratio of height to width Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall for improved steering response and better overall handling on dry pavement R The R
34. e correct size to choose consult with the tire dealer 2 4 7 TRE TREAD The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle from slipping or sliding especially when the road is wet or icy In general tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1 16 of an inch Tires have built in treadwear indicators that let you know when it is time to replace your tires These indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves When they appear even with the outside of the tread it is time to replace your tires Another method for checking tread depth is to place a penny in the tread with Lincoln s head upside down and facing you If you can see the top of Lincoln s head you are ready for new tires 2 4 8 TIRE BALANCE AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT To avoid vibration or shaking of the vehicle when a tire rotates the tire must be properly balanced This balance is achieved by positioning weights on the wheel to counterbalance heavy spots on the wheel and tire assembly A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels so that they are positioned correctly relative to 19 General Safety Information the vehicle s frame This adjustment maximizes the life of your tires These adjustments require special equipment and should be performed by a qualified technician 2 4 9 TRE REPAIR The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for th
35. e marked with their size and rating THE TOW VEHICLE AND HITCH MUST HAVE A RATED TOWING CAPACITY EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN THE TRAILER GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING GVWR Coupler to ball mismatch can result in uncoupling leading to death or serious injury Be sure the LOAD RATING of the ball is equal or greater than the load rating of the coupler Be sure the SIZE of the ball matches the size of the coupler Wipe the hitch clean and inspect it visually and by feel for flat spots cracks and pits A worn cracked or corroded ball can fail while towing and may result in death or serious injury Before coupling trailer inspect the ball for wear corrosion and cracks Replace worn or damaged ball Wipe the inside and outside of the coupler clean and inspect it visually for cracks and deformations feel the inside of the coupler for worn spots and pits Be sure the ball is tight to the couple of the trailer All coupler fasteners must be visibly solid against the trailer frame Raise the bottom surface of the coupler to be above the top of the ball Prepare the coupler and hitch Lubricate the ball and the inside of the coupler with a thin layer of automotive bearing grease If your trailer is equipped with a jack raise the coupler above the ball height Open the coupler locking mechanism In the open position the coupler is able to drop fully onto the ball 28 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each
36. efore going on a long trip Do not overload your vehicle Check the Tire Information and Loading Placard or User s Manual for the maximum recommended load for the vehicle 22 Coupling to the Tow Vehicle 3 COUPLING TO THE 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 3 1 USE AN ADEQUATE TOW VEHICLE AND HITCH If the vehicle or hitch is 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 If you already have a tow vehicle know your vehicle tow rating and Gross Combination Weight Rating GCWR and make certain the trailer s rated capacity is less than or equal to the tow vehicle s rated towing capacity If you already have or plan to buy a trailer make certain that the tow rating of the tow vehicle is equal to or greater than the GVWR of the trailer and that the GCWR will be within limits Use of a hitch with a load rating less than the load rating of the trailer can result in loss of control and may lead to death or serious injury Use of a tow vehicle with a towing capacity less than the load rating of the trailer can result in loss of control and may lead to death or serious injury Be sure your hitch and tow vehicle are rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your trailer 23 Checking the
37. ential in the operation of the electric brakes on the trailer If your trailer has electric brakes it requires a brake controller be installed at the driver s position The brake controller is not the same as the safety breakaway brake system that is installed on the trailer Side View Mirrors The size of the trailer that is being towed and your state law regulations determine the size of the mirrors However some states prohibit extended mirrors on a tow vehicle except while a trailer is actually being towed In this situation detachable extended mirrors are necessary Check with your dealer or the appropriate state agency for mirror requirements Heavy Duty Flasher A Heavy Duty Flasher is an electrical component that may be required when your trailer turn signal lights are attached to the tow vehicle flasher circuit Electrical Connector An Electrical Connector connects the light and brake systems on the trailer to the light and brake controls on the towing vehicle Heavy Duty Engine Oil Cooling System The tow vehicle engine works harder when a trailer is being towed Depending on the size of the trailer you may need to install a separate engine oil cooler Inadequate cooling may result in sudden engine failure Ask the tow vehicle dealer if it is necessary to install a heavy duty cooling system Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler The automatic transmission of a towing vehicle handles more power when a trailer is being towed Inadequate
