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TRAILER TOWING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
In trailer towing, as in most driving situations, exposure to certain hazards occurs. Trailer towing is safe when
precautions are taken. The following safety information is only a summary of the more complete information found in
the Safety Standards listed at the end of these precautions. Read and follow all Safety Standards. In addition, the
end user must check and comply with all federal, state, and local laws before use.
HAVE ALL INSTALLATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR WORK PERFORMED ONLY BY
QUALIFIED PEOPLE.
WARNING
TRAILER TOWING can be hazardous.
1. Use a towing vehicle prepared and capable of handling the load.
2. Towing any trailer requires special awareness because of the
changed driving situation.
3. When towing, it takes longer to start, stop, and pass – use
training and practice to avoid accidents.
4. Turning and backing up present new problems – plan ahead.
5. Require each driver to be fully trained and experienced in trailer
towing before going out on the road.
6. Holes are provided for mounting weld/power generator.
7. Be sure trailer is fully prepared and connected to towing vehicle.
8. Observe maximum speed of 45 mph (72 kph) when towing.
9. Do not modify or change the trailer in any way – changes void the
warranty. Read Owner’s Manual.
10. Use only genuine factory parts as replacements.
11. Adjust load on trailer so tongue weight is approximately 10% of
the gross trailer weight and center load side-to-side to reduce
fishtailing.
12. Tighten all parts, bolts, nuts, and mounting hardware.
1 Coupler
Hitch is on towing vehicle.
2 Tongue
3 Lights
4 Wheels And
Bearings
5 Rating Plate
6 Jack Stand
7 Safety Chains
1
2
3
3
35
7
6
4
OVERLOADING can cause serious injury or
equipment damage.
1. Do not overload the trailer.
2. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum total
trailer weight with the engine driven welding generator and all
equipment, such as tools, cables, and shielding gas cylinder,
installed.
3. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum
load-bearing capacity of the axle(s).
4. Weigh trailer – adjust weight by removing accessory equipment if
necessary – call local authorities for nearest scale location.
5. Use gross trailer weight to select a proper towing vehicle.
GVWR – Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (Maximum
Total Trailer Weight In-
cluding Its Load)
GAWR – Gross Axle
Weight Rating
VIN NO – Vehicle Identifi-
cation Number
Rating
Plate
UNCONTROLLED TILTING OF TRAILER can result
in personal injury or equipment damage.
1. Install generator according to Owner’s Manual with engine end
toward hitch end of trailer.
2. Distribute weight so that trailer tongue weight is approximately
10% of the gross trailer weight.
INCORRECT TONGUE WEIGHT can cause
fishtailing and loss of control of towing vehicle
resulting in serious injury and equipment damage.
3. Tongue weight is the amount of trailer weight that rests on the
towing vehicle hitch – that is, the downward pressure on the
coupler.
4. Remove or adjust trailer load to get correct tongue weight.
5. Do not let tongue weight exceed coupler and hitch rating.
6. Use slower speeds when towing a trailer – never above 45 mph
(72 km/h) – to prevent fishtailing.
Trailer
1
2
3
Gross Vehicle
Gross Trailer Maximum
Up to 2000
(Up to 910)
2000 to 3500
(910 to 1590)
3500 to 5000
(1590 to 2270)
1000 (455)
2000 (910)
2000 (910)
3500 (1590)
3500 (1590)
100 (45)
200 (90)
200 (90)
350 (158)
350 (158)
Pipe
Bathroom
Scale
Approximately
10% Of GTW
Tongue – Level
Board
Class
1
1
Information From SAE
J684 May 1987
2
Gross Trailer Weight
(Actual Loaded Weight)
3
10% Of GTW
Recommended
And
Coupler
Weight Rating
GVWR
lb (kg)
Weight GTW
2
lb (kg)
Tongue Weight
3
lb (kg)
SAFETY CHAINS CAN PREVENT RUNAWAY
TRAILER in case hitch/coupler fails.
1. Always use safety chains when towing.
2. Cross safety chains under coupling to prevent tongue from
dropping to ground.
3. Allow only enough slack for tight turns.
4. Do not let safety chains drag on ground.
5. Twist safety chains equally from hook ends to take up slack.
6. Use safety chains rated equal to or greater than twice the
maximum gross trailer weight rating.
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