Craftsman 220 User Manual
1 Qu es ti on s? Pl ea se cal l 1-8 00 -42 2- 386 5 DO N OT R ET URN T O T HE ST O RE Cal l 8: 00 a. m. t o 6:0 0 p. m. Mo nday thro ugh Frida y (C entra l St andar d T ime ) Metal Fold-Up Utility T railer Model No. 0220 User â s Manual and Maintenance Guide Instruction No. 1028859 D 10/26/2007 W arning: For safe operation of this trailer , be sure to read all instructions and warnings. Failure to follow instructions and warnings could result in property damage, serious injury and death. Store this manual in the glove compartment of your tow vehicle. Sears Item No. 123.24201
2 Register your pr oduct at www .lifetime.com. www .lifetime.com
3 Craftsman Metal Fold-Up Utility T railer Model No. 0220 Sears Item No. 123.24201 W ARNING This User â s Manual contains safety information and instructions for your trailer . Y ou must read this manual before loading or towing your trailer . Y ou must follow all safety precautions and instructions. For parts and service, call our customer service line at: 1-800-422-3865 NHTSA Notiî¿cation Statement: 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 T rafî¿c Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Lifetime Products. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it î¿nds 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, Sears, or Lifetime Products. T o contact NHTSA, you may either call the V ehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1- 888-327-4236 (TTY : 1-800-424-9153), go to http://www .safecar .gov; or write to: Administrator , NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW ., W ashington, DC 20590. Y ou can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www .safecar .gov . Call 1-800-422-3865 to reach our Customer Service line.
4 T able of Contents SECTION 1: SAFETY INFORMA TION 7 SECTION 2: TRAILER P AR TS & HARDW ARE 1 1 SECTION 3: FIRST -TIME SET -UP REQUIREMENTS 12 SECTION 4: TRAILER SETUP 17 SECTION 5: COUPLING T O THE TOW VEHICLE 19 5.1 Using an Adequate T ow V ehicle and Hitch 19 5.2 Coupling and Uncoupling the T railer 19 5.2.1 T railer with Ball-Hitch Coupler 19 5.2.1.1 Befor e coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle 20 5.2.1.2 Pr epare the coupler and hitch 20 5.2.1.3 Coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle 20 5.2.1.4 Rigging the safety chains 21 5.2.1.5 Connecting the electrical cables 22 5.2.1.6 Uncoupling the T railer 23 SECTION 6: TIRE & SAFETY INFORMA TION 24 6.1 Determining Correct Load Limit â T railer 24 6.1.1 T railers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less 24 6.2 Determining Correct Load Limit â T ow V ehicle 24 6.3 Glossary of T ire T erminology 24 6.4 T ire Safety - Everything Rides on It 27 6.4.1 Safety î¿rstâBasic tire maintenance 28 6.4.2 Finding your vehicleâ s recommended tire pressure and load limits 28 6.4.3 Understanding tire pressure and load limits 28 6.4.4 Checking tire pressure 29 6.4.5 Steps for maintaining proper tire pressure 29 6.4.6 T ire size 29 6.4.7 T ire tread 30 6.4.8 T ire balance and wheel alignment 30 6.4.9 T ire repair 30 6.4.10 T ire Fundamentals 30 6.4.10.1 Information on Passenger V ehicle T ir es 30 6.4.10.2 UTQGS Information 32 6.4.10.3. Additional Information on Light T ruck T ir es 32 6.4.1 1 T ire Safety T ips 33 6.4.1 1.1 Pr eventing T ir e Damage 33 6.4.1 1.2 T ir e Safety Checklist 33 6.5 Changing a Flat T ire 33 6.6 Checking the T ire Pr essure 35 SECTION 7: LOADING THE TRAILER 36 7.1. CHECKING THE TONGUE WEIGHT 38 7.1.1 Checking T ongue W eight â Using a lever and bathroom scale 38 7.2 Securing the Cargo 38 7.2.1 Loading Cargo 38 7.2.1.1 Pr eparing the T railer for Loading 39
5 7.2.1.2 Loading the T railer 39 SECTION 8: CHECK TRAILER BEFORE & DURING TOWING 41 SECTION 9: BREAKING IN A NEW TRAILER 43 SECTION 10: MAINTENANCE 44 10.1 Inspection, Service & Maintenance Summary Charts 44 10.2 Inspection and Service Instructions 45 10.2.1 Axle Bolts, Frame, Suspension, & Structure 45 10.2.2 T railer Structure 46 10.2.2.1 Fasteners and Frame Members 46 10.2.2.2 W elds 46 10.2.3 T railer Connection to T ow V ehicle 47 10.2.3.1 Coupler and Ball 47 10.2.4 Landing Leg or Jack 47 10.2.5 Lights and Signals 47 10.2.6 T ires 48 10.2.7 Wheel Rims 48 10.2.8 Wheels, Bearings and Lug Nuts 48 10.2.8.1 Unsealed Bearings (Hubs) 48 10.2.9 Lug Nuts (Bolts) 49 10.2.10 Suspension 49 SECTION 1 1: EXPLODED TRAILER VIEWS 50 SECTION 12: W ARRANTY INFORMA TION 56
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7 SECTION 1: SAFETY INFORMA TION SIGNAL WORDS W 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. The level of risk is indicated by the following signal words: The safety information in this manual is denoted by the safety alert symbol: SAFETY ALER T SYMBOLS AND SIGNAL WORDS W arning Labels & Locations If a label becomes unreadable, you can re-order them from Customer Service: 1-800-422-3865 1 1 2 2 2 3 6 4 10 8 9 7 3 5 5 2
8 The proper tightness (torque) for lug nuts is 95-120 ft./lb. Do not exceed 120 ft./lb. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts. 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. Then have a service garage or trailer dealer tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque. See the section on T ire and Safety Information for more details concerning tire safety . Lug nuts are also prone to loosen after î¿rst being assembled. When driving a new trailer (or after wheels have been remounted), check to make sure they are tight after the î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving and before each tow thereafter . Failure to perform this check can result in a wheel parting from the trailer and a crash, leading to death or serious injury . 2 Ensure the trailer gates are secure during towing. Failure to insert gates securely could result in the load separating from the trailer causing serious property damage, personal injury and death. 1 Secur ely Latching the T railer Gate Lug Nuts and Tir e Pressur e Re-order #1027939 3 Assist Wheel Caution Always keep the Assist Wheel up when loading, unloading or towing the T railer . AL W A YS load and tow Trailer while Assist Wheel is up. Failure to heed this warning could result in permanent damage to the Assist Wheel and void warranty . CAUTION Part #1024838 AL W A YS load and tow the T railer while the Assist Wheel is up. Failure to heed this warning could result in permanent damage to the Assist Wheel and void warranty . Part #1024838 CAUTION Part #1025229 Part #1025229 Re-order #1027932 CAUTION S E C U R E G A T E S B E F O R E M O V I N G T R A I L E R PRECAUCIÃN ¡ A S E G U R E L O S P O R T O N E S A N T E S D E M O V E R E L R E M O L Q U E ! # 1 0 2 7 9 3 2 Las fallas en las llantas, ruedas o tuercas a las llantas pueden provocar pérdida del control. Antes de realizar un acarreo, DEBE REVISAR: 1. Presión y costura de las llantas. 2. Daños en llantas y ruedas. 3. T uercas a las llantas bien apretadas. Para llantas nuevas y reacondicionadas, apriete nuevamente las tuercas a las llantas a los primeros 16 kilómetros, 40,2 Kilómetros y 80,5 kilómetros de manejo. Las llantas y ruedas ¿ESTÃN BIEN? ADVERTENCIA # 1027939 Tire, wheel or lug nut failure can cause loss of control. Before towing, you must CHECK: 1. Tire pressure and tread. 2. Tires and wheels for damage. 3. Lug nuts for tightness. For new and remounted wheels, Retighten lug nuts at the î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving. Tires and Wheels OK? W ARNING © 2002 NA TM T uercas a las llantas ¿BIEN APRET ADAS? Lug Nuts TIGHT?
9 Folded T railer W arning Pinch Point W arning 4 Coupler , Load W eight and Distribution and Electrical Connections Loads can suddenly move or topple, which can result in death or serious injury . Overloaded trailers and improper tongue weight can result in loss of control of the trailer . Ensure the trailer is coupled correctly and the chains are crossed over each other . Ensure the load is tied securely and doesnâ t exceed the Gross V ehicle W eight (GVW). Ensure the electrical connections are tightly î¿tted and functioning properly . Always check brake lights and turn signals before each tow . 5 Always use the Hand Crank when folding and deploying T railer . Ensure others keep a safe distance to avoid any potential pinch points. 6 Y ou can store the T railer in folded position, but do NOT tow the T railer while itâ s folded. The T railer may tip over resulting in property damage, serious injury or death. W ARNING NEVER tow T railer while in folded position. Failure to heed this warning may void warranty and could result in property damage, serious injury or death. Part #1024837 NEVER tow T railer while in folded position. Failure to heed this warning may void warranty and could result in property damage, serious injury or death. Part #1024837 Re-order #1031540 Part #10251 12 W atch for pinch points while folding or deploying trailer as serious injury could occur . W ARNING W AR N IN G A DV E RT EN C IA Unco upling will c ause t railer to com e loos e from tow ve hicle. Y ou mu st: 1. CHECK that ba ll loa d rati ng is s ame or great er than coupl er loa d ratin g. 2. CHECK that ba ll siz e is s ame as couple r. 3. CLOSE COUPL ER CLA MP on ball. 4. LIFT c oupler upwar ds to t est th at it will no t sepa rate f rom bal l. 5. LOCK c oupler clamp with p in or p adlock . Atta ch hoo ks to t ow veh icle Alwa ys use safety chain s. Chai ns hol d trail er if connec tion fa ils. You must: 1. CROSS chains undern eath c oupler . 2. ALLO W slac k for t railer to tu rn. 3. A TTA CH chai n hook s secur ely to tow v ehicle frame. Enou gh sla ck For turns El d esenga nche ha rá que el re molque quede suelto del ve hÃculo remol cador . Uste d debe rá: 1. VERI FICAR que la C AP ACIDA D DE CAR GA de l a bol a se a igu al o mayo r que la CAP ACIDA D DE CAR GA del engan che. 2. V ERIFIC AR que el tam año de la bol a sea igual que el enganc he. 3. C ERRAR el TO RNILLO DE A JUSTE DEL ENGAN CHE sob re la bola. 4. L EVA NTAR el en ganche para p robar que no se sep are de la bo la. 5. C ERRAR el torn illo d e ajus te del enganc he con un gan cho o candad o. Util ice si empre c adenas de se guridad . Las caden as sost ienen el remo lque e n caso de que la co nexión falle. Uste d debe rá: 1. C RUZAR las cad enas p or deb ajo del engan che. 2. P ERMITI R que l as cad enas q ueden î ojas p ara qu e el r emolqu e pueda girar . 3. S UJET AR de forma segura los ga nchos de la cade na a l os bord es del vehÃc ulo rem olcado r. Suî¿c ientem ente îojo para poder gira r Cruz ar las cadena s DISCO NNECTED CONNE CTED DESCO NECT ADAS CONEC TADA S Una carga impropi a pued e caus ar que el rem olque se tamb alee o que repe ntinam ente pi erda e l cont rol. Us ted de berá: ⢠Asegur ar que el pes o de l a carg a más e l peso del re molque no ex ceda la capa cidad del rem olque (Clase de Pes o del Vehà culo). ⢠Ca rgar l os elem entos más pe sados e n la p arte d elanter a de l as rue das. ⢠Ca rgar d e forma equit ativa de lado a lad o. ⢠Asegur ar la carga a l remo lque. Suje tar lo s ganch os al vehÃcu lo remo lcador Cros s chai ns Ligh ts can preven t trai ler fr om bein g hit by oth er vehi cles. Y ou mus t: 1. CONNEC T trai ler an d tow v ehicle elect rical c onnect ors. 2. CHECK all lig hts: tail l ights, turn s ignals , and b rake l ights. 3. DO NOT TO W if l ights are not worki ng. Las luces pueden preven ir que otros vehÃcu los ch oquen e l remo lque. Usted d eberá: 1. C ONECT AR lo s cone ctores eléctr icos d el rem olque y del vehà culo r emolcad or. 2. V ERIFIC AR toda s las luces, las lu ces tr aseras , las l uces de g uiño, y las l uces d el fre no. 3. N O UTIL ICE EL REMO LQUE si las l uces no funci onan. Impr oper l oading can ca use tr ailer s way an d sudd en loss of co ntrol. Y ou mus t: ⢠E nsure weight of loa d plus traile r weig ht doe s not e xceed traile râs capa city (GVW R - Gr oss V ehicle Weig ht Rati ng). ⢠L oad he avier i tems i n fron t of wh eels. ⢠L oad ev enly si de to side. ⢠S ecure load to trail er. Less load in rear Secu re loa d to tr ailer Bala nce lo ad side to si de Aseg urar l a carga al r emolqu e Bala ncear la carg a de l ado a lado Meno s carg a sobre la part e post erior d e las rued as Más carga sobre l a part e dela ntera d e las ruedas More load in fron t of w heels Open Abie rto Clos ed Cerr ado Pin or pad lock In p lace Lift coupl er to c heck Colo car el candad o o ganc ho Leva ntar e l engan che pa ra ver iî¿car #10 31540 W AR N IN G A DV E RT EN C IA W AR N IN G A DV E RT EN C IA W AR N IN G A DV ER TE NC I A
10 Patent Advisory NA TM Compliance T ire and Loading Information 7 8 Always check tire pressure to ensure optimum life and performance from your tires. The tires that came with your trailer should have a tire pressure of 80 psi. Sears, Roebuck and Co. cannot be held responsible for damages caused by uneven tread wear and blow outs from an under -inîated or over-inîated tire. The T railer and load should never exceed the Gross V ehicle W eight (GVW). Whenever loading the trailer , always check to see if youâre within this limit. See the section on Loading the T railer for information regarding how to check . This sticker also displays your V ehicle Identiî¿cation Number (VIN) in the bottom, left-hand corner . Y our trailer is in compliance with the guidelines of the National Association of T railer Manufacturers. Y our trailer has its own unique number . Note: This is not your V ehicle Identiî¿cation Number (VIN). Re-order #1014245 No re-orders 9 This sticker displays the various patents applicable to the trailer . No re-orders Ball and Hitch Size 10 Y our new trailer comes with a 2-inch coupler . The ball on the tow vehicle must be 2 inches in diameter . An incorrect ball size can cause the separation of the trailer from the tow vehicle resulting in possible property damage, serious injury and death. Re-order #1013499
11 PARTS LIST ID Description Qty AA Gate/Ramp 2 AB Hand Crank 1 AC 2â x 4â Distance Indicator (Do Not Discard) 1 AD Locking Pin w/ Lanyard (Connected) 1 AE Cotter Key (Connected) 1 TOOLS NEEDED (NOT INCLUDED) 1. 13/16â Lug W rench or T ire Iron (For changing T ires and periodic tightening of Lug Nuts). SECTION 2: TRAILER P AR TS & HARDW ARE HARDW ARE IDENTIFIER (*Not to Scale) *AA *AC *AB *AD *AE Before beginning assembly , inventory all parts using the Parts List and the Hard- ware Identiî¿er (below). If all parts are not present, do NOT assemble the trailer . Call 1-800-422-3865. Do Not Discard
12 ⢠Before towing the T railer , you must ensure the lug nuts are tightened to the proper torque. ⢠The torque requirements for the Lug Nuts are 95 - 120 ft./lb . Do not exceed 120 ft./lb of torque. T ighten the Lug Nuts in the sequence below before you leave the dealer . Lug Nuts: Tightening Sequence, T or que Requirements Tighten lug nuts in the following order: 1 2 3 4 5 W ARNING Lug nuts are prone to loosen after initial installation possibly causing the wheel to separate from the trailer leading to property damage, death or serious injury . ⢠Check lug nuts for tightness on a new trailer or when wheel(s) have been remounted after the î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving and after any impact. ⢠Lug nuts for the tires must be tightened by the user before each use. ⢠Sears cannot be held responsible for damages caused by loosened lug nuts. SECTION 3: FIRST -TIME SET -UP REQUIREMENTS V erify the proper PSI for your tire. ⢠T ire pressure for the 12â rim & tire should be at 80 psi. W ARNING Before loading T railer , T railer must be properly connected to the T ow V ehicle to stabilize the T railer . Failure to follow this warning could result in property damage, personal injury and death. ⢠Before unfolding your T railer , remove the plastic Zip T ie holding the Locking Pin to the T ongue of the T railer . Do not cut the Lanyard. Locking Pin Lanyard Follow local and state laws, but d o no t excee d 65 mph.