38. ering the product unloaded for inspection to our factory or to the original Econoline Trailers Inc dealership Complete warranty procedures are included at the end of this document The undersigned dealer by signing this manufacturer s Limited Warranty states that he she has informed and explained to the purchaser all limited warranty and claim procedures and will perform all responsibilities of the dealer under this Limited Warranty IF THIS WARRANTY IS NOT SIGNED POSTMARKED AND MAILED TO ECONOLINE TRAILERS INC OR YOUR ONLINE WARRANTY REGISTRATION IS NOT COMPLETED BY THE TENTH DAYAFTER THE PURCHASE OF THE TRAILER ALL EXPRESS WARRANTIES SHALL BE NULL AND VOID Required procedures for filing a claim under this Limited Warranty are listed below By signing this manufacturer s Limited Warranty THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE OR SHE HAS READ THE ABOVE LIMITED WARRANTY AND AGREES THAT SHOULD ANY WARRANTY CLAIMS BE MADE BY PURCHASER PURCHASER WILL FOLLOW THE PROCEDURES AS SET FORTH IN THE BODY OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY Dealer Signature Purchaser Signature Date Date Purchaser Print Name Model of Econoline Trailer Mailing Address Vin of Trailer City State Zip Phone DEALER RESPONSIBILITIES Econoline Trailers Dealer is responsible for dealer Prep which includes but is not limited to checking all cosmetic features and installing the tires and wheels on the trailer The dealer is also responsible
39. g position After the trailer is loaded and the cargo is secured with hold downs be sure the spring loaded latch pin has locked the trailer bed into the closed driving position Couple the trailer securely to the tow vehicle before attempting to unlock the trailer bed and load the trailer Unlock the trailer bed and tilt it to the open loading position Before loading or unloading the cargo be certain the latch pin is retracted 36 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow Loading a tilt deck trailer before retracting the latch pin can bend or crack the latch pin or do severe damage to the tilt bed of the trailer which can cause loss lof cargo or loss of control of the trailer Death or serious injury may result Before loading the trailer retract the latch pin If the latch pin becomes damaged do not attempt to repair it Replace the latch pin before towing the load Load the cargo onto the trailer with approximately 60 of the cargo in the front half of the bed As the cargo is moved forward on the deck the deck will tilt down slowly into the closed driving position Extend the latch pin into the latch plate located on the trailer bed to lock the trailer bed into the closed driving position Ensure that the latch pin engages the hole in the latch plate on the trailer bed An unlocked tilt deck can result in loss or cargo or loss of control of the trailer hich can result in death or ser
40. gers 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 For example if the XXX amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be five 150 Ib passengers in your vehicle the amount of available cargo and luggage capacity is 650 Ibs 1400 750 5 x 150 650 Ibs 5 Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage capacity calculated in Step 4 6 If your vehicle will be towing a trailer load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle Consult the tow vehicle s manual to determine how this weight transfer reduces the available cargo and luggage capacity of your vehicle PWR 13 General Safety Information 2 3 GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMINOLOGY Accessory weight The combined weight in excess of those standard items which may be replaced of automatic transmission power steering power brakes power windows power seats radio and heater to the extent that these items are available as factory installed equipment whether installed or not Bead The part of the tire that is made of steel wires wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is shaped to fit the rim Bead separation This is the breakdown of the bond between components in the bead Bias ply tire A pneumatic
41. h cable fastened to tow vehicle not to safety chains see the Coupling to the Tow Vehicle chapter starting at Page 23 of this manual Cargo properly loaded balanced and tied down see the Loading the Trailer chapter starting at page 33 of this manual Tongue weight and weight distribution set up Flares and reflectors 5 2 MAKE REGULAR STOPS After each 50 miles or one hour of towing stop and check the following items Coupler secured Safety chains are fastened and not dragging Cargo secured Cargo door latched and secured 38 Breaking In a New Trailer 6 BREAKING IN ANEW TRAILER 6 1 _ RETIGHTEN LUG NUTS AT FIRST 10 25 amp 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 Lug nuts are prone to loosen after initial installation which can lead to death or serious injury Check lug nuts for tightness on a new trailer or when wheel s have been remounted after the first 10 25 and 50 miles of driving 6 2 ADJUST BRAKE SHOES AT FIRST 200 MILES Brake shoes and drums experience a rapid initial wear The brakes must be adjusted after the first 200 miles of use and each 3 000 miles thereafter Some axles are fitted with a mechanism that will automatically adjust the brake s
42. hin its rating you must consider the distribution of weight as well as the total weight of the trailer and its contents The trailer axles carry most of the total weight of the trailer and its contents Gross Vehicle Weight or GVW The remainder of the total weight is carried by the tow vehicle hitch It is essential for safe towing that the trailer tongue and tow vehicle hitch carry the proper amount of the loaded trailer weight otherwise the trailer can develop an undesirable sway at towing speeds or the rear of the towing vehicle can be overloaded Read the Tongue Weight section below The load distribution must be such that no component part of the trailer is loaded beyond its rating This means that you must consider the rating of the tires wheels and axles For tandem and triple axle trailers you must make sure that the front to rear load distribution does not result in overloading any axle Towing stability also depends on keeping the center of gravity as low as possible Load heavy items on the floor and over the axles When loading additional items be sure to maintain even side to side weight distribution and proper tongue weight The total weight of the trailer and its contents must never exceed the total weight rating of the trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR An overloaded trailer can result in loss of control of the trailer leading to death or serious injury Do not load a trailer so that the weigh
