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Table of Contents
SECTION 1: SAFETY INFORMATION 7
SECTION 2: TRAILER PARTS & HARDWARE 11
SECTION 3: FIRST-TIME SET-UP REQUIREMENTS 12
SECTION 4: TRAILER SETUP 17
SECTION 5: COUPLING TO THE TOW VEHICLE 19
5.1 Using an Adequate Tow Vehicle and Hitch 19
5.2 Coupling and Uncoupling the Trailer 19
5.2.1 Trailer with Ball-Hitch Coupler 19
5.2.1.1 Before coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle 20
5.2.1.2 Prepare 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 Trailer 23
SECTION 6: TIRE & SAFETY INFORMATION 24
6.1 Determining Correct Load Limit – Trailer 24
6.1.1 Trailers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less 24
6.2 Determining Correct Load Limit – Tow Vehicle 24
6.3 Glossary of Tire Terminology 24
6.4 Tire Safety - Everything Rides on It 27
6.4.1 Safety rst–Basic tire maintenance 28
6.4.2 Finding your vehicle’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 Tire size 29
6.4.7 Tire tread 30
6.4.8 Tire balance and wheel alignment 30
6.4.9 Tire repair 30
6.4.10 Tire Fundamentals 30
6.4.10.1 Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires 30
6.4.10.2 UTQGS Information 32
6.4.10.3. Additional Information on Light Truck Tires 32
6.4.11 Tire Safety Tips 33
6.4.11.1 Preventing Tire Damage 33
6.4.11.2 Tire Safety Checklist 33
6.5 Changing a Flat Tire 33
6.6 Checking the Tire Pressure 35
SECTION 7: LOADING THE TRAILER 36
7.1. CHECKING THE TONGUE WEIGHT 38
7.1.1 Checking Tongue Weight — Using a lever and bathroom scale 38
7.2 Securing the Cargo 38
7.2.1 Loading Cargo 38
7.2.1.1 Preparing the Trailer for Loading 39