13 If your state requires a temporary license on your trailer , secure the license to the license plate holder located on the left blinker before towing your trailer home. Connecting T emporary License Plate Note: For all inquiries regarding trailer title and registration, please contact your local Department of Motor V ehicles (DMV) or your local county tax assessor â s ofî¿ce. T emporary Li cense Note: Before leaving the dealer , ensure you have the Manufacturers Certiî¿cate of Origin (T itle) signed over to you. Connecting the Electrical Cables Connect the trailer lights to the tow vehicleâ s electrical system using the electrical connectors. ⢠Check all lights for proper operation. 1. Clearance and Running Lights (T urn on tow vehicle headlights). 2. Brake Lights (Step on tow vehicle brake pedal). 3. T urn Signals (Operate tow vehicle directional signal lever). W arning: T o ensure your trailer lights function properly , î¿rmly insert the Plug (T railer) into the Receptor (T ow V ehicle) . From T railer From T ow V ehicle From T railer From T ow V ehicle Note: If your connector does not look like the one pictur ed, you need to pur chase an adapter . Note: Please read Sections 4 and 5 for additional information on deploying, coupling and towing your trailer . W ARNING Do not transport people in the trailer . Failure to heed this warn- ing could result in serious injury such as broken bones, brain damage, paralysis or death.
14 SECTION 4: TRAILER SETUP Hardwar e Used: *Not actual size Before towing your trailer home you must î¿rst unfold it and assemble the front and rear panels. *AB W ARNING Do NOT tow trailer in folded position. Trailer will tip and fall over causing property damage and possible injury to other motorists and pedestrians or death. Assist Wheel 4.3 Pull forward on the T railer until the side of the T railer rests on the Assist Wheel . T ongue 4.1 Before unfolding your T railer , remove the plastic Zip T ie holding the Locking Pin to the T ongue of the T railer . Do not cut the Lanyard. Locking Pin 4.2 T ilt the front of the T railer upward and lower the Assist Wheel to the ground. Lanyard
15 4.5 Insert the Hand Crank into the jackâ s Hand Crank Coupler Plate at the rear of the T railer (as shown). W ith the right side of the T railer resting on the Assist Wheel, you can now unfold the T railer . 4.4 Remove the Hand Crank (AB) from the clips just inside wall of the T railer . Note: Y ou may need to remove the Gate/Ramp to access the Hand Crank from the insde wall of the T railer . 4.6 T urn the Hand Crank counter-clockwise to unfold the T railer . Continue turning the Hand Crank until you cannot turn it any further . Hand Crank Coupler Plate Hand Crank W ARNING W atch for pinch points while folding and deploying trailer as serious injury could occur .
16 4.7 Remove the Cotter Key (AE) from the Locking Pin (AD) and insert the Locking Pin into the Bed Pin Retainer and through the T ongue . 4.8 Secure the Locking Pin (AD) in place with the Cotter Key (AE) . CAUTION AL W A YS tow the T railer with Locking Pin and Cotter Key in place through T railer bed and T ongue. Ensure you remove Cotter Key and Locking Pin when folding T railer . AE AD Note: If the holes in the Bed Pin Retainer and T ongue do not align, you must fully unfold the trailer .
17 4.10 Insert the Fr ont and Rear Gates (AA) in place. Both Gates are the same; you can insert each in either the front or rear position. 4.1 1 Press down î¿rmly on the Gates until they lock into place under the Lips of the Side Panels . 4.9 After unfolding the T railer , lift up on the front of the T railer and retract the Assist Wheel . Lip W ARNING: W atch for pinch points as serious injury could occur . CAUTION AL W A YS load and tow the T railer while the Assist Wheel is up. Failure to heed this warning could result in permanent damage to the Assist Wheel and void warranty . W ARNING Do NOT use the Gates for tie-down locations. All articles being towed must be tied to the side walls of the Trailer . Gates can dislodge causing property damage and possible injury or death to other motorists and pedestrians.
18 4.12 Use the Front and Rear Gates as ramps. Simply remove each Gate and place the ends into the channel at the rear of the T railer Bed. 4.13 When driving vehicles such as A TVs up the ramps, î¿rst place the 2â x 4â x 63â Distance Indicator in the grooves of the side panels where the front gate should go to help you avoid driving too far . W ARNING Only load T railer while it is connected to the T ow V ehicle or T railer could tip causing property damage, possible injury or death. CAUTION The 2â x 4â Distance Indicator will not prevent you from driving off the front of the T railer . It is used to let you know youâre going too far . Drive slowly and cautiously when driving vehicles up the ramps. 2â x 4â x 63â Distance Indicator Do Not Discard Note: T o fold the T railer , simply r emove the Locking Pin and Gates and turn the Hand Crank clockwise. Stor e the Gates and Hand Crank in the T railer . W ARNING Do not transport people in the trailer . Failure to heed this warn- ing could result in serious injury such as broken bones, brain damage, paralysis or death.
19 SECTION 5: COUPLING T O THE T OW VEHICLE Y ou must follow all of the safety precautions and instructions in this manual to ensure safety of persons, cargo, and satisfactory life of the trailer . 5.1 W arning: Using an Adequate T ow V ehicle and Hitch If the vehicle or hitch is not properly selected and matched to the Gross V ehicle W eight 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 make certain the trailer â s rated capacity is less than or equal to the tow vehicleâ 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 that of the trailer . 5.2 W arning: Coupling and Uncoupling the T railer 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 your trailer to your tow vehicle. The following parts are involved in ensuring a secure coupling between the trailer and tow vehicle: Coupler: A device on the tongue of the trailer that connects to the hitch on the tow vehicle. Hitch: A device on the tow vehicle that supports the weight of the trailer tongue and pulls the trailer . The coupler attaches to the hitch. Safety chains: If the coupler connection comes loose, the safety chains can keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle. W ith properly rigged safety chains, 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. T railer 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. 5.2.1 T railer with Ball-Hitch Coupler A ball hitch coupler connects to a ball that is located on or under the rear bumper of the tow vehicle. This system of coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle is sometimes referred to as âbumper pull.â W arning: W e have utilized a 2-inch Ball Hitch coupler that is suitable for the size and weight of the trailer . Y ou must provide a hitch and 2-inch ball for your tow vehicle, where the load rating of the hitch and ball is equal to or greater A TT ACHING THE TRAILER TO T OW VEHICLE
20 than that of your trailer . Also, the ball size must be the same as the coupler size. If the hitch ball is too small, too lar ge, is underrated, is loose or is worn, the trailer can come loose from the tow vehicle, and may cause death or serious injury . THE T OW VEHICLE, HITCH AND BALL MUST HA VE A RA TED T OWING CAP ACITY EQUAL T O OR GREA TER THAN THE TRAILER GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RA TING (GVWR). IT IS ESSENTIAL THA T THE HITCH BALL BE OF THE SAME SIZE AS THE COUPLER (2 INCHES). The ball size and load rating (capacity) are marked on the ball; hitch capacity is marked on the hitch. 5.2.1.1 Before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle ⢠Ensure the size and rating of hitch ball match the 2-inch coupler on your trailer . Hitch balls and couplers are marked with their size and rating. ⢠W ipe the hitch ball clean, inspect it visually and feel for îat spots, cracks and pits. ⢠Rock the ball to make sure it is tight to the hitch, and visually check that the hitch ball nut is solid against the lock washer and hitch frame. ⢠W ipe 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 coupler is tight to the tongue of the trailer . All coupler fasteners must be visibly solid against the trailer frame. ⢠Raise the bottom surface of the coupler above the top of the hitch ball. Use wood or concrete blocks to support the trailer tongue. 5.2.1.2 Preparing the coupler and hitch ⢠Lubricate the hitch ball and the inside of the coupler with a thin layer of automotive bearing grease. ⢠Open the coupler locking mechanism. Ball couplers have a locking mechanism with an internal moving piece and an outside handle. In the open position, the coupler is able to drop fully onto the hitch ball. See âUncoupling the T railerâ for details on placing the coupler in the âopenâ position. ⢠Slowly back up the tow vehicle so that the hitch ball is near or aligned under the coupler . 5.2.1.3 Coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle Lift the coupler and place it over the ball. ⢠Lower the trailer until the coupler fully engages the hitch ball. If the coupler does not line up with the hitch ball, 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 hitch ball.
21 ⢠Insert a pin or lock through the hole in the locking mechanism. ⢠Ensure the coupler is all the way on the hitch ball and the locking mechanism is engaged. ⢠Lower the trailer so that its entire tongue weight is held by the hitch. Push the safety latch downward to a horizontal position to lock it in place. ⢠Pull up on the coupler to ensure it is securely fastened to the tow vehicle. If the coupler cannot be secur ed to the hitch ball, do not tow the trailer . Refer to Section 10.2.3 for information on coupling your trailer . 5.2.1.4 Rigging the safety chains ⢠V isually 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: 1. cross underneath the coupler; 2. loop around a frame member of the tow vehicle or to holes provided in the hitch system (but, do not attach them to an interchangeable part of the hitch assembly); and 3. have enough slack to permit tight turns, but not be close to the road surface, so if the trailer uncouples, the safety chains can hold the tongue up above the road. W ARNING Use 30W Motor Oil to lubricate the ball and inside of coupler . Always check ball and coupler before each tow for damaged or worn edges. Damaged balls and couplers should be replaced immediately . Failure to follow this warning could result in property damage, personal injury and death.
22 5.2.1.5 Connecting the electrical cables Connect the trailer lights to the tow vehicleâ s electrical system using the electrical connectors. ⢠Check all lights for proper operation. 1. Clearance and Running Lights (T urn on tow vehicle headlights). 2. Brake Lights (Step on tow vehicle brake pedal). 3. T urn Signals (Operate tow vehicle directional signal lever). W arning: T o ensure your trailer lights function properly , î¿rmly insert the Plug (T railer) into the Receptor (T ow V ehicle) . Follow local and state laws, but d o not exceed 65 mph. W ARNING Improper rigging of the safety chains can result in loss of control of the trailer and the 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 speciî¿cally 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. W ARNING Do not transport people in the trailer . Failure to heed this warn- ing could result in serious injury such as broken bones, brain damage, paralysis or death.
23 5.2.1.6 Uncoupling the T railer Follow these steps to uncouple your ball hitch trailer from the tow vehicle: 1. Remove the load from the trailer . 2. Block trailer tires to prevent the trailer from rolling. 3. Place wood or concrete blocks under the coupler for support. 4. Disconnect the electrical connector . 5. Disconnect the safety chains from the tow vehicle. 6. Unlock the coupler and pull the safety latch upward to a vertical position and lift the trailer of f the ball. From T railer From T ow V ehicle From T railer From T ow V ehicle W ARNING Check the connection periodically to ensure tail and break lights function properly . Failure to follow this warning could result in property damage, personal injury and death. Note: If your connector does not look like the one pictur ed, you need to pur chase an adapter . Unlock
24 6.1 Determining Correct Load Limit â T railer 6.1.1 T railers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less 1. Locate the statement, âThe weight of car go should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lb.,â on your vehicleâ s placard. 2. This î¿gure equals the available amount of car go and luggage load capacity . 3. Determine the combined weight of luggage and car go being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available car go and luggage load capacity . The trailer â s placard refers to the T ire Information Placard attached adjacent to or near the trailer â s VIN (Certiî¿cation) label at the left front of the trailer . 6.2 Determining Correct Load Limit â T ow V ehicle 1. Locate the statement, âThe combined weight of occupants and car go should never exceed XXX lb.,â on your vehicleâ s placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers who will be riding in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds. 4. The resulting î¿gure equals the available amount of car go and luggage capacity . For example, if the âXXXâ amount equals 1400 lb. and there will be î¿ve 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available car go and luggage capacity is 650 lb. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.). 5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and car go 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 vehicleâ s manual to determine how this weight transfer reduces the available car go and luggage capacity of your vehicle. 6.3 Glossary of T ire T erminology 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 î¿t the rim. Bead separation: This is the breakdown of the bond between components in the bead. Bias ply tire: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles substantially less than 90 degrees to the center line of the tread. SECTION 6: TIRE & SAFETY INFORMA TION CHECKING & CHANGING TIRES
25 Carcass: The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inîated, bears the load. Chunking: The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall. Cold inîation pressur e: 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 îange tire and rim system in which the rim is designed with rim îanges pointed radially inward and the tire is designed to î¿t on the underside of the rim in a manner that encloses the rim îanges 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 inîation pressures than the corresponding standard tire. Groove: The space between two adjacent tread ribs. Inner liner: The layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the inîating medium within the tire. Inner -liner separation: The parting of the inner liner from cord material in the carcass. 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 (L T) 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 inîation pressure. Maximum load rating: The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inîation pressure for that tire. Maximum permissible inîation pressur e: The maximum cold inîation pressure to which a tire may be inîated. 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 î¿tted 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 tir e assembly: A non-pneumatic tire assembly intended for temporary use in place of one of the pneumatic tires and rims that are î¿tted 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
26 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 îuid 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 lb.) times the number of occupants speciî¿ed in the second column of T able I of 49 CFR 571.1 10. Occupant distribution: The distribution of occupants in a vehicle as speciî¿ed in the third column of T able I of 49 CFR 571.1 10. Open splice: Any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or inner liner that extends to cord material. Outer diameter: The overall diameter of an inîated new tire. Overall width: The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inîated tire, including elevations due to labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs. 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 materials, that, when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas or îuid that sustains the load. Production options weight: The combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing over 2.3 kilograms (5 lb.) 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 center line of the tread. Recommended inîation pressur e: This is the inîation pressure provided by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire Information label and on the Certiî¿cation / VIN tag. Reinforced tir e: A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inîation 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 â s designation for a rim by style or code. Rim width: This means the nominal distance between rim îanges. Section width: The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inîated tire, excluding elevations due to labeling, decoration, or protective 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 T railer (ST) tir e: The âSTâ is an indication the tire is for trailer use only . T est rim: The rim on which a tire is î¿tted for testing, and may be any rim listed as
27 appropriate for use with that tire. T read: That portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road. T read rib: A tread section running circumferentially around a tire. T read separation: Pulling away of the tread from the tire carcass. T read-wear indicators (TWI): The projections within the principal grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread. V ehicle capacity weight: The rated car go and luggage load plus 68 kilograms (150 lb.) times the vehicleâ s designated seating capacity . V ehicle 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. V ehicle 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 T able I of CRF 49 571.1 10) and dividing by 2. W eather side: The surface area of the rim not covered by the inîated tire. Wheel center member: In the case of 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 î¿xture: The î¿xture used to hold the wheel and tire assembly securely during testing. 6.4 T ire Safety - Everything Rides on It The National T rafî¿c Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a brochure (DOT HS 809 361) that discusses all aspects of T ire 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 îat tires. These actions, along with other care and maintenance activities, can also: ⢠Improve vehicle handling ⢠Help protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents ⢠Improve fuel economy ⢠Increase the life of your tires. This booklet presents a comprehensive overview of tire safety , including information on the following topics: ⢠Basic tire maintenance
28 ⢠Uniform T ire Quality Grading System ⢠Fundamental characteristics of tires ⢠T ire 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 îat tire or other tire failure. 6.4.1 Safety î¿rstâBasic tire maintenance Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load- carrying capability of your vehicle. Under -inîated tires and overloaded vehicles are a major cause of tire failure. Therefore, as mentioned above, to avoid îat 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. 6.4.2 Finding your vehicleâ s recommended tir e pressure and load limits T ire information placards and vehicle certiî¿cation labels contain information on tires and load limits. These labels indicate the vehicle manufacturer â s information including: ⢠Recommended tire size ⢠Recommended tire inîation pressure ⢠V ehicle capacity weight (VCWâthe maximum occupant and car go weight a vehicle is designed to carry) ⢠Front and rear gross axle weight ratings (GA WRâ the maximum weight the axle systems are designed to carry). Both placards and certiî¿cation labels are permanently attached to the trailer near the left front. 6.4.3 Understanding tire pr essure and load limits T ire inîation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it with load- carrying capacity and af fects the overall performance of the vehicle. The tire inîation pressure is a number that indicates the amount of air pressureâ measured in pounds per square inch (psi)âa tire requires to be properly inîated. (Y ou will also î¿nd 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 vehicleâ s design load limit, that is, the greatest amount of weight a vehicle can safely carry and the vehicleâ s tire size. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is referred to as the ârecommended cold inîation pressure.â (As you will read below , it is difî¿cult 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 âmaximum permissible inîation pressureâ 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.