43. hoes when the trailer is hard braked from a rearward direction Read your axle and brake manual to see if your brakes adjust automatically If you do not have the axle and brake manual call Econoline Trailers Inc at 800 624 1866 for a free copy A hard stop is used to Confirm that the brakes work Confirm that the trailer brakes are properly synchronized with the tow vehicle brakes using the brake controller in the tow vehicle Adjust the brake shoes as necessary For surge brakes check the Master cylinder reservoir for fluid If your trailer is not fitted with automatically adjusting brakes the brakes will need to be manually adjusted If you do not have the axle and brake manual call Econoline Trailers Inc at 800 624 1866 for a free copy 6 3 SYNCHRONIZING THE BRAKE SYSTEMS Trailer brakes are designed to work in synchronization with the brakes on the tow vehicle When the tow vehicle and trailer braking systems are synchronized both braking systems contribute to slowing and the tongue of the trailer will neither dive nor rise sharply 39 Breaking In a New Trailer If trailer and tow vehicle brakes do not work properly together death or serious injury can occur Road test the brakes in a safe area at no more than 30 m p h before each tow To insure safe brake performance and synchronization read and follow the axle brake and the brake controller manufacturers instructions If you do not
44. ied If the trailer is rented or used for commercial hauling this Limited Warranty is null and void YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR TRAILERS WARRANTY In order to validate this Limited Warranty your Online Warranty Registration must be completed or the original copy of this form signed by the dealer and the purchaser must be postmarked and mailed to Econoline Trailers Inc at 231 County Rd 33 Double Springs Alabama_35553 no later than ten 10 days following the purchase of your Econoline trailer IF THE SIGNED WARRANTY IS NOT POSTMARKED BY THE TENTH DAY AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THE TRAILER ALL EXPRESS WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS NULL AND VOID EXCLUSION OF COMPONENTS WARRANTED BY OTHER MANUFACTURERS Tires axles brake components spring and suspension components couplers jacks batteries hydraulic pumps and cylinders purchased and installed by Econoline Trailers Inc are warranted by their manufacturers and are excluded from this Limited Warranty Perishable components such as wood decking material are not covered by this warranty All other components not manufactured by Econoline Trailers Inc are specifically excluded from this warranty NORMAL USE NO REPAIRS MODIFICATIONS OR ALTERATIONS This warranty applies to defects in material and workmanship existing on the date of original retail sale by an authorized Econoline Trailers Inc dealership and therefore does not apply to damage or defects which result fr
45. ight Rating GVWR If you do not know the empty weight of the trailer plus the cargo weight you must weigh the loaded trailer at a commercial scale In addition you must distribute the load in the trailer such that the load on any axle does not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating General Safety Information GAWR If your trailer is equipped with a Tire amp Loading Information Placard mounted next to the Certification VIN label the cargo capacity weight stated on that placard is only a close estimate The GVWR and GAWPR s are listed on the Certification VIN label mounted on the front left side of the trailer An overloaded trailer can result in loss of control of the trailer leading to death or serious injury Do not exceed the trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR or an axle Gross Axle Weight Rating GAWR Do not load a trailer so that the weight on any tire exceeds its rating 1 2 10 UNSAFE LOAD DISTRIBUTION Improper front rear load distribution can lead to poor trailer sway stability or poor tow vehicle handling Poor trailer sway stability results from tongue weights that are too low and poor tow vehicle stability results from tongue weights that are too high Refer to Chapter heading Loading the Trailer for more information In the table below the second column shows the rule of thumb percentage of total weight of the trailer plus its cargo Gross Trailer Weight or GTW that should appear on the to
46. iler uncouples the safety chains can hold the tongue up above the road Use holes provided in the hitch system but do not attach them to an interchangeable part of the hitch assembly Attach S hooks up from underneath the hole do not just drop into hole and Provide enough slack to permit tight turns but not be close to the road surface to drag 29 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow 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 Do not fasten chains to any part of the hitch unless the hitch has holes or loops specifically for that purpose Cross chains underneath hitch and coupler with enough slack to permit turning and to hold tongue up if the trailer comes loose Attach and test electric breakaway brake system If the coupler or hitch fails a properly connected and working breakaway brake system will apply electric brakes on the trailer The safety chains will keep the tow vehicle attached and as the brakes are applied at the trailer s axles the trailer tow vehicle combination will come to a controlled stop The breakaway brake system includes a battery a switch with a pull pin and a lanyard Read and follow the instructions here as well as the instructions that have been prepared by the breakaway brake manufacturer If you do not have these instructions call
47. ine trailer and may at its discretion establish a reasonable reimbursement for any authorized work performed under the terms of this Limited Warranty 47 10 DIAGRAMS 10 1 AXLE ASSEMBLY AXLE ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS MULTI MAX TRAILERS 5 amp 6 ton mini max 10 ton multi max 14 ton super max LOOSEN U BOLT NUTS BEFORE ADJUSTING THE AXLE ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY MAKE APPROXIMATE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE ADJUSTMENT BOLT BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW TOW THE TRAILER STRAIGHT APPROXIMATELY 8 10 FEET STOP AND MAKE NECESSARY FINAL ADJUSTMEENTS TIGHTEN THE U BOLT NUTS FIRMLY ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS FORWARD NUT REAR NUT TURN an CLOCKWISE TO TIGHTEN COUNTERCLOCKWISE TO LOOSEN THE LOOSENING OF THE REAR NUT AND TIGHTENING OF THE FOREWARD NUT WILL TURN THE AXLE TOWARDS THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD LOOSENING THE FORWARD NUT AND TIGHTENING THE REAR NUT WILL TURN THE AXLE TOWARDS THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD 48 ERROR undefined OFFENDING COMMAND f STACK
