Hale Trailer User Manual
Page 21
21
Safety - Skid & Trailer
p/n: 029-0810-00-0
Saf ety
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WARNINGS - continued !
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Incorrect rigging of the safety chain can result in loss of control of
the trailer and tow vehicle leading to death or serious injury, if the
trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle. Chains must:
●
fasten to the tow vehicle, NOT to the hitch or ball.
●
cross underneath the hitch and coupler with minimum slack to
permit turning and to hold torque up, if the trailer comes loose.
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An ineffective break-away system can result in a runaway trailer, if
the coupler or ball hitch fails, leading to death or serious injury.
Test the function of the break-away brake system before towing the
trailer. DO NOT tow the trailer if the break-away brake system is not
working; have it serviced or repaired immediately.
Connect the break-away cable to the tow vehicle:
●
NOT to the safety chain.
●
NOT to the hitch, ball or support.
Rig the break-away cable / chain so that if the trailer uncouples the
safety chains will not prevent the system from being activated.
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Improper tire pressure causes an unstable trailer. Blow-out and
loss of control may occur. Death or serious injury can result. Make
sure of proper tire pressure before towing trailer. Inflate tires to
pressure indicated on side wall. Also see manufacturer’s manual
for additional tire safety and wear requirements.
❑
Lug nuts must be tightened and maintained at proper torque levels
to prevent loose wheels, broken studs and possible dangerous sep-
aration of wheels from the axle, which can lead to an accident, per-
sonal injury or death. Check lug nuts for tightness on a new trailer
and after remounting a wheel at 10, 25 and 50 miles.
Also see manufacturer’s documentation for mounting and torque
specifications, based on tire size and load requirements.
❑
DO NOT attempt to repair or modify a damaged wheel. Even minor
modifications can cause a dangerous failure of the wheel and result
in personal injury or death.
❑
WEIGHT AND LOAD DISTRIBUTION -
An overloaded, improperly distributed, or shifting load can result in
failure or loss of control of the trailer, leading to death or serious
injury.