29 6.4.4 Checking tire pr essure It is important to check your vehicleâ s tire pressure at least once a month for the following reasons: ⢠Most tires may naturally lose air over time. ⢠T ires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other object or if you strike the curb when parking. ⢠W ith radial tires, it is usually not possible to determine under -inîation by visual inspection. 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 inîation pressure that vehicle manufacturers provide reîects 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. 6.4.5 Steps for maintaining pr oper tir e pressur e ⢠Step 1: Locate the recommended tire pressure on the vehicleâ s tire information placard, certiî¿cation label, or in the owner â s manual. ⢠Step 2: Record the tire pressure of all tires. ⢠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 tire gauge until you get to the correct pressure. ⢠Step 4: If the tire pressure is too low , note the difference between the measured tire pressure and the correct tire pressure. These âmissingâ pounds of pressure are what you will need to add. ⢠Step 5: At a service station, add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that is under -inîated. ⢠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 dif ferent amounts of pressure). If you have been driving your vehicle and think that a trailer tire is under -inîated, î¿ll it to the recommended cold inîation pressure indicated on your vehicleâ s tire information placard or certiî¿cation label. While your tire may still be slightly under -inîated 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 â s recommended cold inîation pressure than to drive with a signiî¿cantly under - inîated tire. Since this is a temporary î¿x, donâ t forget to recheck and adjust the tireâ s pressure when you can obtain a cold reading. 6.4.6 Tir e size T o maintain tire safety , purchase new tires that are the same size as the vehicleâ s original tires or another size recommended by the manufacturer . Look at the tire information placard, the owner â s manual, or the sidewall of the tire you are
30 replacing to î¿nd this information. If you have any doubt about the correct size to choose, consult with the tire dealer . 6.4.7 Tir e 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. T ires have built-in tread-wear 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 âevenâ 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 Lincolnâ s head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincolnâ s head, you are ready for new tires. 6.4.8 Tir e balance and wheel alignment T o 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 the vehicleâ s frame. This adjustment maximizes the life of your tires. These adjustments require special equipment and should be performed by a qualiî¿ed technician. 6.4.9 Tir e repair The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the tire that surrounds the puncture hole. Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too lar ge, but punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired. T ires must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected before being plugged and patched. 6.4.10 T ire Fundamentals Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information identiî¿es and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire identiî¿cation number for safety standard certiî¿cation and in case of a recall. 6.4.10.1 Information on Passenger V ehicle T ires Please refer to the diagram on the next page.
31 P: The âPâ 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 lar ger the number , the wider the tire. Next number: This two-digit number , known as the aspect ratio, gives the tireâ 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 âRâ stands for radial. Radial ply construction of tires has been the industry standard for the past 20 years. 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 tireâ s load index. It is a measurement of how much weight each tire can support. Y ou may î¿nd this information in your owner â s manual. If not, contact a local tire dealer . Note: Y ou may not î¿nd this information on all tires because it is not required by law . M S: The âM Sâ or âM/Sâ indicates that the tire has some mud and snow capability . Most radial tires have these markings; hence, they have some mud and snow capability . Speed Rating: The speed rating denotes the speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of time. The ratings range from 99 miles per hour (mph) to 186 mph. Note: Y ou may not î¿nd this information on all tires because it is not required by law . * For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph, tire manufacturers always use the letters ZR. U.S. DOT Tir e Identiî¿cation Number This begins with the letters âDOTâ and indicates that the tire meets all Nominal width of tire in millimeters Radial Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio) Max. permissable inîation pressur e Passenger car tir e T readwear , traction and temperature grades Max. load rating Tir e ply composition and materials used Sever snow conditions U.S. DOT tir e identiî¿cation number Load index & speed symbol Rim diameter code
32 Load range Light truck tire Severe snow conditions Maximum load & inîation when used as a dual Maximum load & inîation when used as a single Load inîation limits 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 â s discretion. This information is used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a recall. T ire 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 more weight a tire can support T ire 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 Inîation Pressur e: This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions. 6.4.10.2 UTQGS Information T read-wear Number: This number indicates the tireâ 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. T raction Letter: This letter indicates a tireâ 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 âAAâ,âAâ, âBâ, and âCâ. T emperature Letter: This letter indicates a tireâ s resistance to heat. The temperature grade is for a tire that is inîated properly and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under inîation or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure. From highest to lowest, a tireâ s resistance to heat is graded as âAâ, âBâ, or âCâ. 6.4.10.3. Additional Information on Light T ruck T ires Please refer to the following diagram:
33 T ires for light trucks have other markings besides those found on the sidewalls of passenger tires. L T : The âL Tâ indicates the tire is for light trucks or trailers. ST : An âSTâ is an indication the tire is for trailer use only . Max. Load Dual kg (lb) 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 (lb) 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 identiî¿es the tireâ s load-carrying capabilities and its inîation limits. 6.4.1 1 T ire Safety Tips 6.4.1 1.1 Preventing Tir e Damage ⢠Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other object in the road. ⢠Do not run over curbs or other foreign objects in the roadway , and try not to strike the curb when parking. 6.4.1 1.2 T ire Safety Checklist ⢠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 before going on a long trip. ⢠Do not overload your vehicle. 6.5 Changing a Flat T ire 6.5.1 If possible, get the T railer on level ground. 6.5.2 Keep the T railer coupled to the T ow V ehicle and engage the T ow V ehicleâ s emergency brake. W ARNING Never attempt to change the tire while trailer is in folded position. T railer can tip over . Failure to heed this warning could result in property damage, seri- ous injury and death.
34 6.5.3 Chock the Wheel you are not changing with bricks or wooden blocks. 6.5.4 Place a Tir e Jack under the part of the axel near the îat tire. 6.5.5 Jack up the axle to lift the wheel a few inches of f the ground. 6.5.6 Remove the Lug Nuts and Wheel. 6.5.7 Place Spare Tir e on the axle and tighten Lug Nuts between 95 - 120 ft ./lb . Do not exceed 120 ft./lb. 6.5.8 T ighten Lug Nuts in the following sequence: Place a Tir e Jack here. 1 2 3 4 5 W ARNING Do not use the Assist Wheel to support the Trailer while changing your tires. T railer could tip over causing serious injury or death.
35 6.5.9 Lower Tir e Jack and remove from under T railer . W ARNING Never crawl under a trailer on jacks. The trailer could slip off the jack or the jack could fail resulting in serious injury or death. W ARNING 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 î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driv - ing and after any impact. Lug nuts for the tires must be tightened by the user before each use. Sears cannot be held responsible for damages caused by loosened lug nuts. W ARNING T o help ensure long tread life and your safety . Always check tire pressure to ensure optimum life and performance from your tires. The tires that came with your trailer should have a tire pressure of 80 psi. Sears cannot be held responsible for dam- ages caused by uneven tread wear and blow outs from an under - inîated or over -inîated tire.â 6.6 Checking the T ire Pr essure Always check the tire pressure before each tow . Use a pressure gauge to ensure proper tire pressure. The tires provided with your Trailer should be î¿lled to 80 psi . T ire pressure must be checked when the tire is cold. If the trailer has been towed for at least one mile, allow at least three hours after a tow for the tire to cool before checking the pressure.
36 SECTION 7: LOADING THE TRAILER Improper trailer loading causes many accidents and deaths. T o safely load a trailer , you must consider: ⢠Overall load weight; ⢠Load weight distribution; ⢠Proper tongue weight; and ⢠Securing the load properly . T o determine that you have loaded the trailer within its rating, you must consider the distribution of weight, as well as the total weight of the trailer and its contents. The trailer axles carry most of the total weight of the trailer and its contents (Gross V ehicle W eight, or âGVWâ). The remainder of the total weight is carried by the tow vehicle hitch. For safe towing, it is essential that the trailer tongue and tow vehicle hitch carry the proper amount of the loaded trailer weight, otherwise the trailer can suddenly sway wildly at towing speed. Read the âT ongue W eightâ 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. T owing stability also depends on keeping the center of gravity as low as possible. Load heavy items on the îoor 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 V ehicle W eight Rating, or âGVWRâ). T ongue W eight 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 LOADING THE CARGO W ARNING 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 weight on any tire exceeds its rating. Do not exceed the trailer Gross V ehicle W eight Rating (GVWR) or an axle Gross Axle W eight Rating (GA WR).
37 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 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 suddenly become unstable at high speeds. If, on the other hand, there is too much tongue weight, the front wheels of the tow vehicle can be too lightly loaded and cause loss of steering control and traction, as well, 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 W eight Rating (GA WR). The table below has ârules of thumbâ for proper tongue weight. In the table below , the second column notes the rule of thumb percentage of total weight of the trailer plus its car go (Gross V ehicle W eight, or âGVWâ) that should appear on the tongue of the trailer . For example, a trailer with a ball hitch and a loaded weight of 1,000 pounds, should have 10-15% of 1,000 pounds on the tongue. That is, the example trailer would have no more than 100 to 150 pounds on its tongue. W ARNING Never go under the trailer unless it has been properly supported with jack stands that have been rated for the load. W ithout be- ing properly supported, the trailer may fall suddenly which may result in serious injury or death.â T ongue W eight as a Per centage of Loaded T railer W eight T ype of Hitch Percentage Ball Hitch (or Bumper Hitch) 10â15% W ARNING 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); ⢠Distribute the load evenly , right and left, to avoid tire over- load; and ⢠Keep the center of gravity low .
38 7.1. CHECKING THE TONGUE WEIGHT T o check the tongue weight, the tow vehicle and trailer must be on level ground, as they will be when the trailer is being towed. If you know the weight on your tow vehicle axles when you are not towing a trailer , trailer tongue weight can be determined with the use of a truck axle scale. The recommended method of checking tongue weight is to use an accessory called a âtongue weight scale.â If a tongue weight scale is not available, you can check the tongue weight using a bathroom scale. Using a bathroom scale to check tongue weight: The loaded trailer must be on a smooth and level surface, and you must block the trailer wheels, front and rear . 7.1.1 Checking T ongue W eight â Using a lever and bathr oom scale Before checking tongue weight, block trailer wheels, front and rear . ⢠Raise the tongue of the trailer with the tongue jack. ⢠Place a bathroom scale on the ground, directly below the coupler . ⢠Place a strong block support (such as a cement block) on the scale â note the scale reading for the weight of the block support. ⢠Lower the tongue until the coupler rests on the block support and the jack is ½ inch above the ground. ⢠The scale reading, minus the weight of the block support is the tongue weight. 7.2 Securing the Cargo Since the trailer ârideâ can be bumpy and rough, you must secure your car go so that it does not shift while the trailer is being towed. 7.2.1 Loading Cargo Couple the trailer to the tow vehicle before loading. This is essential because the tongue can rise during loading, before the car go is properly distributed. T o measure the tongue weight, you will have to uncouple the trailer after it is loaded. Do not transport people in the trailer . Do not transport containers of hazardous substances, cans or containers of îammable substances, such as gasoline, W ARNING An unrestrained trailer can fall of f its support, resulting in seri- ous injury or death. W ARNING Shifting cargo can result in loss of control of the trailer , and can lead to death or serious injury . T ie down all loads with proper sized fasteners, ropes, straps, etc.
39 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 . 7.2.1.1 Preparing the T railer for Loading Before loading cargo onto the trailer: ⢠inspect the deck of the trailer for corrosion or damage; and ⢠inspect the hold down openings and/or âDâ-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 the deck or any required hold-down is damaged, do not load the car go. Bring the trailer to your dealer or a competent repair service before using it to carry cargo. 7.2.1.2 Loading the T railer Before loading the trailer , couple the trailer to the tow vehicle and ensure the deck is level. Do not load or unload the trailer when the deck is not level or when the T railer is not coupled to the tow vehicle. 1. Ensure the top of the ramp (or ramps) is secure to the trailer , and the bottom is resting on î¿rm ground. Pockets may be provided to hold the ramp to the frame of the trailer . 2. Load the cargo onto the trailer . 3. Secure the cargo to the trailer using appropriate straps, chains and tensioning devices. W ARNING Do not transport îammable, explosive, poisonous or other dangerous materials in your trailer . Failure to heed this warning could result in property damage, serious injury and death. Exceptions: ⢠Fuel in the tanks of vehicles that are being towed ⢠Fuel stored in proper containers used in trailer living quar - ters for cooking ⢠Fuel stored in the tank of an on-board generator W ARNING Damaged or loose âDâ-rings can break, allowing car go to become loose inside the trailer . Loose cargo can shift the center of gravity , and result in loss of control of the trailer . Inspect âDâ-rings, and test them for looseness before loading cargo. Do not use a damaged or loose âDâ-ring to secure car go. Failure to head this warning could result in property damage, serious injury and death.
40 Since the trailer ârideâ can be bumpy and rough, you must secure your car go so that it does not shift while the trailer is being towed. 4. Return the ramp(s) to their stowed position(s), and secure them so that they will not move during transit. W ARNING Shifting cargo can result in loss of control of the trailer , and can lead to death or serious injury . T ie down all loads with proper sized fasteners, ropes, straps, etc. W ARNING Load can suddenly move or topple, which can result in death or serious injury . Do not load or unload your open trailer unless it is prevented from tipping and is on î¿rm and level ground. W ARNING Before loading T railer , T railer must be properly connected to the T ow V ehicle. This stabilizes the T railer . Failure to follow this warning could result in property damage, personal injury and death. W ARNING Do NOT use the Gates for tie-down locations. All articles being towed must be tied to the side walls of the Trailer . Gates can dislodge causing property damage and possible injury or death to other motorists and pedestrians. W ARNING Do not transport people in the trailer . Failure to heed this warn- ing could result in serious injury such as broken bones, brain damage, paralysis or death.
41 8.1 Before T owing, Double Check All These Items: ⢠T ires, wheels and lug nuts (see the section âBreaking in New T railerâ and the section âT ire & Safety Informationâ. ⢠Coupler secured and locked (see the section âCoupling to the T ow V ehicleâ) ⢠Safety chains properly rigged to tow vehicle, not to hitch or ball (see the section âCoupling to the T ow V ehicleâ of this manual) ⢠T est of lights: T ail, Stop, T urn and Backup ⢠Cargo properly loaded, balanced and tied down (see the section âLoading the T railerâ of this manual) ⢠T ongue weight ⢠Doors and gates latched and secured ⢠Flares and reîectors SECTION 8: CHECK TRAILER BEFORE & DURING T OWING PRE-T OW CHECKLIST W ARNING 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 ⢠Assist Wheel is fully retracted. ⢠Y ou secure T ongue to Bed using Locking Pin and Cotter Key . Do not tow the trailer on the road until: ⢠T ires and wheels are checked; ⢠The load is secured to the trailer; and ⢠The trailer lights are connected and checked. 8.2 After Each 50 Miles, or One Hour of T owing, Stop and Check the Following Items: ⢠Coupler secured ⢠Safety chains are fastened and not dragging ⢠Cargo secured ⢠Cargo door latched and secured MAKE REGULAR ST OPS
42 W ARNING Since roads can be bumpy and rough, lug nuts can loosen over time and even separate from the wheel and possibly causing the separation of the wheel from the trailer . The lug nuts must be tightened by the user before each use. The tires must be maintained at the proper tire pressure before each use. Sears cannot be held responsible for damages caused by loosened lug nuts, or uneven tread wear and blow outs from an under inîated or over inîated tire. Failure to heed these warnings could result in personal injury , property damage and death. W ARNING Do NOT use the Gates for tie-down locations. All articles being towed must be tied to the side walls of the Trailer . Gates can dislodge causing property damage and possible injury or death to other motorists and pedestrians. Follow local and state laws, but d o no t excee d 65 mph. W ARNING Do not transport people in the trailer . Failure to heed this warn- ing could result in serious injury such as broken bones, brain damage, paralysis or death.
43 SECTION 9: BREAKING IN A NEW TRAILER LUG NUTS & TIRE PRESSURE 9.1 Retightening Lug Nuts at First 10, 25 & 50 Miles Wheel lugs can shift and settle quickly after being î¿rst assembled, and must be checked after the î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving and after any impact. Failure to perform this check may result in a wheel coming loose from the trailer , causing a crash leading to death or serious injury . W ARNING 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 î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driv - ing and after any impact. W ARNING The lug nuts for the tires must be tightened by the user before each use. The tires must be maintained at the proper tire pressure before each use. Sears cannot be held responsible for damages caused by loosened lug nuts, or uneven tread wear and blow outs from an under -inîated or over-inîated tire. Failure to heed this warning could result in property damage, serious injury and death. W ARNING If tow vehicle brakes do not work properly , death or serious injury can occur . Road test your tow vehicleâ s brakes in a safe area at no more than 30 mph before each tow . 9.2 T ire Pr essure Check the pressure in each tire to ensure tire is set to the tire manufacturers recommended pressure. The tires that came with your trailer should be î¿lled to 80 psi. Use a tire gauge to get an accurate reading. Y ou should check the pressure before each tow .