48. ing system the electrical connector will also supply power to the trailer brakes from the tow vehicle Breakaway switch If the trailer becomes de coupled from the towing vehicle the breakaway switch lanyard attached independently to the tow vehicle hitch will pull a pin in the emergency electrical break away switch on the trailer The breakaway switch is activated by a separate battery supply in the trailer such as to energize the trailer brakes independently of the towing vehicle It is important to check the state of charge of the emergency break away battery before each trip Simply pull the pin out of the switch by hand and then try to pull the trailer If you feel a significant drag force the brakes are activated Be sure to re insert the pin in the break away switch Also be sure to allow enough slack in the break away brake lanyard such that the switch will only activate pin pulls out if the coupler connection comes loose For additional details refer to Section 0 Jack A device on the trailer that is used to raise and lower the trailer tongue On larger trailers the jack is sometimes called the landing gear An improperly coupled trailer can result in death or serious injury Do not move the trailer until The coupler is secured and locked to hitch The safety chains are secured to the tow vehicle and The trailer jack s are fully retracted Do not tow the trailer on the road until Tires and wheels are checked
49. ious injury Before towing the trailer Lock the trailer bed in the closed driving position Double check that the latch engages the hole in the latch pate located in the railer bed Secure the cargo onto the trailer using appropriate straps and tensioning devices Since the trailer ride can be bumpy and rough you must secure your cargo so that it does not shift while the trailer is being towed Shifting cargo can result in loss of control of the trailer and can lead to death or serious injury Tie down all loads with proper sized fasteners ropes straps etc 37 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow 5 CHECKING THE TRAILER BEFORE AND DURING EACH TOW 5 1 PRE TOW CHECKLIST Before towing double check all of these items See section 7 1 Inspection Service amp Maintenance Summary Charts for more information Tires wheels and lug nuts see the Major Hazards section starting on page 2 of this manual Tire Pressure Inflate tire on trailer and tow vehicle to the pressure stated on the VIN Certification label Coupler secured and locked see the Coupling and Uncoupling the Trailer section starting on page 25 of this manual Safety chains properly rigged to tow vehicle not to hitch or ball see the Coupling to the Tow Vehicle chapter starting at Page 23 of this manual Test of lights Tail Stop and Turn Lights Test trailer brakes Safety breakaway switc
50. k for leakage Fill Check oil level Inspect Inspect wiring for bare integrity of the trailer 42 Weekly 3 Months or 3000 Miles 6 Months or 6000 Miles 12 Mos or 12000 miles Date Date Date Date Date Date Mileage Mileage Mileage Mileage Mileage Mileage 8 SERVICE RECORD Service Center Service Center Service Center Service Center Service Center Service Center 43 Work Order Work Order Work Order Work Order Work Order Work Order Date Date Date Date Date Date Mileage Mileage Mileage Mileage Mileage Mileage Service Center Service Center Service Center Service Center Service Center Service Center 44 Work Order Work Order Work Order Work Order Work Order Work Order 9 WARRANTY INFORMATION AND CLAIM PROCEDURES Econoline Trailers Inc hereinafter referred to as Manufacturer warrants that each Econoline trailer operated by the original purchaser under normal use in the continental United States or Canada will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one 1 year from the date of its original retail sale by an authorized Econoline Trailers Inc dealership This warranty is subject to the requirements exclusions and limitations stated below which will be strictly appl
51. ll as the area to the rear of it Drive slowly at first 5 mph or so and turn the wheel to get the feel of how the tow vehicle and trailer combination responds Next make some right and left hand turns Watch in your side mirrors to see how the trailer follows the tow vehicle Turning with a trailer attached requires more room Stop the rig a few times from speeds no greater than 10 mph If your trailer is equipped with brakes try using different combinations of trailer electric brake and tow vehicle brake Note the effect that the trailer brakes have when they are the only brakes used When properly adjusted the trailer brakes will come on just before the tow vehicle brakes It will take practice to learn how to back up a tow vehicle with a trailer attached Take it slow Before backing up get out of the tow vehicle and look behind the trailer to make sure that there are no obstacles 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 If you are towing a bumper hitch rig be careful not to allow the trailer to t
52. m the tow vehicle and may cause death or serious injury THE TOW VEHICLE AND HITCH MUST HAVE A RATED TOWING CAPACITY EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN THE TRAILER GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING GVWR 3 2 2 1 Before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle Be sure the size and rating of the ball match the size and rating of the coupler Ball and couplers are marked with their size and rating 3 2 3 TRAILER WITH GOOSENECK HITCH COUPLER A gooseneck hitch is a hitch with a ball which connects to a trailer that has a gooseneck coupler on the towing vehicle A gooseneck trailer may be fitted with a tongue jack that can raise and lower the hitch The tongue jack is mounted to the front or tongue part of the trailer By rotating the jack handle clockwise the jack will extend and raise the tongue of the trailer Be sure gooseneck ball is suitable for the size and weight of the trailer The load rating of the coupler is listed on the trailer tongue You must provide a ball for your tow vehicle where the load rating of the ball is equal to or greater than that of your trailer Also if the ball is too small too large is underrated is loose or is worn the trailer can come loose from the tow vehicle and may cause death or serious injury 27 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow 3 3 2 1 1 Before hitching the trailer to the tow vehicle Be sure the size and rating of ball match the size and rating of the coupler Hitches and couplers ar
