Reese 30158 ELITE UNDER-BED GOOSENECK HEAD - Manual (Page 6)

30158N – 8/10/2011 REV C PCN15852 ©2011 CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC. Printed in XXXX 6
REESE ® Elite ™ Gooseneck HITCH SYSTEM
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON TOWING
TOWING EQUIPMENT OWNERS: Make sure all operators of your equipment read and understand this information before towing. Save for
reference. This will help you properly use and maintain your towing equipment. Refer to owner’s manuals for your tow vehicle, trailer and
other parts of your towing system. Learn the capabilities and limitations of each part. GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT and VERTICAL LOAD are
the two most important items to consider. THESE WEIGHTS MUST NEVER EXCEED THE LOWEST RATING OF ANY PART OF YOUR
TOWING SYSTEM. GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT is the weight of the trailer plus cargo. Measure GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT by putting the
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. VERTICAL LOAD is the downward force exerted on the ball by the trailer coupler. Use a vehicle scale
to measure VERTICAL LOAD with the fully loaded trailer on a level surface and the coupler at normal towing height.
TRAILER COUPLERS
The coupler should be smooth, clean and lightly lubricated. Adjust per coupler manufacturer’s instructions.
SAFETY CHAINS
Connect safety chains properly EVERY TIME YOU TOW. Attach securely through the chain loops provided so they can not bounce loose.
Leave only enough slack to permit full turning. Too much slack may prevent chains from maintaining control if other connections separate.
TRAILER LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, ELECTRIC AND BREAKAWAY SWITCH CONNECTIONS
Make these safety-critical connections EVERY TIME YOU TOW, no matter how short the trip. Check operation, including electric brake
manual control, before getting on the road.
OTHER USEFUL EQUIPMENT
AIR SPRINGS, AIR SHOCKS, or HELPER SPRINGS are useful for some applications. A TRANSMISSION COOLER may be necessary for
heavy towing. Many states require TOWING MIRRORS on both sides.
TIRE INFLATION
Check often. Follow tow vehicle and trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.
CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT/REPLACE WORN PARTS
Check ball, coupler, chains, and all other connections EVERY TIME YOU TOW. Re-check at fuel and rest stops.
NO PASSENGERS IN TRAILER!
Never allow people in the trailer while towing, under any circumstances.
TRAILER LOADING
Place heavy objects on the floor ahead of the axle. Balance the load side-to-side. Secure it to prevent shifting. NEVER load the trailer rear
heavy. LOAD THE TRAILER HEAVIER IN THE FRONT, BUT NOT GREATER THAN TONGUE WEIGHT RATING OF THE HITCH.
DRIVING
The additional weight of a trailer affects acceleration, braking and handling. Allow extra time for passing, stopping, and changing lanes. A
gooseneck trailer requires a large turning radius as the trailer tracks to the inside of turns. Severe bumps can damage your towing vehicle,
hitch and trailer. Drive slowly on rough roads. STOP AND MAKE A THOROUGH INSPECTION IF ANY PART OF YOUR TOWING SYSTEM
STRIKES THE ROAD. CORRECT ANY PROBLEMS BEFORE RESUMING TRAVEL.
WARNING
DO NOT MODIFY. Do not tow one trailer behind another, which may cause loss of control. Failure to heed warnings and follow instructions
may result in serious personal injury or death, vehicle crash, and/or property damage.