44 SECTION 10: MAINTENANCE INSPECTION, SER VICE & MAINTENANCE 10.1 Inspection, Service & Maintenance Summary Charts Y ou 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 perform them. Note: In addition to this manual, also check the relevant component manufacturer â s manual. Inspection and Service before Each Use Item Inspection/Service Manual Section Reference Coupler and Hitch Ball Check for cracks, pits, and îats. Replace w/ball & coupler having trailer GVW Rating Grease Check locking device & replace Section 10.2.3.1 Safety Chain(s) & Hooks Check for wear and damage Sections 8.1 & 8.2 T ires ⢠Air Pressure Check tire pressure when cold Inîate tires to 80 psi Sections 6.6, 9.2 & 10.2.6 Wheels ⢠Lug Nuts (Bolts) & Hub Check for tightness T ighten to 95 - 120 ft/lb. Do not exceed 120 ft./lb. For new and remounted wheels, check torque after î¿rst 10, 25 & 50 miles of driving and after any impact Section 6.5.7 & 9.1 Sections 10.2.8, 10.2.8.1 & 10.2.9 Inspection and Service each 3 Months or 3,000 Miles Item Inspection/Service Manual Section Reference Structure ⢠Hinges, Doors Inspect. Repair or replace damaged, worn or broken parts Section 10.2.2.1 Wheels ⢠Rims Inspect for dents, damage or out of round 10.2.7 T ires Inspect for cuts wear and bulging Basic tire maintenance Sections 6.4, 6.4.1, 6.4.2, 6.4.3, 6.4.4, 6.4.5, 6.4.6, 6.4.7, 6.4.8, 6.4.9, 6.4.10, 6.4.1 1, 6.6 & 10.2.6 Inspection and Service each 6 Months or 6,000 Miles Item Inspection/Service Manual Section Reference T ires Rotate @ 5,000 miles Section 10.2.6 Wheels ⢠UNSEALED Bearings (Hubs) Check and conî¿rm free running. Replace if not. Disassemble / inspect / as- semble and repack. Replace promptly if immersed in water Section 10.2.7 & 10.2.8 Section 10.2.8.1
45 Inspection and Service each 6 Months or 6,000 Miles Suspension Inspect for bending loose fas- teners, wear Section 10.2.10 Inspection and Service Each Y ear or 12,000 Miles Item Inspection/Service Manual Section Reference Structure ⢠Frame members ⢠W elds ⢠Slide-out Inspect all frame members, bolts & rivets. Repair or replace dam- aged, worn or broken parts. Inspect all welds. Repair as needed Clean dirt build-up. Lubricate slides, shafts and gears Section 10.2.2 Section 10.2.2.1 Section 10.2.2.2 Structure ⢠Axle Attachment Bolts Check WITH DEALER Section 10.2.1 10.2 Inspection and Service Instructions 10.2.1 Axle Bolts, Frame, Suspension, & Structure T o perform many of the inspection and maintenance activities, you must jack up the trailer . When jacking and using jack stands, place them so as to clear wiring and suspension parts (springs, torsion bars, etc.). Place jacks and jack stands inside of the perimeter strip on the supporting structure to which the axles are attached. W ARNING W orn or broken suspension parts can cause loss of control and property damage, serious injury and death may result. Have trailer professionally inspected annually and after any impact. W ARNING Never crawl under your trailer unless it is on î¿rm and level ground and resting on properly placed and secured jack stands. Never attempt to change the tire while trailer is in folded position. T railer can tip over . Failure to heed these warnings could result in property damage, serious injury and death. W ARNING Do not use the Assist Wheel to support the Trailer while changing your tires. T railer could tip over causing serious injury or death.
46 Figur e 10 - 1: Jacking Points 10.2.2 T railer Structur e Because the trailer îoor receives the most abuse, it will most likely corrode before any other part of the structure. Using a power washer , wash the îoor and walls of the trailer after each use. 10.2.2.1 Fasteners and Frame Members Inspect all of the fasteners and structural frame members for bending and other damage, cracks, or failure. Repair or replace any damaged fastener and repair the frame member . If you have any questions about the condition or method of repair of fasteners or frame members, get the recommendation of, or have the repair done by your dealer . The various fastener types used on your trailer are: ⢠Bolts, which are used mainly for attaching door and gate hinges to the trailer body; ⢠Buck Rivets, which are used to attach the sides and roof panels of the body to each other , and to the frame of the trailer; and ⢠Huck Bolts may be at various locations on the sub-frame. Huck bolts are not user serviceable. If you detect a loose huck bolt fastener , do not tow the trailer . Call your dealer for instructions. 10.2.2.2 W elds All welds can crack or fail when subjected to heavy loads or movement of car go that was not properly tied to prevent movement. Any time you know or suspect the trailer has been subjected to heavy loads or movement of car go, immediately inspect the welds and fasteners for damage. T o prevent severe damage to your Place T ire Jack here. W ARNING Broken or damaged fasteners or welds can cause serious injury , damage to trailer and contents and death. Inspect for , and repair all damaged parts at least once a year .
47 trailer , inspect all of the welds for cracks or failure at least once a year . 10.2.3 T railer Connection to T ow V ehicle 10.2.3.1 Coupler and Ball The coupler on the trailer connects to the ball attached to the hitch on the tow vehicle. The coupler , ball and hitch transfer the towing forces between the tow vehicle and the trailer . Before each tow , coat the ball with a thin layer of automotive bearing grease to reduce wear and ensure proper operation; and check the locking device that secures the coupler to the ball for proper operation. If you see or feel evidence of wear , such as îat spots, deformations, pitting or corrosion, on the ball or coupler , immediately have your dealer inspect them to determine the proper action to prevent possible failure of the ball and coupler system. All bent or broken coupler parts must be replaced before towing the trailer . The coupler handle lever must be able to rotate freely and automatically snap into the latched position. Oil the pivot points, sliding surfaces, and spring ends with SAE 30W motor oil. Keep the ball pocket and latch mechanism clean. Dirt or contamination can prevent proper operation of the latching mechanism. When replacing a ball, the load rating must match or exceed the GVWR of the trailer . 10.2.4 Jack If a grease î¿tting is present, you must use a grease gun to lubricate the jack mechanism. Grease the gears in the top of hand-cranked jacks once a year , by removing the top of the jack and pumping or hand packing grease into the gears. 10.2.5 Lights and Signals Before each tow , check the trailer taillights, stoplights, turn signals and any clearance lights for proper operation. W ARNING Improper weld repair will lead to early failure of the trailer struc- ture and can cause serious injury or death. Do not repair cracked or broken welds unless you have the skills and equipment to make a proper repair . If not, have the welds repaired by a certi- î¿ed welder W ARNING Improper operating taillights, stoplights and turn signals can cause collisions. Check all lights before each tow . Failure to heed this warning could result in property damage, serious injury and death.
48 10.2.6 T ires Before each tow , be sure the tire pressure is at the value indicated on the sidewall. T ire pressure must be checked while the tire is cold. Do not check the tire pressure immediately after towing the trailer . Allow at least three hours for a tire to cool, if the trailer has been towed for as much as one mile. Replace the tire before towing the trailer if the tire treads have less than 1/16 inch depth or the telltale bands are visible. A bubble, cut or bulge in a side wall can result in a tire blowout. Inspect both side walls of each tire for any bubble, cut or bulge; and replace a damaged tire before towing the trailer . T ires do not wear evenly . Depending on the load balance, some will wear faster than others. T o help increase the life of your tires, rotate tires every 5000 miles. 10.2.7 Wheel Rims If the trailer has been struck, or impacted, on or near the wheels, or if the trailer has struck a curb, inspect the rims for damage (e.g., being out of round); and replace any damaged wheel. Inspect the wheels for damage every year , even if no obvious impact has occurred. Also check the tires to ensure theyâre at the recommended pressure. 10.2.8 Wheels, Bearings and Lug Nuts T o check your bearings, jack trailer and check wheels for side-to-side looseness. If the wheels are loose, or spin with a wobble, the bearings must be serviced or replaced. Most trailer axles are built with sealed bearings that are not serviceable. Sealed bearings must be replaced as complete units. 10.2.8.1 Unsealed Bearings (Hubs) Y ou must inspect and lubricate the bearings once a year or every 12,000 miles to insure safe operation of your trailer . If a trailer wheel bearing is immersed in water , it must be replaced. If your trailer has not been used for an extended amount of time, have the bearings inspected and packed more frequently , at least every six months and prior to use. Follow the steps below to disassemble and service the UNSEALED wheel bearings. W ARNING W orn, damaged or under-inîated tires can cause loss of control, resulting in damage, serious injury and possibly death. Inspect tires before each tow .
49 ⢠After removing the grease cap, cotter pin, spindle nut and spindle washer , remove the hub and drum to inspect the bearings for wear and damage. ⢠Replace bearings that have îat spots on rollers, broken roller cages, rust or pitting. Always replace bearings and cups in sets. The inner and outer bearings are to be replaced at the same time. ⢠Replace seals that have nicks, tears or wear . ⢠Lubricate the bearings with a high quality EP-2 automotive wheel bearing grease. Every time the wheel hub is removed and the bearings are reassembled, follow the steps below to check the wheel bearings for free running and adjust. ⢠T urn the hub slowly , by hand, while tightening the spindle nut, until you can no longer turn the hub by hand. ⢠Loosen the spindle nut just until you are able to turn it (the spindle nut) by hand. Do not turn the hub while the spindle nut is loose. ⢠Put a new cotter pin through the spindle nut and axle. ⢠Check the adjustments. Both the hub and the spindle nut should be able to move freely (the spindle nut motion will be limited by the cotter pin). 10.2.9 Lug Nuts (Bolts) Lug nuts are prone to loosen right after a wheel is mounted to a hub. When driving on a remounted wheel, check to see if the lug nuts are tight after the î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving and before each tow thereafter . W ARNING 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 î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving. W ARNING Metal creep between the wheel rim and lug nuts will cause rim to loosen and could result in a wheel coming off, leading to death or serious injury . T ighten lug nuts before each tow . W ARNING Do not use the Assist Wheel to support the Trailer while changing your tires. T railer could tip over causing serious injury or death.
50 Figure 10 - 2: Lug nut sequence of tightening T ighten the lug nuts to the proper torque for the axle size on your trailer , to prevent wheels from coming loose. Use a torque wrench to tighten the fasteners. If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the fasteners with a lug wrench as much as you can, then have a service garage or dealer tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque. Over -tightening will result in breaking the studs or permanently deforming the mounting stud holes in the wheels. Do not exceed 120 ft./lb. 10.2.10 Suspension All suspension components should be visually inspected at least every 6000 miles or 6 months. Check for loose fasteners and tighten to proper torque values. Excessively worn or damaged parts should be replaced with original parts. 1 2 3 4 5
51 ID Part No. Description EK 1028701 Diamond Plate Side Panel BC 1010045 Amber Marker Light BD 1024948 Gate Pusher BE 1023985 Gate Pusher Spring BF 1025228 3/4â Roll Pin BG 1023984 Gate Pusher Pin BH 1010030 T ail Light (Right) BI 1025184 3/8â-16 x 2 1/2â Hex Bolt BJ 300013 3/8â-16 Nylock Nut BK 1025177 3/8â-16 x 3â Hex Bolt BM 1024946 Bed Lift Guide BN 1025799 Bed Locating T ab BO 1024906 Short J-Channel BP 1025800 Pin Retainer Bracket BQ 1024904 Front Bed T ube W eldment BR 1028124 Right Frame W eldment BU 1024904 Bed T ube W eldment BV 1024903 Rear T ube W eldment DT 1019803 1/4â-20 Keps Nut T o order parts, call our customer service department at 1-800-422-3865. EK BH BC BR BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BI BI BI BI BI BI BI BI BI BO BO BQ BK BP BM BN BU BU BU BV BD BE BF BG DT DT Bed Frame Assembly and Parts
52 BA BB BC BL BT BT BT BT BS BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BI BI BI BI BI BS BW BX BJ BI DF BY BZ F A DT DT ID Part No. Description BA 1026464 Diamond Plate Side Panel BB 1016476 T ail Light (Left) BC 1010045 Reîector Light BI 1025184 3/8â-16 x 2 1/2â Hex Bolt BJ 300013 3/8â-16 Nylock Nut BL 1028123 Left Side W eldment BS 1024902 Long J-Channel BT 1024900 Hat Channel W eldment BW 1024899 Rear Hat Channel W eldment BX 1012733 Assist Wheel BY 1025180 1/2â-13 Nylock Nut BZ 1024941 Assist Wheel Spring DF 1025187 1/2â-13 x 3â Hex Bolt DT 1019803 1/4â-20 Keps Nut F A 1024865 Caster W eldment T o order parts, call our customer service department at 1-800-422-3865. Bed Frame Assembly and Parts
53 DH DH BJ BJ BY BY DF DF DA DU BJ DB DC DD DD BJ BJ DE DE DI DI DH (4) BY BJ (4) D S D S D S D S D S D S D S D S D S DO D M DP DQ DN DO D M DR DL Folding Jack DV ID Part No. Description BJ 300013 3/8â-16 Nylock Nut BY 1025180 1/2â-13 Nylock Nut DA 1012278 Safety Chain DB 101 1472 Coupler DC 1025941 T ongue W eldment DD 1025862 Alignment Guide T ube DE 1024858 Axle Actuator T ube DF 1025187 1/2â-13 x 3â Hex Bolt DG 1014296 #10 x 3/4â Self-T apping Screw DH 300137 3/8â-16 x 1â Hex Bolt DI 1025227 1/2â-13 x 2â Hex Bolt DL 1027957 1/4â-28 x 1 1/4â Hex Bolt DM 1027959 1/4â-28 Centerlock Nut DN 10261 18 Folding Jack DO 1025651 Jack-to-Axle Bracket DP 1024329 Jack Spacer DQ 1027958 1/4â-28 x 2 1/4â Hex Bolt DR 1025798 Crank Plate DS 300031 3/8â Standard W asher DU 1025751 3/8â-16 x 1 3/4â Hex Bolt DV 1019384 3/8â-16 x 1 1/4â T ap Bolt T o order parts, call our customer service department at 1-800-422-3865. T ongue Assembly and Parts
54 BY CZ BY CZ CC CF CF CE CD CG CA CP CA CO CI CH CJ CK CL CQ CR CS CY BY CV CT CU CX CW CL CY CM CM CM CM (4) ID Part No. Description BY 1025180 1/2â-13 Nylock Nut CA 1025181 1/2â-13 x 6â Hex Bolt CC 1022781 3/8â U-Bolt CD 1027274 Leaf Spring CE 1026130 Leaf Spring Bracket CF 1009889 9/16â x 2.925â Standard Hex Bolt CG 1025192 3/8â-24 Nylock Nut CH 1027352 Leaf Spring Spindle W eldment CI 1021745 Hub CJ 1009585 T ire CK 1010432 Rim CL 1016243 Lug Nut CM 1025186 1/2â Standard USS W asher CO 1024795 Center Axle Assembly CP 1025179 1/2â-13 x 4 1/2â Hex Bolt CQ 1012279 Chrome Hub Cap CR 1024860 U-Bracket CS 1025435 1â-14 Slotted Axle Nut ID Part No. Description CT 1025431 1 1/16â Bearing CU 1025433 Dust Cap CV 1025434 Seal CW 1025436 1â Spindle W asher CX 1025437 1/8â x 2â Cotter Pin CY 1015762 Pivot Plate CZ 1016915 9/16â Standard Hex Nut T o order parts, call our customer service department at 1-800-422-3865. Axle Assembly and Parts
55 AC EE ED EC AD AE AB ID Part No. Description AB 1032680 Hand Crank AC 1025072 2â x 4â x 63â Distance Indicator AD 1025051 Locking Pin w/ Lanyard AE 1016242 3â Cotter Key DG 1014296 #10 x 3/4â Self-T apping Screw EA 1026123 Gate W eldment EB 1024910 Diamond Plate EC 1023448 Left Decking (W ide) ED 1023444 Right Decking (Narrow) EE 1026660 Hand Crank Holder EF 1025216 Rubber W iring Grommet EG 1025050 3/4â Rubber W iring Grommet EH 1016473 License Plate Holder EI 1016474 W iring Harness (Not shown) EJ 1015282 W iring Conduit (Not shown) EK 1025052 Assist Wheel Rubber Bumper EL 1028013 Jack Retainer Clip EB EA DG EF T o order parts, call our customer service department at 1-800-422-3865. Miscellaneous Parts Do Not Discard EH EG EK EL
56 SECTION 12: W ARRANTY INFORMA TION Limited W arranty on Craftsman Fold-Up T railer When operated and maintained according to all supplied product instructions, if the following components of this Craftsman Fold-Up Trailer fail due to defects in material or workmanship within the time periods listed below , call 1-800-422-3865 to arrange for free repair . ⢠T wo Y ears: All components except tires, wheels, hubs, springs and axle ⢠One Y ear: T ires, wheels, hubs, springs and axle This warranty does not cover: ⢠Scratching or scufî¿ng of the product that may result from normal use. ⢠Defects resulting from intentional damage, negligence, unreasonable use, improper loading, overloading, installation of improper equipment, improper towing, and failure to ensure lug nuts are tight. ⢠Liability for incidental or consequential damages to the extent permitted by law . While every attempt is made to embody the highest degree of safety in this trailer , freedom from injury cannot be guaranteed. The user assumes all risk of injury resulting from use of this product. This warranty gives you speciî¿c legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2 Register your pr oduct at www .lifetime.com. www .lifetime.com
3 Craftsman Metal Fold-Up Utility T railer Model No. 0220 Sears Item No. 123.24201 W ARNING This User â s Manual contains safety information and instructions for your trailer . Y ou must read this manual before loading or towing your trailer . Y ou must follow all safety precautions and instructions. For parts and service, call our customer service line at: 1-800-422-3865 NHTSA Notiî¿cation Statement: 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 T rafî¿c Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Lifetime Products. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it î¿nds 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, Sears, or Lifetime Products. T o contact NHTSA, you may either call the V ehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1- 888-327-4236 (TTY : 1-800-424-9153), go to http://www .safecar .gov; or write to: Administrator , NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW ., W ashington, DC 20590. Y ou can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www .safecar .gov . Call 1-800-422-3865 to reach our Customer Service line.