53. more weight a tire can support Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in the tire which include steel nylon polyester and others Maximum Load Rating This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the tire 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 2 4 10 2 UTQGS Information Treadwear Number This number indicates the tire s wear rate The higher the tread wear number is the longer it should take for the tread to wear down For example a tire graded 400 should last twice as long as a tire graded 200 Traction Letter This letter indicates a tire s ability to stop on wet pavement A higher graded tire should allow you to stop your car on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade Traction is graded from highest to lowest as AA A B and C Temperature Letter This letter indicates a tire s resistance to heat The temperature grade is for a tire that is inflated properly and not overloaded Excessive speed under inflation or excessive loading either separately or in combination can cause heat build up and possible tire failure From highest to lowest a tire s resistance to heat is graded as A B or C 2 4 10 3 Additional Information on Light Truck Tires Please refer to the following diagram 21 General Safety Information
54. n the carcass 14 General Safety Information Intended outboard sidewall The sidewall that contains a white wall bears white lettering or bears manufacturer brand and or model name molding that 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 Load rating The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure Maximum load rating The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire Maximum permissible inflation pressure The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated Maximum loaded vehicle weight The sum of curb weight accessory weight vehicle capacity weight and production options weight Measuring rim The rim on which a tire is fitted for physical dimension requirements Non pneumatic rim A mechanical device which when a non pneumatic tire assembly incorporates a wheel supports the tire and attaches either integrally or separably to the wheel center member and upon which the tire is attached Non pneumatic spare tire assembly A non pneumatic tire assembly intended for temporary use in place of one of the pneumatic tires and rims tha
55. ng air pressure for proper inflation e Tire Care including maintenance and safety practices e Vehicle load limits including a description and explanation of the following items A Locating and understanding the load limit information total load capacity and cargo capacity B Calculating total and cargo capacities with varying seating configurations including quantitative examples showing illustrating how the vehicles cargo and luggage capacity decreases as combined number and size of occupants increases This item is also discussed in Section 3 C Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle load capabilities D Adverse safety consequences of overloading on handling and stopping on tires 2 1 STEPS FOR DETERMINING CORRECT LOAD LIMIT TRAILER 1 Determine the empty weight of your trailer by weighing the trailer using a public scale or other means This step does not have to be repeated 2 Locate the GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the trailer on your trailer s VIN Certification label 3 Subtract the empty weight of your trailer from the GVWR stated on the VIN label That weight is the maximum available cargo capacity of the trailer and may not be safely exceeded 2 2 STEPS FOR DETERMINING CORRECT LOAD LIMIT TOW VEHICLE 1 Locate the statement The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX Ibs on your vehicle s placard Determine the combined weight of the driver and passen
56. ngue of the trailer For example a trailer with a gooseneck hitch with a loaded weight of 12 000 pounds should have 20 25 of 12 000 pounds 2400 3000 Ibs on the gooseneck A dump trailer will have the proper weight distribution if the load is evenly distributed in the dump bed For non flowable discrete loads locate the load such as to provide the proper tongue weight After loading be sure to check that none of the axles are overloaded Tongue Weight as a Percentage of Loaded Trailer Weight Type of Hitch Percentage 10 15 for large trailers Pintle Hitch or Bumper Hitch 6 10 for En utility Gooseneck Hitch 20 25 Fifth Wheel Hitch The numbers quoted above 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 Uneven left right load distribution can cause tire wheel axle or structural failure Be sure your trailer is evenly loaded left right Towing stability also depends on keeping the center of gravity as low as possible General Safety Information 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 front to rear to provide proper tongue weight see chart For dump trailers a flowable load shoul
57. om a normal wear and tear resulting from normal use or exposure to the elements b neglect lack of maintenance accident or collision abnormal operation improper attachment to the towing vehicle misuse or abuse of the product improper installation not completed by Manufacturer improper wheel nut torque improper alignment c alteration or use of accessories or parts not manufactured or approved explicitly by Manufacturer for use with the product or d repairs and or modifications of to this product not previously approved in writing by the manufacturer and or completed by a person s other than manufacturer or manufacturer approved entity NORMAL WEAR ITEMS Normal wear items including but not limited to lights bearings brakes brake linings tires and batteries will not be replaced due to wear TRANSPORTATION COST EXCLUDED Reasonable access to the product must be provided for warranty service to be performed This warranty does not apply to a hauling towing or storage charges b telephone living or rental expenses c down time inconvenience loss of use loss of income or consequential damages and d removal storage or disposal of any cargo necessary for access to the product PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT REQUIRED AND RETURN OF DEFECTIVE PARTS REQUIRED No Reimbursement will be made to any dealer or owner for repairs made without prior written consent of Econoline Trailers Inc Any defective parts must be sent by prepaid freight