4 T able of Contents SECTION 1: SAFETY INFORMA TION 7 SECTION 2: TRAILER P AR TS & HARDW ARE 1 1 SECTION 3: FIRST -TIME SET -UP REQUIREMENTS 12 SECTION 4: TRAILER SETUP 17 SECTION 5: COUPLING T O THE TOW VEHICLE 19 5.1 Using an Adequate T ow V ehicle and Hitch 19 5.2 Coupling and Uncoupling the T railer 19 5.2.1 T railer with Ball-Hitch Coupler 19 5.2.1.1 Befor e coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle 20 5.2.1.2 Pr epare the coupler and hitch 20 5.2.1.3 Coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle 20 5.2.1.4 Rigging the safety chains 21 5.2.1.5 Connecting the electrical cables 22 5.2.1.6 Uncoupling the T railer 23 SECTION 6: TIRE & SAFETY INFORMA TION 24 6.1 Determining Correct Load Limit â T railer 24 6.1.1 T railers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less 24 6.2 Determining Correct Load Limit â T ow V ehicle 24 6.3 Glossary of T ire T erminology 24 6.4 T ire Safety - Everything Rides on It 27 6.4.1 Safety î¿rstâBasic tire maintenance 28 6.4.2 Finding your vehicleâ s recommended tire pressure and load limits 28 6.4.3 Understanding tire pressure and load limits 28 6.4.4 Checking tire pressure 29 6.4.5 Steps for maintaining proper tire pressure 29 6.4.6 T ire size 29 6.4.7 T ire tread 30 6.4.8 T ire balance and wheel alignment 30 6.4.9 T ire repair 30 6.4.10 T ire Fundamentals 30 6.4.10.1 Information on Passenger V ehicle T ir es 30 6.4.10.2 UTQGS Information 32 6.4.10.3. Additional Information on Light T ruck T ir es 32 6.4.1 1 T ire Safety T ips 33 6.4.1 1.1 Pr eventing T ir e Damage 33 6.4.1 1.2 T ir e Safety Checklist 33 6.5 Changing a Flat T ire 33 6.6 Checking the T ire Pr essure 35 SECTION 7: LOADING THE TRAILER 36 7.1. CHECKING THE TONGUE WEIGHT 38 7.1.1 Checking T ongue W eight â Using a lever and bathroom scale 38 7.2 Securing the Cargo 38 7.2.1 Loading Cargo 38 7.2.1.1 Pr eparing the T railer for Loading 39
5 7.2.1.2 Loading the T railer 39 SECTION 8: CHECK TRAILER BEFORE & DURING TOWING 41 SECTION 9: BREAKING IN A NEW TRAILER 43 SECTION 10: MAINTENANCE 44 10.1 Inspection, Service & Maintenance Summary Charts 44 10.2 Inspection and Service Instructions 45 10.2.1 Axle Bolts, Frame, Suspension, & Structure 45 10.2.2 T railer Structure 46 10.2.2.1 Fasteners and Frame Members 46 10.2.2.2 W elds 46 10.2.3 T railer Connection to T ow V ehicle 47 10.2.3.1 Coupler and Ball 47 10.2.4 Landing Leg or Jack 47 10.2.5 Lights and Signals 47 10.2.6 T ires 48 10.2.7 Wheel Rims 48 10.2.8 Wheels, Bearings and Lug Nuts 48 10.2.8.1 Unsealed Bearings (Hubs) 48 10.2.9 Lug Nuts (Bolts) 49 10.2.10 Suspension 49 SECTION 1 1: EXPLODED TRAILER VIEWS 50 SECTION 12: W ARRANTY INFORMA TION 56
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7 SECTION 1: SAFETY INFORMA TION SIGNAL WORDS W 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. The level of risk is indicated by the following signal words: The safety information in this manual is denoted by the safety alert symbol: SAFETY ALER T SYMBOLS AND SIGNAL WORDS W arning Labels & Locations If a label becomes unreadable, you can re-order them from Customer Service: 1-800-422-3865 1 1 2 2 2 3 6 4 10 8 9 7 3 5 5 2
8 The proper tightness (torque) for lug nuts is 95-120 ft./lb. Do not exceed 120 ft./lb. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts. 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. Then have a service garage or trailer dealer tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque. See the section on T ire and Safety Information for more details concerning tire safety . Lug nuts are also prone to loosen after î¿rst being assembled. When driving a new trailer (or after wheels have been remounted), check to make sure they are tight after the î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving and before each tow thereafter . Failure to perform this check can result in a wheel parting from the trailer and a crash, leading to death or serious injury . 2 Ensure the trailer gates are secure during towing. Failure to insert gates securely could result in the load separating from the trailer causing serious property damage, personal injury and death. 1 Secur ely Latching the T railer Gate Lug Nuts and Tir e Pressur e Re-order #1027939 3 Assist Wheel Caution Always keep the Assist Wheel up when loading, unloading or towing the T railer . AL W A YS load and tow Trailer while Assist Wheel is up. Failure to heed this warning could result in permanent damage to the Assist Wheel and void warranty . CAUTION Part #1024838 AL W A YS load and tow the T railer while the Assist Wheel is up. Failure to heed this warning could result in permanent damage to the Assist Wheel and void warranty . Part #1024838 CAUTION Part #1025229 Part #1025229 Re-order #1027932 CAUTION S E C U R E G A T E S B E F O R E M O V I N G T R A I L E R PRECAUCIÃN ¡ A S E G U R E L O S P O R T O N E S A N T E S D E M O V E R E L R E M O L Q U E ! # 1 0 2 7 9 3 2 Las fallas en las llantas, ruedas o tuercas a las llantas pueden provocar pérdida del control. Antes de realizar un acarreo, DEBE REVISAR: 1. Presión y costura de las llantas. 2. Daños en llantas y ruedas. 3. T uercas a las llantas bien apretadas. Para llantas nuevas y reacondicionadas, apriete nuevamente las tuercas a las llantas a los primeros 16 kilómetros, 40,2 Kilómetros y 80,5 kilómetros de manejo. Las llantas y ruedas ¿ESTÃN BIEN? ADVERTENCIA # 1027939 Tire, wheel or lug nut failure can cause loss of control. Before towing, you must CHECK: 1. Tire pressure and tread. 2. Tires and wheels for damage. 3. Lug nuts for tightness. For new and remounted wheels, Retighten lug nuts at the î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving. Tires and Wheels OK? W ARNING © 2002 NA TM T uercas a las llantas ¿BIEN APRET ADAS? Lug Nuts TIGHT?
9 Folded T railer W arning Pinch Point W arning 4 Coupler , Load W eight and Distribution and Electrical Connections Loads can suddenly move or topple, which can result in death or serious injury . Overloaded trailers and improper tongue weight can result in loss of control of the trailer . Ensure the trailer is coupled correctly and the chains are crossed over each other . Ensure the load is tied securely and doesnâ t exceed the Gross V ehicle W eight (GVW). Ensure the electrical connections are tightly î¿tted and functioning properly . Always check brake lights and turn signals before each tow . 5 Always use the Hand Crank when folding and deploying T railer . Ensure others keep a safe distance to avoid any potential pinch points. 6 Y ou can store the T railer in folded position, but do NOT tow the T railer while itâ s folded. The T railer may tip over resulting in property damage, serious injury or death. W ARNING NEVER tow T railer while in folded position. Failure to heed this warning may void warranty and could result in property damage, serious injury or death. Part #1024837 NEVER tow T railer while in folded position. Failure to heed this warning may void warranty and could result in property damage, serious injury or death. Part #1024837 Re-order #1031540 Part #10251 12 W atch for pinch points while folding or deploying trailer as serious injury could occur . W ARNING W AR N IN G A DV E RT EN C IA Unco upling will c ause t railer to com e loos e from tow ve hicle. Y ou mu st: 1. CHECK that ba ll loa d rati ng is s ame or great er than coupl er loa d ratin g. 2. CHECK that ba ll siz e is s ame as couple r. 3. CLOSE COUPL ER CLA MP on ball. 4. LIFT c oupler upwar ds to t est th at it will no t sepa rate f rom bal l. 5. LOCK c oupler clamp with p in or p adlock . Atta ch hoo ks to t ow veh icle Alwa ys use safety chain s. Chai ns hol d trail er if connec tion fa ils. You must: 1. CROSS chains undern eath c oupler . 2. ALLO W slac k for t railer to tu rn. 3. A TTA CH chai n hook s secur ely to tow v ehicle frame. Enou gh sla ck For turns El d esenga nche ha rá que el re molque quede suelto del ve hÃculo remol cador . Uste d debe rá: 1. VERI FICAR que la C AP ACIDA D DE CAR GA de l a bol a se a igu al o mayo r que la CAP ACIDA D DE CAR GA del engan che. 2. V ERIFIC AR que el tam año de la bol a sea igual que el enganc he. 3. C ERRAR el TO RNILLO DE A JUSTE DEL ENGAN CHE sob re la bola. 4. L EVA NTAR el en ganche para p robar que no se sep are de la bo la. 5. C ERRAR el torn illo d e ajus te del enganc he con un gan cho o candad o. Util ice si empre c adenas de se guridad . Las caden as sost ienen el remo lque e n caso de que la co nexión falle. Uste d debe rá: 1. C RUZAR las cad enas p or deb ajo del engan che. 2. P ERMITI R que l as cad enas q ueden î ojas p ara qu e el r emolqu e pueda girar . 3. S UJET AR de forma segura los ga nchos de la cade na a l os bord es del vehÃc ulo rem olcado r. Suî¿c ientem ente îojo para poder gira r Cruz ar las cadena s DISCO NNECTED CONNE CTED DESCO NECT ADAS CONEC TADA S Una carga impropi a pued e caus ar que el rem olque se tamb alee o que repe ntinam ente pi erda e l cont rol. Us ted de berá: ⢠Asegur ar que el pes o de l a carg a más e l peso del re molque no ex ceda la capa cidad del rem olque (Clase de Pes o del Vehà culo). ⢠Ca rgar l os elem entos más pe sados e n la p arte d elanter a de l as rue das. ⢠Ca rgar d e forma equit ativa de lado a lad o. ⢠Asegur ar la carga a l remo lque. Suje tar lo s ganch os al vehÃcu lo remo lcador Cros s chai ns Ligh ts can preven t trai ler fr om bein g hit by oth er vehi cles. Y ou mus t: 1. CONNEC T trai ler an d tow v ehicle elect rical c onnect ors. 2. CHECK all lig hts: tail l ights, turn s ignals , and b rake l ights. 3. DO NOT TO W if l ights are not worki ng. Las luces pueden preven ir que otros vehÃcu los ch oquen e l remo lque. Usted d eberá: 1. C ONECT AR lo s cone ctores eléctr icos d el rem olque y del vehà culo r emolcad or. 2. V ERIFIC AR toda s las luces, las lu ces tr aseras , las l uces de g uiño, y las l uces d el fre no. 3. N O UTIL ICE EL REMO LQUE si las l uces no funci onan. Impr oper l oading can ca use tr ailer s way an d sudd en loss of co ntrol. Y ou mus t: ⢠E nsure weight of loa d plus traile r weig ht doe s not e xceed traile râs capa city (GVW R - Gr oss V ehicle Weig ht Rati ng). ⢠L oad he avier i tems i n fron t of wh eels. ⢠L oad ev enly si de to side. ⢠S ecure load to trail er. Less load in rear Secu re loa d to tr ailer Bala nce lo ad side to si de Aseg urar l a carga al r emolqu e Bala ncear la carg a de l ado a lado Meno s carg a sobre la part e post erior d e las rued as Más carga sobre l a part e dela ntera d e las ruedas More load in fron t of w heels Open Abie rto Clos ed Cerr ado Pin or pad lock In p lace Lift coupl er to c heck Colo car el candad o o ganc ho Leva ntar e l engan che pa ra ver iî¿car #10 31540 W AR N IN G A DV E RT EN C IA W AR N IN G A DV E RT EN C IA W AR N IN G A DV ER TE NC I A
10 Patent Advisory NA TM Compliance T ire and Loading Information 7 8 Always check tire pressure to ensure optimum life and performance from your tires. The tires that came with your trailer should have a tire pressure of 80 psi. Sears, Roebuck and Co. cannot be held responsible for damages caused by uneven tread wear and blow outs from an under -inîated or over-inîated tire. The T railer and load should never exceed the Gross V ehicle W eight (GVW). Whenever loading the trailer , always check to see if youâre within this limit. See the section on Loading the T railer for information regarding how to check . This sticker also displays your V ehicle Identiî¿cation Number (VIN) in the bottom, left-hand corner . Y our trailer is in compliance with the guidelines of the National Association of T railer Manufacturers. Y our trailer has its own unique number . Note: This is not your V ehicle Identiî¿cation Number (VIN). Re-order #1014245 No re-orders 9 This sticker displays the various patents applicable to the trailer . No re-orders Ball and Hitch Size 10 Y our new trailer comes with a 2-inch coupler . The ball on the tow vehicle must be 2 inches in diameter . An incorrect ball size can cause the separation of the trailer from the tow vehicle resulting in possible property damage, serious injury and death. Re-order #1013499
11 PARTS LIST ID Description Qty AA Gate/Ramp 2 AB Hand Crank 1 AC 2â x 4â Distance Indicator (Do Not Discard) 1 AD Locking Pin w/ Lanyard (Connected) 1 AE Cotter Key (Connected) 1 TOOLS NEEDED (NOT INCLUDED) 1. 13/16â Lug W rench or T ire Iron (For changing T ires and periodic tightening of Lug Nuts). SECTION 2: TRAILER P AR TS & HARDW ARE HARDW ARE IDENTIFIER (*Not to Scale) *AA *AC *AB *AD *AE Before beginning assembly , inventory all parts using the Parts List and the Hard- ware Identiî¿er (below). If all parts are not present, do NOT assemble the trailer . Call 1-800-422-3865. Do Not Discard
12 ⢠Before towing the T railer , you must ensure the lug nuts are tightened to the proper torque. ⢠The torque requirements for the Lug Nuts are 95 - 120 ft./lb . Do not exceed 120 ft./lb of torque. T ighten the Lug Nuts in the sequence below before you leave the dealer . Lug Nuts: Tightening Sequence, T or que Requirements Tighten lug nuts in the following order: 1 2 3 4 5 W ARNING Lug nuts are prone to loosen after initial installation possibly causing the wheel to separate from the trailer leading to property damage, death or serious injury . ⢠Check lug nuts for tightness on a new trailer or when wheel(s) have been remounted after the î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving and after any impact. ⢠Lug nuts for the tires must be tightened by the user before each use. ⢠Sears cannot be held responsible for damages caused by loosened lug nuts. SECTION 3: FIRST -TIME SET -UP REQUIREMENTS V erify the proper PSI for your tire. ⢠T ire pressure for the 12â rim & tire should be at 80 psi. W ARNING Before loading T railer , T railer must be properly connected to the T ow V ehicle to stabilize the T railer . Failure to follow this warning could result in property damage, personal injury and death. ⢠Before unfolding your T railer , remove the plastic Zip T ie holding the Locking Pin to the T ongue of the T railer . Do not cut the Lanyard. Locking Pin Lanyard Follow local and state laws, but d o no t excee d 65 mph.
13 If your state requires a temporary license on your trailer , secure the license to the license plate holder located on the left blinker before towing your trailer home. Connecting T emporary License Plate Note: For all inquiries regarding trailer title and registration, please contact your local Department of Motor V ehicles (DMV) or your local county tax assessor â s ofî¿ce. T emporary Li cense Note: Before leaving the dealer , ensure you have the Manufacturers Certiî¿cate of Origin (T itle) signed over to you. Connecting the Electrical Cables Connect the trailer lights to the tow vehicleâ s electrical system using the electrical connectors. ⢠Check all lights for proper operation. 1. Clearance and Running Lights (T urn on tow vehicle headlights). 2. Brake Lights (Step on tow vehicle brake pedal). 3. T urn Signals (Operate tow vehicle directional signal lever). W arning: T o ensure your trailer lights function properly , î¿rmly insert the Plug (T railer) into the Receptor (T ow V ehicle) . From T railer From T ow V ehicle From T railer From T ow V ehicle Note: If your connector does not look like the one pictur ed, you need to pur chase an adapter . Note: Please read Sections 4 and 5 for additional information on deploying, coupling and towing your trailer . W ARNING Do not transport people in the trailer . Failure to heed this warn- ing could result in serious injury such as broken bones, brain damage, paralysis or death.
14 SECTION 4: TRAILER SETUP Hardwar e Used: *Not actual size Before towing your trailer home you must î¿rst unfold it and assemble the front and rear panels. *AB W ARNING Do NOT tow trailer in folded position. Trailer will tip and fall over causing property damage and possible injury to other motorists and pedestrians or death. Assist Wheel 4.3 Pull forward on the T railer until the side of the T railer rests on the Assist Wheel . T ongue 4.1 Before unfolding your T railer , remove the plastic Zip T ie holding the Locking Pin to the T ongue of the T railer . Do not cut the Lanyard. Locking Pin 4.2 T ilt the front of the T railer upward and lower the Assist Wheel to the ground. Lanyard
15 4.5 Insert the Hand Crank into the jackâ s Hand Crank Coupler Plate at the rear of the T railer (as shown). W ith the right side of the T railer resting on the Assist Wheel, you can now unfold the T railer . 4.4 Remove the Hand Crank (AB) from the clips just inside wall of the T railer . Note: Y ou may need to remove the Gate/Ramp to access the Hand Crank from the insde wall of the T railer . 4.6 T urn the Hand Crank counter-clockwise to unfold the T railer . Continue turning the Hand Crank until you cannot turn it any further . Hand Crank Coupler Plate Hand Crank W ARNING W atch for pinch points while folding and deploying trailer as serious injury could occur .
16 4.7 Remove the Cotter Key (AE) from the Locking Pin (AD) and insert the Locking Pin into the Bed Pin Retainer and through the T ongue . 4.8 Secure the Locking Pin (AD) in place with the Cotter Key (AE) . CAUTION AL W A YS tow the T railer with Locking Pin and Cotter Key in place through T railer bed and T ongue. Ensure you remove Cotter Key and Locking Pin when folding T railer . AE AD Note: If the holes in the Bed Pin Retainer and T ongue do not align, you must fully unfold the trailer .
17 4.10 Insert the Fr ont and Rear Gates (AA) in place. Both Gates are the same; you can insert each in either the front or rear position. 4.1 1 Press down î¿rmly on the Gates until they lock into place under the Lips of the Side Panels . 4.9 After unfolding the T railer , lift up on the front of the T railer and retract the Assist Wheel . Lip W ARNING: W atch for pinch points as serious injury could occur . CAUTION AL W A YS load and tow the T railer while the Assist Wheel is up. Failure to heed this warning could result in permanent damage to the Assist Wheel and void warranty . W ARNING Do NOT use the Gates for tie-down locations. All articles being towed must be tied to the side walls of the Trailer . Gates can dislodge causing property damage and possible injury or death to other motorists and pedestrians.
18 4.12 Use the Front and Rear Gates as ramps. Simply remove each Gate and place the ends into the channel at the rear of the T railer Bed. 4.13 When driving vehicles such as A TVs up the ramps, î¿rst place the 2â x 4â x 63â Distance Indicator in the grooves of the side panels where the front gate should go to help you avoid driving too far . W ARNING Only load T railer while it is connected to the T ow V ehicle or T railer could tip causing property damage, possible injury or death. CAUTION The 2â x 4â Distance Indicator will not prevent you from driving off the front of the T railer . It is used to let you know youâre going too far . Drive slowly and cautiously when driving vehicles up the ramps. 2â x 4â x 63â Distance Indicator Do Not Discard Note: T o fold the T railer , simply r emove the Locking Pin and Gates and turn the Hand Crank clockwise. Stor e the Gates and Hand Crank in the T railer . W ARNING Do not transport people in the trailer . Failure to heed this warn- ing could result in serious injury such as broken bones, brain damage, paralysis or death.
19 SECTION 5: COUPLING T O THE T OW VEHICLE Y ou must follow all of the safety precautions and instructions in this manual to ensure safety of persons, cargo, and satisfactory life of the trailer . 5.1 W arning: Using an Adequate T ow V ehicle and Hitch If the vehicle or hitch is not properly selected and matched to the Gross V ehicle W eight 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 make certain the trailer â s rated capacity is less than or equal to the tow vehicleâ 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 that of the trailer . 5.2 W arning: Coupling and Uncoupling the T railer 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 your trailer to your tow vehicle. The following parts are involved in ensuring a secure coupling between the trailer and tow vehicle: Coupler: A device on the tongue of the trailer that connects to the hitch on the tow vehicle. Hitch: A device on the tow vehicle that supports the weight of the trailer tongue and pulls the trailer . The coupler attaches to the hitch. Safety chains: If the coupler connection comes loose, the safety chains can keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle. W ith properly rigged safety chains, 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. T railer 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. 5.2.1 T railer with Ball-Hitch Coupler A ball hitch coupler connects to a ball that is located on or under the rear bumper of the tow vehicle. This system of coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle is sometimes referred to as âbumper pull.â W arning: W e have utilized a 2-inch Ball Hitch coupler that is suitable for the size and weight of the trailer . Y ou must provide a hitch and 2-inch ball for your tow vehicle, where the load rating of the hitch and ball is equal to or greater A TT ACHING THE TRAILER TO T OW VEHICLE
20 than that of your trailer . Also, the ball size must be the same as the coupler size. If the hitch ball is too small, too lar ge, is underrated, is loose or is worn, the trailer can come loose from the tow vehicle, and may cause death or serious injury . THE T OW VEHICLE, HITCH AND BALL MUST HA VE A RA TED T OWING CAP ACITY EQUAL T O OR GREA TER THAN THE TRAILER GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RA TING (GVWR). IT IS ESSENTIAL THA T THE HITCH BALL BE OF THE SAME SIZE AS THE COUPLER (2 INCHES). The ball size and load rating (capacity) are marked on the ball; hitch capacity is marked on the hitch. 5.2.1.1 Before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle ⢠Ensure the size and rating of hitch ball match the 2-inch coupler on your trailer . Hitch balls and couplers are marked with their size and rating. ⢠W ipe the hitch ball clean, inspect it visually and feel for îat spots, cracks and pits. ⢠Rock the ball to make sure it is tight to the hitch, and visually check that the hitch ball nut is solid against the lock washer and hitch frame. ⢠W ipe 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 coupler is tight to the tongue of the trailer . All coupler fasteners must be visibly solid against the trailer frame. ⢠Raise the bottom surface of the coupler above the top of the hitch ball. Use wood or concrete blocks to support the trailer tongue. 5.2.1.2 Preparing the coupler and hitch ⢠Lubricate the hitch ball and the inside of the coupler with a thin layer of automotive bearing grease. ⢠Open the coupler locking mechanism. Ball couplers have a locking mechanism with an internal moving piece and an outside handle. In the open position, the coupler is able to drop fully onto the hitch ball. See âUncoupling the T railerâ for details on placing the coupler in the âopenâ position. ⢠Slowly back up the tow vehicle so that the hitch ball is near or aligned under the coupler . 5.2.1.3 Coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle Lift the coupler and place it over the ball. ⢠Lower the trailer until the coupler fully engages the hitch ball. If the coupler does not line up with the hitch ball, 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 hitch ball.
21 ⢠Insert a pin or lock through the hole in the locking mechanism. ⢠Ensure the coupler is all the way on the hitch ball and the locking mechanism is engaged. ⢠Lower the trailer so that its entire tongue weight is held by the hitch. Push the safety latch downward to a horizontal position to lock it in place. ⢠Pull up on the coupler to ensure it is securely fastened to the tow vehicle. If the coupler cannot be secur ed to the hitch ball, do not tow the trailer . Refer to Section 10.2.3 for information on coupling your trailer . 5.2.1.4 Rigging the safety chains ⢠V isually 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: 1. cross underneath the coupler; 2. loop around a frame member of the tow vehicle or to holes provided in the hitch system (but, do not attach them to an interchangeable part of the hitch assembly); and 3. have enough slack to permit tight turns, but not be close to the road surface, so if the trailer uncouples, the safety chains can hold the tongue up above the road. W ARNING Use 30W Motor Oil to lubricate the ball and inside of coupler . Always check ball and coupler before each tow for damaged or worn edges. Damaged balls and couplers should be replaced immediately . Failure to follow this warning could result in property damage, personal injury and death.
22 5.2.1.5 Connecting the electrical cables Connect the trailer lights to the tow vehicleâ s electrical system using the electrical connectors. ⢠Check all lights for proper operation. 1. Clearance and Running Lights (T urn on tow vehicle headlights). 2. Brake Lights (Step on tow vehicle brake pedal). 3. T urn Signals (Operate tow vehicle directional signal lever). W arning: T o ensure your trailer lights function properly , î¿rmly insert the Plug (T railer) into the Receptor (T ow V ehicle) . Follow local and state laws, but d o not exceed 65 mph. W ARNING Improper rigging of the safety chains can result in loss of control of the trailer and the 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 speciî¿cally 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. W ARNING Do not transport people in the trailer . Failure to heed this warn- ing could result in serious injury such as broken bones, brain damage, paralysis or death.
23 5.2.1.6 Uncoupling the T railer Follow these steps to uncouple your ball hitch trailer from the tow vehicle: 1. Remove the load from the trailer . 2. Block trailer tires to prevent the trailer from rolling. 3. Place wood or concrete blocks under the coupler for support. 4. Disconnect the electrical connector . 5. Disconnect the safety chains from the tow vehicle. 6. Unlock the coupler and pull the safety latch upward to a vertical position and lift the trailer of f the ball. From T railer From T ow V ehicle From T railer From T ow V ehicle W ARNING Check the connection periodically to ensure tail and break lights function properly . Failure to follow this warning could result in property damage, personal injury and death. Note: If your connector does not look like the one pictur ed, you need to pur chase an adapter . Unlock
24 6.1 Determining Correct Load Limit â T railer 6.1.1 T railers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less 1. Locate the statement, âThe weight of car go should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lb.,â on your vehicleâ s placard. 2. This î¿gure equals the available amount of car go and luggage load capacity . 3. Determine the combined weight of luggage and car go being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available car go and luggage load capacity . The trailer â s placard refers to the T ire Information Placard attached adjacent to or near the trailer â s VIN (Certiî¿cation) label at the left front of the trailer . 6.2 Determining Correct Load Limit â T ow V ehicle 1. Locate the statement, âThe combined weight of occupants and car go should never exceed XXX lb.,â on your vehicleâ s placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers who will be riding in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds. 4. The resulting î¿gure equals the available amount of car go and luggage capacity . For example, if the âXXXâ amount equals 1400 lb. and there will be î¿ve 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available car go and luggage capacity is 650 lb. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.). 5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and car go 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 vehicleâ s manual to determine how this weight transfer reduces the available car go and luggage capacity of your vehicle. 6.3 Glossary of T ire T erminology 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 î¿t the rim. Bead separation: This is the breakdown of the bond between components in the bead. Bias ply tire: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles substantially less than 90 degrees to the center line of the tread. SECTION 6: TIRE & SAFETY INFORMA TION CHECKING & CHANGING TIRES
25 Carcass: The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inîated, bears the load. Chunking: The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall. Cold inîation pressur e: 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 îange tire and rim system in which the rim is designed with rim îanges pointed radially inward and the tire is designed to î¿t on the underside of the rim in a manner that encloses the rim îanges 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 inîation pressures than the corresponding standard tire. Groove: The space between two adjacent tread ribs. Inner liner: The layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the inîating medium within the tire. Inner -liner separation: The parting of the inner liner from cord material in the carcass. 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 (L T) 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 inîation pressure. Maximum load rating: The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inîation pressure for that tire. Maximum permissible inîation pressur e: The maximum cold inîation pressure to which a tire may be inîated. 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 î¿tted 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 tir e assembly: A non-pneumatic tire assembly intended for temporary use in place of one of the pneumatic tires and rims that are î¿tted 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
26 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 îuid 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 lb.) times the number of occupants speciî¿ed in the second column of T able I of 49 CFR 571.1 10. Occupant distribution: The distribution of occupants in a vehicle as speciî¿ed in the third column of T able I of 49 CFR 571.1 10. Open splice: Any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or inner liner that extends to cord material. Outer diameter: The overall diameter of an inîated new tire. Overall width: The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inîated tire, including elevations due to labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs. 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 materials, that, when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas or îuid that sustains the load. Production options weight: The combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing over 2.3 kilograms (5 lb.) 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 center line of the tread. Recommended inîation pressur e: This is the inîation pressure provided by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire Information label and on the Certiî¿cation / VIN tag. Reinforced tir e: A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inîation 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 â s designation for a rim by style or code. Rim width: This means the nominal distance between rim îanges. Section width: The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inîated tire, excluding elevations due to labeling, decoration, or protective 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 T railer (ST) tir e: The âSTâ is an indication the tire is for trailer use only . T est rim: The rim on which a tire is î¿tted for testing, and may be any rim listed as
27 appropriate for use with that tire. T read: That portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road. T read rib: A tread section running circumferentially around a tire. T read separation: Pulling away of the tread from the tire carcass. T read-wear indicators (TWI): The projections within the principal grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread. V ehicle capacity weight: The rated car go and luggage load plus 68 kilograms (150 lb.) times the vehicleâ s designated seating capacity . V ehicle 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. V ehicle 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 T able I of CRF 49 571.1 10) and dividing by 2. W eather side: The surface area of the rim not covered by the inîated tire. Wheel center member: In the case of 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 î¿xture: The î¿xture used to hold the wheel and tire assembly securely during testing. 6.4 T ire Safety - Everything Rides on It The National T rafî¿c Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a brochure (DOT HS 809 361) that discusses all aspects of T ire 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 îat tires. These actions, along with other care and maintenance activities, can also: ⢠Improve vehicle handling ⢠Help protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents ⢠Improve fuel economy ⢠Increase the life of your tires. This booklet presents a comprehensive overview of tire safety , including information on the following topics: ⢠Basic tire maintenance
28 ⢠Uniform T ire Quality Grading System ⢠Fundamental characteristics of tires ⢠T ire 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 îat tire or other tire failure. 6.4.1 Safety î¿rstâBasic tire maintenance Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load- carrying capability of your vehicle. Under -inîated tires and overloaded vehicles are a major cause of tire failure. Therefore, as mentioned above, to avoid îat 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. 6.4.2 Finding your vehicleâ s recommended tir e pressure and load limits T ire information placards and vehicle certiî¿cation labels contain information on tires and load limits. These labels indicate the vehicle manufacturer â s information including: ⢠Recommended tire size ⢠Recommended tire inîation pressure ⢠V ehicle capacity weight (VCWâthe maximum occupant and car go weight a vehicle is designed to carry) ⢠Front and rear gross axle weight ratings (GA WRâ the maximum weight the axle systems are designed to carry). Both placards and certiî¿cation labels are permanently attached to the trailer near the left front. 6.4.3 Understanding tire pr essure and load limits T ire inîation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it with load- carrying capacity and af fects the overall performance of the vehicle. The tire inîation pressure is a number that indicates the amount of air pressureâ measured in pounds per square inch (psi)âa tire requires to be properly inîated. (Y ou will also î¿nd 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 vehicleâ s design load limit, that is, the greatest amount of weight a vehicle can safely carry and the vehicleâ s tire size. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is referred to as the ârecommended cold inîation pressure.â (As you will read below , it is difî¿cult 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 âmaximum permissible inîation pressureâ 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.