58. orrectly attached Uncoupling may result in death or serious injury to you and to others Proper selection and condition of the coupler and hitch are essential to safely towing your trailer A loss of coupling may result in death or serious injury Be sure the maximum load rating of the hitch on the tow vehicle is equal to or greater than the maximum load rating of the coupler on the trailer Be sure the hitch ball size matches the coupler size Observe the hitch for wear corrosion and cracks before coupling Replace worn corroded or cracked hitch components before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle Be sure the hitch components are tight before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle General Safety Information An improperly coupled trailer can result in death or serious injury Do not move the trailer until The coupler is secured and locked to hitch ball The safety chains are secured to the tow vehicle and The trailer jack s are fully retracted Do not tow the trailer on the road until Tires and wheels are checked The trailer brakes are checked The breakaway switch is connected to the tow vehicle The load is secured to the trailer and The trailer lights are connected and checked 1 2 5 PROPER USE OF SAFETY CHAIN If your trailer comes loose from the hitch for any reason we have provided safety chains so that control of the trailer can still be maintained Improper rigging of the
59. ow check to make sure they are tight Metal creep between the wheel rim and hub may cause lug nuts to loosen and could result in a wheel coming off leading to death or serious injury Tighten lug nuts before each tow Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts using a crisscross star pattern If you do not have a torque wrench use a lug wrench from your tow vehicle and tighten the nuts as much as you can At the first opportunity have a service garage or trailer dealer tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque Lug nuts are also prone to loosen after first being assembled When driving a new trailer or after wheels have been remounted check to make sure they are tight after the first 10 25 and 50 miles of driving and before each tow thereafter Failure to perform this check can result in a wheel separating from the trailer and a crash leading to death or serious injury Lug nuts are prone to loosen after initial installation which can lead to death or serious injury Check lug nuts for tightness on a new trailer or when wheel s have been remounted after the first 10 25 and 50 miles of driving Improper lug nut torque can cause a wheel separating from the trailer leading to death or serious injury Be sure lug nuts are tight before each tow 1 2 9 IMPROPER LOADIN The total weight of the load you put in or on the trailer plus the empty weight of the trailer itself must not exceed the trailer s Gross Vehicle We
60. own above must be on the trailer and must be legible If any of these labels are missing or cannot be read call Econoline Trailers Inc at 1 800 624 1866 for free replacement labels You will need to provide us with the number shown at the bottom of the label s in order for us to send the correct one s 1 2 15 TRAILER TOWING GUIDE Driving a vehicle with a trailer in tow is vastly different from driving the same vehicle without a trailer in tow Acceleration maneuverability and braking are all diminished with a trailer in tow It takes longer to get up to speed you need more room to turn and pass and more distance to stop when towing a trailer You will need to spend time adjusting to the different feel and maneuverability of the tow vehicle with a loaded trailer Because of the significant differences in all aspects of maneuverability when towing a trailer the hazards and risks of injury are also much greater than when driving without a trailer You are responsible for keeping your vehicle and trailer in control and for all the damage that is caused if you lose control of your vehicle and trailer As you did when learning to drive an automobile find an open area with little or no traffic for your first practice trailering Of course before you start towing the trailer you must follow all of the instructions for inspection testing loading and coupling Also before you start towing adjust the mirrors so you can see the trailer as we
61. pproved for repair under this warranty Econoline Trailers Inc will provide a claim number along with a written authorization to the Econoline Trailer dealer or approved repair center to complete the work Please reflect the claim number on any invoices or correspondence submitted c All parts for repair will be provided by Econoline Trailers Inc unless otherwise authorized explicitly by Econoline Trailers Inc Any defective parts must be sent by prepaid freight to Econoline Trailers Inc in order to qualify for replacement or reimbursement under this Limited Warranty ANY DEFECTIVE PARTS MUST BE RETURNED TO ECONOLINE TRAILERS INC WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF APPROVAL TO QUALIFY FOR REIMBURSEMENT d Econoline Trailers Inc WILL NOT reimburse any claimant for any adjustment or repair of an Econoline trailer without prior WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION from Econoline Trailers Inc e Authorized repairs do not extend the term of this Limited Warranty 46 If you return your trailer for repair to the factory located at 231 County Rd 33 Double Springs Alabama 35553 we will warrant the repair or replacement parts for one year from the date of the repair or replacement If authorized repairs must be done at a location other than the factory Econoline Trailers Inc will not warrant such repair work or replacement parts Econoline Trailers Inc reserves the right to not pay unreasonable cost for replacement or repair of defects in your Econol
62. protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents Improve fuel economy Increase the life of your tires 17 General Safety Information This booklet presents a comprehensive overview of tire safety including information on the following topics e Basic tire maintenance e Uniform Tire Quality Grading System e Fundamental characteristics of tires e 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 2 4 1 SAFETY FIRST BASIC TIRE MAINTENANCE Properly maintained tires improve the steering stopping traction and load carrying capability of your vehicle Underinflated tires and overloaded vehicles are a major cause of tire failure Therefore as mentioned above to avoid flat tires and other types of tire failure you should maintain proper tire pressure observe tire and vehicle load limits avoid road hazards and regularly inspect your tires 2 4 2 FINDING YOUR VEHICLE S RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE AND LOAD LIMITS Tire information placards and vehicle certification labels contain information on tires and load limits These labels indicate the vehicle manufacturer s information including Recommended tire size Recommended tire inflation pressure Vehicle capacity weight VCW the maximum occupant and cargo weight a vehicle is
63. r Before amp During Each Tow For heavier trailers it is easier to go to a truck stop where there is a certified scale Pull only the tow vehicle onto the scale and get the weight This weight must be less than your tow vehicle s GVWR Pull the trailer onto the scale and decouple it from the tow vehicle leaving just the trailer on the scale Get a ticket which lists the total trailer weight Re connect the trailer to your tow vehicle and the drive the tow vehicle wheels off the scale just leaving the trailer axles on the scale Get a second ticket which lists the trailer s axle weight Simple subtract the axle weight from the total weight to determine the hitch weight While you are at the scale you should weigh the entire combination vehicle This result should be less than the Gross Combined Weight Rating GCWR for your towing vehicle Some scales allow you to get individual axle weights also If this is possible get the tow vehicles front and rear axle weights to make sure they are in the same proportion as the tow vehicle alone and that the rear axle is not overloaded This is the best way to check that a weight distribution or load leveling hitch is adjusted properly i e you have the proper number of chain links attached to the snap up brackets 4 2 SECURING THE CARGO Since the trailer ride can be bumpy and rough you must secure your cargo so that it does not shift while the trailer is being towed
64. s that when mounted on an automotive wheel provides the traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the load Production options weight The combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing over 2 3 kilograms 5 Ibs in excess of those standard items which they replace not previously considered in curb weight or accessory weight including heavy duty brakes ride levelers roof rack heavy duty battery and special trim Radial ply tire A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread Recommended inflation pressure This is the inflation pressure provided by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire Information label and on the Certification VIN tag Reinforced tire A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding standard tire Rim A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated 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
65. ss after towing 50 miles Adjust the brake controller to engage the trailer brakes before the tow vehicle brakes Follow the instructions given with the brake controller manufacturer s literature Use your mirrors to verify that you have room to change lanes or pull into traffic Use your turn signals well in advance Allow plenty of stopping space for your trailer and tow vehicle Do not drive so fast that the trailer begins to sway due to speed Generally never drive faster than 60 m p h Allow plenty of room for passing A rule of thumb is that the passing distance with a trailer is 4 times the passing distance without a trailer Shift your automatic transmission into a lower gear for city driving Use lower gears for climbing and descending grades Do not ride the brakes while descending grades they may get so hot that they stop working Then you will potentially have a runaway tow vehicle and trailer To conserve fuel don t use full throttle to climb a hill Instead build speed on the approach Slow down for bumps in the road Take your foot off the brake when crossing the bump Do not brake while in a curve unless absolutely necessary Instead slow down before you enter the curve Do not apply the tow vehicle brakes to correct extreme trailer swaying Instead lightly apply the trailer brakes with the hand controller Make regular stops
66. stands for radial Radial ply construction of tires has been the industry standard for the past 20 years 20 General Safety Information Next number This two digit number is the wheel or rim diameter in inches If you change your wheel size you will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheel diameter Next number This two or three digit number is the tire s load index It is ameasurement of how much weight each tire can support You may find this information in your owner s manual If not contact a local tire dealer Note You may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law M S The M S or M S indicates that the tire has some mud and snow capability Most radial tires have these markings hence they have some mud and snow capability U S DOT Tire Identification Number This begins with the letters DOT and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built For example the numbers 3197 means the 31st week of 1997 The other numbers are marketing codes used at the manufacturer s discretion This information is used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a recall Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber coated fabric in the tire In general the greater the number of plies the