29 6.4.4 Checking tire pr essure It is important to check your vehicleâ s tire pressure at least once a month for the following reasons: ⢠Most tires may naturally lose air over time. ⢠T ires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other object or if you strike the curb when parking. ⢠W ith radial tires, it is usually not possible to determine under -inîation by visual inspection. 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 inîation pressure that vehicle manufacturers provide reîects 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. 6.4.5 Steps for maintaining pr oper tir e pressur e ⢠Step 1: Locate the recommended tire pressure on the vehicleâ s tire information placard, certiî¿cation label, or in the owner â s manual. ⢠Step 2: Record the tire pressure of all tires. ⢠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 tire gauge until you get to the correct pressure. ⢠Step 4: If the tire pressure is too low , note the difference between the measured tire pressure and the correct tire pressure. These âmissingâ pounds of pressure are what you will need to add. ⢠Step 5: At a service station, add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that is under -inîated. ⢠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 dif ferent amounts of pressure). If you have been driving your vehicle and think that a trailer tire is under -inîated, î¿ll it to the recommended cold inîation pressure indicated on your vehicleâ s tire information placard or certiî¿cation label. While your tire may still be slightly under -inîated 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 â s recommended cold inîation pressure than to drive with a signiî¿cantly under - inîated tire. Since this is a temporary î¿x, donâ t forget to recheck and adjust the tireâ s pressure when you can obtain a cold reading. 6.4.6 Tir e size T o maintain tire safety , purchase new tires that are the same size as the vehicleâ s original tires or another size recommended by the manufacturer . Look at the tire information placard, the owner â s manual, or the sidewall of the tire you are
30 replacing to î¿nd this information. If you have any doubt about the correct size to choose, consult with the tire dealer . 6.4.7 Tir e 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. T ires have built-in tread-wear 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 âevenâ 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 Lincolnâ s head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincolnâ s head, you are ready for new tires. 6.4.8 Tir e balance and wheel alignment T o 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 the vehicleâ s frame. This adjustment maximizes the life of your tires. These adjustments require special equipment and should be performed by a qualiî¿ed technician. 6.4.9 Tir e repair The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the tire that surrounds the puncture hole. Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too lar ge, but punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired. T ires must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected before being plugged and patched. 6.4.10 T ire Fundamentals Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information identiî¿es and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire identiî¿cation number for safety standard certiî¿cation and in case of a recall. 6.4.10.1 Information on Passenger V ehicle T ires Please refer to the diagram on the next page.
31 P: The âPâ 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 lar ger the number , the wider the tire. Next number: This two-digit number , known as the aspect ratio, gives the tireâ 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 âRâ stands for radial. Radial ply construction of tires has been the industry standard for the past 20 years. 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 tireâ s load index. It is a measurement of how much weight each tire can support. Y ou may î¿nd this information in your owner â s manual. If not, contact a local tire dealer . Note: Y ou may not î¿nd this information on all tires because it is not required by law . M S: The âM Sâ or âM/Sâ indicates that the tire has some mud and snow capability . Most radial tires have these markings; hence, they have some mud and snow capability . Speed Rating: The speed rating denotes the speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of time. The ratings range from 99 miles per hour (mph) to 186 mph. Note: Y ou may not î¿nd this information on all tires because it is not required by law . * For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph, tire manufacturers always use the letters ZR. U.S. DOT Tir e Identiî¿cation Number This begins with the letters âDOTâ and indicates that the tire meets all Nominal width of tire in millimeters Radial Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio) Max. permissable inîation pressur e Passenger car tir e T readwear , traction and temperature grades Max. load rating Tir e ply composition and materials used Sever snow conditions U.S. DOT tir e identiî¿cation number Load index & speed symbol Rim diameter code
32 Load range Light truck tire Severe snow conditions Maximum load & inîation when used as a dual Maximum load & inîation when used as a single Load inîation limits 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 â s discretion. This information is used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a recall. T ire 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 more weight a tire can support T ire 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 Inîation Pressur e: This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions. 6.4.10.2 UTQGS Information T read-wear Number: This number indicates the tireâ 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. T raction Letter: This letter indicates a tireâ 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 âAAâ,âAâ, âBâ, and âCâ. T emperature Letter: This letter indicates a tireâ s resistance to heat. The temperature grade is for a tire that is inîated properly and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under inîation or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure. From highest to lowest, a tireâ s resistance to heat is graded as âAâ, âBâ, or âCâ. 6.4.10.3. Additional Information on Light T ruck T ires Please refer to the following diagram:
33 T ires for light trucks have other markings besides those found on the sidewalls of passenger tires. L T : The âL Tâ indicates the tire is for light trucks or trailers. ST : An âSTâ is an indication the tire is for trailer use only . Max. Load Dual kg (lb) 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 (lb) 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 identiî¿es the tireâ s load-carrying capabilities and its inîation limits. 6.4.1 1 T ire Safety Tips 6.4.1 1.1 Preventing Tir e Damage ⢠Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other object in the road. ⢠Do not run over curbs or other foreign objects in the roadway , and try not to strike the curb when parking. 6.4.1 1.2 T ire Safety Checklist ⢠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 before going on a long trip. ⢠Do not overload your vehicle. 6.5 Changing a Flat T ire 6.5.1 If possible, get the T railer on level ground. 6.5.2 Keep the T railer coupled to the T ow V ehicle and engage the T ow V ehicleâ s emergency brake. W ARNING Never attempt to change the tire while trailer is in folded position. T railer can tip over . Failure to heed this warning could result in property damage, seri- ous injury and death.
34 6.5.3 Chock the Wheel you are not changing with bricks or wooden blocks. 6.5.4 Place a Tir e Jack under the part of the axel near the îat tire. 6.5.5 Jack up the axle to lift the wheel a few inches of f the ground. 6.5.6 Remove the Lug Nuts and Wheel. 6.5.7 Place Spare Tir e on the axle and tighten Lug Nuts between 95 - 120 ft ./lb . Do not exceed 120 ft./lb. 6.5.8 T ighten Lug Nuts in the following sequence: Place a Tir e Jack here. 1 2 3 4 5 W ARNING Do not use the Assist Wheel to support the Trailer while changing your tires. T railer could tip over causing serious injury or death.
35 6.5.9 Lower Tir e Jack and remove from under T railer . W ARNING Never crawl under a trailer on jacks. The trailer could slip off the jack or the jack could fail resulting in serious injury or death. W ARNING 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 î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driv - ing and after any impact. Lug nuts for the tires must be tightened by the user before each use. Sears cannot be held responsible for damages caused by loosened lug nuts. W ARNING T o help ensure long tread life and your safety . Always check tire pressure to ensure optimum life and performance from your tires. The tires that came with your trailer should have a tire pressure of 80 psi. Sears cannot be held responsible for dam- ages caused by uneven tread wear and blow outs from an under - inîated or over -inîated tire.â 6.6 Checking the T ire Pr essure Always check the tire pressure before each tow . Use a pressure gauge to ensure proper tire pressure. The tires provided with your Trailer should be î¿lled to 80 psi . T ire pressure must be checked when the tire is cold. If the trailer has been towed for at least one mile, allow at least three hours after a tow for the tire to cool before checking the pressure.
36 SECTION 7: LOADING THE TRAILER Improper trailer loading causes many accidents and deaths. T o safely load a trailer , you must consider: ⢠Overall load weight; ⢠Load weight distribution; ⢠Proper tongue weight; and ⢠Securing the load properly . T o determine that you have loaded the trailer within its rating, you must consider the distribution of weight, as well as the total weight of the trailer and its contents. The trailer axles carry most of the total weight of the trailer and its contents (Gross V ehicle W eight, or âGVWâ). The remainder of the total weight is carried by the tow vehicle hitch. For safe towing, it is essential that the trailer tongue and tow vehicle hitch carry the proper amount of the loaded trailer weight, otherwise the trailer can suddenly sway wildly at towing speed. Read the âT ongue W eightâ 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. T owing stability also depends on keeping the center of gravity as low as possible. Load heavy items on the îoor 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 V ehicle W eight Rating, or âGVWRâ). T ongue W eight 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 LOADING THE CARGO W ARNING 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 weight on any tire exceeds its rating. Do not exceed the trailer Gross V ehicle W eight Rating (GVWR) or an axle Gross Axle W eight Rating (GA WR).
37 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 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 suddenly become unstable at high speeds. If, on the other hand, there is too much tongue weight, the front wheels of the tow vehicle can be too lightly loaded and cause loss of steering control and traction, as well, 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 W eight Rating (GA WR). The table below has ârules of thumbâ for proper tongue weight. In the table below , the second column notes the rule of thumb percentage of total weight of the trailer plus its car go (Gross V ehicle W eight, or âGVWâ) that should appear on the tongue of the trailer . For example, a trailer with a ball hitch and a loaded weight of 1,000 pounds, should have 10-15% of 1,000 pounds on the tongue. That is, the example trailer would have no more than 100 to 150 pounds on its tongue. W ARNING Never go under the trailer unless it has been properly supported with jack stands that have been rated for the load. W ithout be- ing properly supported, the trailer may fall suddenly which may result in serious injury or death.â T ongue W eight as a Per centage of Loaded T railer W eight T ype of Hitch Percentage Ball Hitch (or Bumper Hitch) 10â15% W ARNING 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); ⢠Distribute the load evenly , right and left, to avoid tire over- load; and ⢠Keep the center of gravity low .
38 7.1. CHECKING THE TONGUE WEIGHT T o check the tongue weight, the tow vehicle and trailer must be on level ground, as they will be when the trailer is being towed. If you know the weight on your tow vehicle axles when you are not towing a trailer , trailer tongue weight can be determined with the use of a truck axle scale. The recommended method of checking tongue weight is to use an accessory called a âtongue weight scale.â If a tongue weight scale is not available, you can check the tongue weight using a bathroom scale. Using a bathroom scale to check tongue weight: The loaded trailer must be on a smooth and level surface, and you must block the trailer wheels, front and rear . 7.1.1 Checking T ongue W eight â Using a lever and bathr oom scale Before checking tongue weight, block trailer wheels, front and rear . ⢠Raise the tongue of the trailer with the tongue jack. ⢠Place a bathroom scale on the ground, directly below the coupler . ⢠Place a strong block support (such as a cement block) on the scale â note the scale reading for the weight of the block support. ⢠Lower the tongue until the coupler rests on the block support and the jack is ½ inch above the ground. ⢠The scale reading, minus the weight of the block support is the tongue weight. 7.2 Securing the Cargo Since the trailer ârideâ can be bumpy and rough, you must secure your car go so that it does not shift while the trailer is being towed. 7.2.1 Loading Cargo Couple the trailer to the tow vehicle before loading. This is essential because the tongue can rise during loading, before the car go is properly distributed. T o measure the tongue weight, you will have to uncouple the trailer after it is loaded. Do not transport people in the trailer . Do not transport containers of hazardous substances, cans or containers of îammable substances, such as gasoline, W ARNING An unrestrained trailer can fall of f its support, resulting in seri- ous injury or death. W ARNING Shifting cargo can result in loss of control of the trailer , and can lead to death or serious injury . T ie down all loads with proper sized fasteners, ropes, straps, etc.
39 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 . 7.2.1.1 Preparing the T railer for Loading Before loading cargo onto the trailer: ⢠inspect the deck of the trailer for corrosion or damage; and ⢠inspect the hold down openings and/or âDâ-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 the deck or any required hold-down is damaged, do not load the car go. Bring the trailer to your dealer or a competent repair service before using it to carry cargo. 7.2.1.2 Loading the T railer Before loading the trailer , couple the trailer to the tow vehicle and ensure the deck is level. Do not load or unload the trailer when the deck is not level or when the T railer is not coupled to the tow vehicle. 1. Ensure the top of the ramp (or ramps) is secure to the trailer , and the bottom is resting on î¿rm ground. Pockets may be provided to hold the ramp to the frame of the trailer . 2. Load the cargo onto the trailer . 3. Secure the cargo to the trailer using appropriate straps, chains and tensioning devices. W ARNING Do not transport îammable, explosive, poisonous or other dangerous materials in your trailer . Failure to heed this warning could result in property damage, serious injury and death. Exceptions: ⢠Fuel in the tanks of vehicles that are being towed ⢠Fuel stored in proper containers used in trailer living quar - ters for cooking ⢠Fuel stored in the tank of an on-board generator W ARNING Damaged or loose âDâ-rings can break, allowing car go to become loose inside the trailer . Loose cargo can shift the center of gravity , and result in loss of control of the trailer . Inspect âDâ-rings, and test them for looseness before loading cargo. Do not use a damaged or loose âDâ-ring to secure car go. Failure to head this warning could result in property damage, serious injury and death.
40 Since the trailer ârideâ can be bumpy and rough, you must secure your car go so that it does not shift while the trailer is being towed. 4. Return the ramp(s) to their stowed position(s), and secure them so that they will not move during transit. W ARNING Shifting cargo can result in loss of control of the trailer , and can lead to death or serious injury . T ie down all loads with proper sized fasteners, ropes, straps, etc. W ARNING Load can suddenly move or topple, which can result in death or serious injury . Do not load or unload your open trailer unless it is prevented from tipping and is on î¿rm and level ground. W ARNING Before loading T railer , T railer must be properly connected to the T ow V ehicle. This stabilizes the T railer . Failure to follow this warning could result in property damage, personal injury and death. W ARNING Do NOT use the Gates for tie-down locations. All articles being towed must be tied to the side walls of the Trailer . Gates can dislodge causing property damage and possible injury or death to other motorists and pedestrians. W ARNING Do not transport people in the trailer . Failure to heed this warn- ing could result in serious injury such as broken bones, brain damage, paralysis or death.
41 8.1 Before T owing, Double Check All These Items: ⢠T ires, wheels and lug nuts (see the section âBreaking in New T railerâ and the section âT ire & Safety Informationâ. ⢠Coupler secured and locked (see the section âCoupling to the T ow V ehicleâ) ⢠Safety chains properly rigged to tow vehicle, not to hitch or ball (see the section âCoupling to the T ow V ehicleâ of this manual) ⢠T est of lights: T ail, Stop, T urn and Backup ⢠Cargo properly loaded, balanced and tied down (see the section âLoading the T railerâ of this manual) ⢠T ongue weight ⢠Doors and gates latched and secured ⢠Flares and reîectors SECTION 8: CHECK TRAILER BEFORE & DURING T OWING PRE-T OW CHECKLIST W ARNING 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 ⢠Assist Wheel is fully retracted. ⢠Y ou secure T ongue to Bed using Locking Pin and Cotter Key . Do not tow the trailer on the road until: ⢠T ires and wheels are checked; ⢠The load is secured to the trailer; and ⢠The trailer lights are connected and checked. 8.2 After Each 50 Miles, or One Hour of T owing, Stop and Check the Following Items: ⢠Coupler secured ⢠Safety chains are fastened and not dragging ⢠Cargo secured ⢠Cargo door latched and secured MAKE REGULAR ST OPS
42 W ARNING Since roads can be bumpy and rough, lug nuts can loosen over time and even separate from the wheel and possibly causing the separation of the wheel from the trailer . The lug nuts must be tightened by the user before each use. The tires must be maintained at the proper tire pressure before each use. Sears cannot be held responsible for damages caused by loosened lug nuts, or uneven tread wear and blow outs from an under inîated or over inîated tire. Failure to heed these warnings could result in personal injury , property damage and death. W ARNING Do NOT use the Gates for tie-down locations. All articles being towed must be tied to the side walls of the Trailer . Gates can dislodge causing property damage and possible injury or death to other motorists and pedestrians. Follow local and state laws, but d o no t excee d 65 mph. W ARNING Do not transport people in the trailer . Failure to heed this warn- ing could result in serious injury such as broken bones, brain damage, paralysis or death.
43 SECTION 9: BREAKING IN A NEW TRAILER LUG NUTS & TIRE PRESSURE 9.1 Retightening Lug Nuts at First 10, 25 & 50 Miles Wheel lugs can shift and settle quickly after being î¿rst assembled, and must be checked after the î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving and after any impact. Failure to perform this check may result in a wheel coming loose from the trailer , causing a crash leading to death or serious injury . W ARNING 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 î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driv - ing and after any impact. W ARNING The lug nuts for the tires must be tightened by the user before each use. The tires must be maintained at the proper tire pressure before each use. Sears cannot be held responsible for damages caused by loosened lug nuts, or uneven tread wear and blow outs from an under -inîated or over-inîated tire. Failure to heed this warning could result in property damage, serious injury and death. W ARNING If tow vehicle brakes do not work properly , death or serious injury can occur . Road test your tow vehicleâ s brakes in a safe area at no more than 30 mph before each tow . 9.2 T ire Pr essure Check the pressure in each tire to ensure tire is set to the tire manufacturers recommended pressure. The tires that came with your trailer should be î¿lled to 80 psi. Use a tire gauge to get an accurate reading. Y ou should check the pressure before each tow .