67. t are fitted to a passenger car in compliance with the requirements of this standard Non pneumatic tire A mechanical device which transmits either directly or through a wheel or wheel center member the vertical load and tractive forces from the roadway to the vehicle generates the tractive forces that provide the directional control of the vehicle and does not rely on the containment of any gas or fluid for providing those functions Non pneumatic tire assembly A non pneumatic tire alone or in combination with a wheel or wheel center member which can be mounted on a vehicle Normal occupant weight This means 68 kilograms 150 Ibs times the number of occupants specified in the second column of Table of 49 CFR 571 110 Occupant distribution The distribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in the third column of Table of 49 CFR 571 110 Open splice Any parting at any junction of tread sidewall or innerliner that extends to cord material Outer diameter The overall diameter of an inflated new tire Overall width The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire including elevations due to labeling decorations or protective bands or ribs 15 General Safety Information Ply A layer of rubber coated parallel cords Ply separation A parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies Pneumatic tire A mechanical device made of rubber chemicals fabric and steel or other material
68. t on any tire exceeds its rating Do not exceed the trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR or the Gross Axle Weight Rating GAWR 4 1 TONGUE WEIGHT It is critical to have a portion of the trailer load carried by the tow vehicle That is the trailer tongue must exert a downward force on the hitch This is necessary for two reasons First the proper amount of tongue weight is necessary for the tow vehicle to be able to maintain control of the tow vehicle trailer system If for example the tongue exerts an upward pull on the hitch instead of pushing down on it because the trailer is overloaded behind its axle s the rear wheel 33 Checking the Trailer Before amp During Each Tow of the tow vehicle can lose traction or grip and cause loss of control Also even if there is some weight on the tongue but not enough weight on the tongue the trailer can become unstable at high speeds Remember the faster you go the more likely the trailer is to sway If on the other hand there is too much tongue weight the tow vehicle is prone to jack knife Furthermore the front wheels of the tow vehicle can be too lightly loaded and cause loss of steering control and traction if the front wheels are driving In addition to tow vehicle control tongue weight is necessary to insure that the trailer axle s do not exceed their Gross Axle Weight Rating GAWR The table below has rules of thumb for proper tongue weight In the ta
69. the deck or any required hold down is damaged including rot rust corrosion separation or is improperly secured do not load the cargo Bring the trailer to your dealer or a competent repair service before using it to carry cargo 4 2 1 2 Loading a Rigid deck Trailer Econoline Trailers open trailers have either a rigid deck or a tilt deck depending on the exact model This subsection describes loading a rigid deck trailer Before loading a rigid deck trailer couple the trailer to the tow vehicle and make sure the rigid deck is level Do not load or unload the trailer when the deck is not level Make sure the top of the ramp or ramps is secure to the trailer and the bottom is resting on firm ground Load the cargo onto the trailer with approximately 60 of the cargo in the front half of the trailer Secure the cargo to the trailer using appropriate straps chains and tensioning devices Since the trailer ride can be bumpy and rough you must secure your cargo so that it does not shift while the trailer is being towed Return the ramp s to their stowed position s and secure them so that they will not move during transit 4 2 1 3 Loading a Tilt Bed Trailer Some Econoline Trailers open trailers are equipped with a tilt deck instead of with ramps The tilting feature allows for easier loading and unloading The tilt deck trailer is fitted with a spring loaded latch pin that keeps the trailer bed in the closed drivin
70. tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles substantially less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread Carcass The tire structure except tread and sidewall rubber which when inflated bears the load Chunking The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall Cold inflation pressure The pressure in the tire before you drive Cord The strands forming the plies in the tire Cord separation The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds Cracking Any parting within the tread sidewall or inner liner of the tire extending to cord material CT A pneumatic tire with an inverted flange tire and rim system in which the rim is designed with rim flanges pointed radially inward and the tire is designed to fit on the underside of the rim in a manner that encloses the rim flanges inside the air cavity of the tire Curb weight The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel oil and coolant and if so equipped air conditioning and additional weight optional engine Extra load tire A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding standard tire Groove The space between two adjacent tread ribs Innerliner The layer s forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the inflating medium within the tire Innerliner separation The parting of the innerliner from cord material i
71. urn too much because it will hit the rear of the tow vehicle To straighten the rig either pull forward or turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction 10 General Safety Information 1 2 16 BEPORTING 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 Econoline Trailers Inc 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 However NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you your dealer or Econoline Trailers Inc To contact NHTSA you may either call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll free at 1 888 327 4236 TTY 1 800 424 9153 go tohttp www safecar gov or write to Administrator NHTSA 1200 New Jersey Ave SE Washington DC 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http www safecar gov Call 1 800 624 1866 to reach Econoline Trailers Inc 11 Tire Safety Information 1 3 SAFE TRAILER TOWING GUIDELINES Recheck the load tie downs to make sure the load will not shift during towing Before towing check coupling safety chain safety brake tires wheels and lights Check the lug nuts or bolts for tightness Check coupler tightne

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