44 SECTION 10: MAINTENANCE INSPECTION, SER VICE & MAINTENANCE 10.1 Inspection, Service & Maintenance Summary Charts Y ou 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 perform them. Note: In addition to this manual, also check the relevant component manufacturer â s manual. Inspection and Service before Each Use Item Inspection/Service Manual Section Reference Coupler and Hitch Ball Check for cracks, pits, and îats. Replace w/ball & coupler having trailer GVW Rating Grease Check locking device & replace Section 10.2.3.1 Safety Chain(s) & Hooks Check for wear and damage Sections 8.1 & 8.2 T ires ⢠Air Pressure Check tire pressure when cold Inîate tires to 80 psi Sections 6.6, 9.2 & 10.2.6 Wheels ⢠Lug Nuts (Bolts) & Hub Check for tightness T ighten to 95 - 120 ft/lb. Do not exceed 120 ft./lb. For new and remounted wheels, check torque after î¿rst 10, 25 & 50 miles of driving and after any impact Section 6.5.7 & 9.1 Sections 10.2.8, 10.2.8.1 & 10.2.9 Inspection and Service each 3 Months or 3,000 Miles Item Inspection/Service Manual Section Reference Structure ⢠Hinges, Doors Inspect. Repair or replace damaged, worn or broken parts Section 10.2.2.1 Wheels ⢠Rims Inspect for dents, damage or out of round 10.2.7 T ires Inspect for cuts wear and bulging Basic tire maintenance Sections 6.4, 6.4.1, 6.4.2, 6.4.3, 6.4.4, 6.4.5, 6.4.6, 6.4.7, 6.4.8, 6.4.9, 6.4.10, 6.4.1 1, 6.6 & 10.2.6 Inspection and Service each 6 Months or 6,000 Miles Item Inspection/Service Manual Section Reference T ires Rotate @ 5,000 miles Section 10.2.6 Wheels ⢠UNSEALED Bearings (Hubs) Check and conî¿rm free running. Replace if not. Disassemble / inspect / as- semble and repack. Replace promptly if immersed in water Section 10.2.7 & 10.2.8 Section 10.2.8.1
45 Inspection and Service each 6 Months or 6,000 Miles Suspension Inspect for bending loose fas- teners, wear Section 10.2.10 Inspection and Service Each Y ear or 12,000 Miles Item Inspection/Service Manual Section Reference Structure ⢠Frame members ⢠W elds ⢠Slide-out Inspect all frame members, bolts & rivets. Repair or replace dam- aged, worn or broken parts. Inspect all welds. Repair as needed Clean dirt build-up. Lubricate slides, shafts and gears Section 10.2.2 Section 10.2.2.1 Section 10.2.2.2 Structure ⢠Axle Attachment Bolts Check WITH DEALER Section 10.2.1 10.2 Inspection and Service Instructions 10.2.1 Axle Bolts, Frame, Suspension, & Structure T o perform many of the inspection and maintenance activities, you must jack up the trailer . When jacking and using jack stands, place them so as to clear wiring and suspension parts (springs, torsion bars, etc.). Place jacks and jack stands inside of the perimeter strip on the supporting structure to which the axles are attached. W ARNING W orn or broken suspension parts can cause loss of control and property damage, serious injury and death may result. Have trailer professionally inspected annually and after any impact. W ARNING Never crawl under your trailer unless it is on î¿rm and level ground and resting on properly placed and secured jack stands. Never attempt to change the tire while trailer is in folded position. T railer can tip over . Failure to heed these warnings could result in property damage, serious injury and death. W ARNING Do not use the Assist Wheel to support the Trailer while changing your tires. T railer could tip over causing serious injury or death.
46 Figur e 10 - 1: Jacking Points 10.2.2 T railer Structur e Because the trailer îoor receives the most abuse, it will most likely corrode before any other part of the structure. Using a power washer , wash the îoor and walls of the trailer after each use. 10.2.2.1 Fasteners and Frame Members Inspect all of the fasteners and structural frame members for bending and other damage, cracks, or failure. Repair or replace any damaged fastener and repair the frame member . If you have any questions about the condition or method of repair of fasteners or frame members, get the recommendation of, or have the repair done by your dealer . The various fastener types used on your trailer are: ⢠Bolts, which are used mainly for attaching door and gate hinges to the trailer body; ⢠Buck Rivets, which are used to attach the sides and roof panels of the body to each other , and to the frame of the trailer; and ⢠Huck Bolts may be at various locations on the sub-frame. Huck bolts are not user serviceable. If you detect a loose huck bolt fastener , do not tow the trailer . Call your dealer for instructions. 10.2.2.2 W elds All welds can crack or fail when subjected to heavy loads or movement of car go that was not properly tied to prevent movement. Any time you know or suspect the trailer has been subjected to heavy loads or movement of car go, immediately inspect the welds and fasteners for damage. T o prevent severe damage to your Place T ire Jack here. W ARNING Broken or damaged fasteners or welds can cause serious injury , damage to trailer and contents and death. Inspect for , and repair all damaged parts at least once a year .
47 trailer , inspect all of the welds for cracks or failure at least once a year . 10.2.3 T railer Connection to T ow V ehicle 10.2.3.1 Coupler and Ball The coupler on the trailer connects to the ball attached to the hitch on the tow vehicle. The coupler , ball and hitch transfer the towing forces between the tow vehicle and the trailer . Before each tow , coat the ball with a thin layer of automotive bearing grease to reduce wear and ensure proper operation; and check the locking device that secures the coupler to the ball for proper operation. If you see or feel evidence of wear , such as îat spots, deformations, pitting or corrosion, on the ball or coupler , immediately have your dealer inspect them to determine the proper action to prevent possible failure of the ball and coupler system. All bent or broken coupler parts must be replaced before towing the trailer . The coupler handle lever must be able to rotate freely and automatically snap into the latched position. Oil the pivot points, sliding surfaces, and spring ends with SAE 30W motor oil. Keep the ball pocket and latch mechanism clean. Dirt or contamination can prevent proper operation of the latching mechanism. When replacing a ball, the load rating must match or exceed the GVWR of the trailer . 10.2.4 Jack If a grease î¿tting is present, you must use a grease gun to lubricate the jack mechanism. Grease the gears in the top of hand-cranked jacks once a year , by removing the top of the jack and pumping or hand packing grease into the gears. 10.2.5 Lights and Signals Before each tow , check the trailer taillights, stoplights, turn signals and any clearance lights for proper operation. W ARNING Improper weld repair will lead to early failure of the trailer struc- ture and can cause serious injury or death. Do not repair cracked or broken welds unless you have the skills and equipment to make a proper repair . If not, have the welds repaired by a certi- î¿ed welder W ARNING Improper operating taillights, stoplights and turn signals can cause collisions. Check all lights before each tow . Failure to heed this warning could result in property damage, serious injury and death.
48 10.2.6 T ires Before each tow , be sure the tire pressure is at the value indicated on the sidewall. T ire pressure must be checked while the tire is cold. Do not check the tire pressure immediately after towing the trailer . Allow at least three hours for a tire to cool, if the trailer has been towed for as much as one mile. Replace the tire before towing the trailer if the tire treads have less than 1/16 inch depth or the telltale bands are visible. A bubble, cut or bulge in a side wall can result in a tire blowout. Inspect both side walls of each tire for any bubble, cut or bulge; and replace a damaged tire before towing the trailer . T ires do not wear evenly . Depending on the load balance, some will wear faster than others. T o help increase the life of your tires, rotate tires every 5000 miles. 10.2.7 Wheel Rims If the trailer has been struck, or impacted, on or near the wheels, or if the trailer has struck a curb, inspect the rims for damage (e.g., being out of round); and replace any damaged wheel. Inspect the wheels for damage every year , even if no obvious impact has occurred. Also check the tires to ensure theyâre at the recommended pressure. 10.2.8 Wheels, Bearings and Lug Nuts T o check your bearings, jack trailer and check wheels for side-to-side looseness. If the wheels are loose, or spin with a wobble, the bearings must be serviced or replaced. Most trailer axles are built with sealed bearings that are not serviceable. Sealed bearings must be replaced as complete units. 10.2.8.1 Unsealed Bearings (Hubs) Y ou must inspect and lubricate the bearings once a year or every 12,000 miles to insure safe operation of your trailer . If a trailer wheel bearing is immersed in water , it must be replaced. If your trailer has not been used for an extended amount of time, have the bearings inspected and packed more frequently , at least every six months and prior to use. Follow the steps below to disassemble and service the UNSEALED wheel bearings. W ARNING W orn, damaged or under-inîated tires can cause loss of control, resulting in damage, serious injury and possibly death. Inspect tires before each tow .
49 ⢠After removing the grease cap, cotter pin, spindle nut and spindle washer , remove the hub and drum to inspect the bearings for wear and damage. ⢠Replace bearings that have îat spots on rollers, broken roller cages, rust or pitting. Always replace bearings and cups in sets. The inner and outer bearings are to be replaced at the same time. ⢠Replace seals that have nicks, tears or wear . ⢠Lubricate the bearings with a high quality EP-2 automotive wheel bearing grease. Every time the wheel hub is removed and the bearings are reassembled, follow the steps below to check the wheel bearings for free running and adjust. ⢠T urn the hub slowly , by hand, while tightening the spindle nut, until you can no longer turn the hub by hand. ⢠Loosen the spindle nut just until you are able to turn it (the spindle nut) by hand. Do not turn the hub while the spindle nut is loose. ⢠Put a new cotter pin through the spindle nut and axle. ⢠Check the adjustments. Both the hub and the spindle nut should be able to move freely (the spindle nut motion will be limited by the cotter pin). 10.2.9 Lug Nuts (Bolts) Lug nuts are prone to loosen right after a wheel is mounted to a hub. When driving on a remounted wheel, check to see if the lug nuts are tight after the î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving and before each tow thereafter . W ARNING 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 î¿rst 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving. W ARNING Metal creep between the wheel rim and lug nuts will cause rim to loosen and could result in a wheel coming off, leading to death or serious injury . T ighten lug nuts before each tow . W ARNING Do not use the Assist Wheel to support the Trailer while changing your tires. T railer could tip over causing serious injury or death.
50 Figure 10 - 2: Lug nut sequence of tightening T ighten the lug nuts to the proper torque for the axle size on your trailer , to prevent wheels from coming loose. Use a torque wrench to tighten the fasteners. If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the fasteners with a lug wrench as much as you can, then have a service garage or dealer tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque. Over -tightening will result in breaking the studs or permanently deforming the mounting stud holes in the wheels. Do not exceed 120 ft./lb. 10.2.10 Suspension All suspension components should be visually inspected at least every 6000 miles or 6 months. Check for loose fasteners and tighten to proper torque values. Excessively worn or damaged parts should be replaced with original parts. 1 2 3 4 5
51 ID Part No. Description EK 1028701 Diamond Plate Side Panel BC 1010045 Amber Marker Light BD 1024948 Gate Pusher BE 1023985 Gate Pusher Spring BF 1025228 3/4â Roll Pin BG 1023984 Gate Pusher Pin BH 1010030 T ail Light (Right) BI 1025184 3/8â-16 x 2 1/2â Hex Bolt BJ 300013 3/8â-16 Nylock Nut BK 1025177 3/8â-16 x 3â Hex Bolt BM 1024946 Bed Lift Guide BN 1025799 Bed Locating T ab BO 1024906 Short J-Channel BP 1025800 Pin Retainer Bracket BQ 1024904 Front Bed T ube W eldment BR 1028124 Right Frame W eldment BU 1024904 Bed T ube W eldment BV 1024903 Rear T ube W eldment DT 1019803 1/4â-20 Keps Nut T o order parts, call our customer service department at 1-800-422-3865. EK BH BC BR BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BI BI BI BI BI BI BI BI BI BO BO BQ BK BP BM BN BU BU BU BV BD BE BF BG DT DT Bed Frame Assembly and Parts
52 BA BB BC BL BT BT BT BT BS BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BI BI BI BI BI BS BW BX BJ BI DF BY BZ F A DT DT ID Part No. Description BA 1026464 Diamond Plate Side Panel BB 1016476 T ail Light (Left) BC 1010045 Reîector Light BI 1025184 3/8â-16 x 2 1/2â Hex Bolt BJ 300013 3/8â-16 Nylock Nut BL 1028123 Left Side W eldment BS 1024902 Long J-Channel BT 1024900 Hat Channel W eldment BW 1024899 Rear Hat Channel W eldment BX 1012733 Assist Wheel BY 1025180 1/2â-13 Nylock Nut BZ 1024941 Assist Wheel Spring DF 1025187 1/2â-13 x 3â Hex Bolt DT 1019803 1/4â-20 Keps Nut F A 1024865 Caster W eldment T o order parts, call our customer service department at 1-800-422-3865. Bed Frame Assembly and Parts
53 DH DH BJ BJ BY BY DF DF DA DU BJ DB DC DD DD BJ BJ DE DE DI DI DH (4) BY BJ (4) D S D S D S D S D S D S D S D S D S DO D M DP DQ DN DO D M DR DL Folding Jack DV ID Part No. Description BJ 300013 3/8â-16 Nylock Nut BY 1025180 1/2â-13 Nylock Nut DA 1012278 Safety Chain DB 101 1472 Coupler DC 1025941 T ongue W eldment DD 1025862 Alignment Guide T ube DE 1024858 Axle Actuator T ube DF 1025187 1/2â-13 x 3â Hex Bolt DG 1014296 #10 x 3/4â Self-T apping Screw DH 300137 3/8â-16 x 1â Hex Bolt DI 1025227 1/2â-13 x 2â Hex Bolt DL 1027957 1/4â-28 x 1 1/4â Hex Bolt DM 1027959 1/4â-28 Centerlock Nut DN 10261 18 Folding Jack DO 1025651 Jack-to-Axle Bracket DP 1024329 Jack Spacer DQ 1027958 1/4â-28 x 2 1/4â Hex Bolt DR 1025798 Crank Plate DS 300031 3/8â Standard W asher DU 1025751 3/8â-16 x 1 3/4â Hex Bolt DV 1019384 3/8â-16 x 1 1/4â T ap Bolt T o order parts, call our customer service department at 1-800-422-3865. T ongue Assembly and Parts
54 BY CZ BY CZ CC CF CF CE CD CG CA CP CA CO CI CH CJ CK CL CQ CR CS CY BY CV CT CU CX CW CL CY CM CM CM CM (4) ID Part No. Description BY 1025180 1/2â-13 Nylock Nut CA 1025181 1/2â-13 x 6â Hex Bolt CC 1022781 3/8â U-Bolt CD 1027274 Leaf Spring CE 1026130 Leaf Spring Bracket CF 1009889 9/16â x 2.925â Standard Hex Bolt CG 1025192 3/8â-24 Nylock Nut CH 1027352 Leaf Spring Spindle W eldment CI 1021745 Hub CJ 1009585 T ire CK 1010432 Rim CL 1016243 Lug Nut CM 1025186 1/2â Standard USS W asher CO 1024795 Center Axle Assembly CP 1025179 1/2â-13 x 4 1/2â Hex Bolt CQ 1012279 Chrome Hub Cap CR 1024860 U-Bracket CS 1025435 1â-14 Slotted Axle Nut ID Part No. Description CT 1025431 1 1/16â Bearing CU 1025433 Dust Cap CV 1025434 Seal CW 1025436 1â Spindle W asher CX 1025437 1/8â x 2â Cotter Pin CY 1015762 Pivot Plate CZ 1016915 9/16â Standard Hex Nut T o order parts, call our customer service department at 1-800-422-3865. Axle Assembly and Parts
55 AC EE ED EC AD AE AB ID Part No. Description AB 1032680 Hand Crank AC 1025072 2â x 4â x 63â Distance Indicator AD 1025051 Locking Pin w/ Lanyard AE 1016242 3â Cotter Key DG 1014296 #10 x 3/4â Self-T apping Screw EA 1026123 Gate W eldment EB 1024910 Diamond Plate EC 1023448 Left Decking (W ide) ED 1023444 Right Decking (Narrow) EE 1026660 Hand Crank Holder EF 1025216 Rubber W iring Grommet EG 1025050 3/4â Rubber W iring Grommet EH 1016473 License Plate Holder EI 1016474 W iring Harness (Not shown) EJ 1015282 W iring Conduit (Not shown) EK 1025052 Assist Wheel Rubber Bumper EL 1028013 Jack Retainer Clip EB EA DG EF T o order parts, call our customer service department at 1-800-422-3865. Miscellaneous Parts Do Not Discard EH EG EK EL
56 SECTION 12: W ARRANTY INFORMA TION Limited W arranty on Craftsman Fold-Up T railer When operated and maintained according to all supplied product instructions, if the following components of this Craftsman Fold-Up Trailer fail due to defects in material or workmanship within the time periods listed below , call 1-800-422-3865 to arrange for free repair . ⢠T wo Y ears: All components except tires, wheels, hubs, springs and axle ⢠One Y ear: T ires, wheels, hubs, springs and axle This warranty does not cover: ⢠Scratching or scufî¿ng of the product that may result from normal use. ⢠Defects resulting from intentional damage, negligence, unreasonable use, improper loading, overloading, installation of improper equipment, improper towing, and failure to ensure lug nuts are tight. ⢠Liability for incidental or consequential damages to the extent permitted by law . While every attempt is made to embody the highest degree of safety in this trailer , freedom from injury cannot be guaranteed. The user assumes all risk of injury resulting from use of this product. This warranty gives you speciî¿c legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179