Trailer guidelines – Multiquip LT12DAB User Manual

Page 48

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page 48 — LT12Dab LIgHT TOWeR • OpeRaTIOn manuaL — Rev. #0 (06/03/11)

trailer GuiDelineS

Figure B. VIN Tag Location

The trailer VIN Tag contains the following critical safety

information for the use of your trailer.
gaWR: The maximum gross weight that an axle cansupport.

It is the lowest of axle, wheel, or tire rating.
Usually, the tire or wheel rating is lower than the axle rating,

and determines GAWR.
gvWR: The maximum allowable gross weight of the trailer

and its contents. The gross weight of the trailer includes

the weight of the trailer and all of the items within it. GVWR

is sometimes referred to as GTWR (Gross Trailer Weight

Rating), or MGTW (Maximum Gross Trailer Weight). GVWR,

GTWR and MGTW are all the same rating.
The sum total of the GAWR for all trailer axles may be less

than the GVWR for the trailer, because some of the trailer

load is to be carried by the tow vehicle, rather than by the

trailer axle(s). The total weight of the cargo and trailer must

not exceed the GVWR, and the load on an axle must not

exceed its GAWR.
pSIC: The tire pressure (psi) measured when cold.
vIn: The Vehicle Identifi cation Number.
empTY WeIgHT: Some information that comes with the

trailer (such as the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin)

is not a reliable source for “empty” or “net” weight. The

shipping documents list average or standard weights and

your trailer may be equipped with options.

VIN

TAG

VIN TAG

To determine the “empty” or “net” weight of your trailer,

weigh it on an axle scale. To fi nd the weight of the trailer

using an axle scale, you must know the axle weights of

your tow vehicle without the trailer coupled. Some of the

trailer weight will be transferred from the trailer to the tow

vehicle axles, and an axle scale weighs all axles, including

the tow vehicle axles.

TOW veHICLe

The towing hitch attached to your tow vehicle must have a

capacity equal to or greater than the load rating of the trailer

you intend to tow. The hitch capacity must also be matched

to the tow vehicle capacity. Your vehicle dealer can provide

and install the proper hitch on your tow vehicle.

SuSpenSIOn SYSTem

Sway bars, shock absorbers, heavy duty springs, heavy

duty tires and other suspension components may be

required to suffi ciently tow the trailer and pump.

SIDe vIeW mIRRORS

The size of the trailer that is being towed and your state

law regulations determine the size of the mirrors. However,

some states prohibit extended mirrors on a tow vehicle,

except while a trailer is actually being towed. In this

situation, detachable extended mirrors are necessary.

Check with your dealer or the appropriate state agency

for mirror requirements.

HeavY DuTY FLaSHeR

A Heavy Duty Flasher is an electrical component that may

be required when your trailer turn signal lights are attached

to the tow vehicle fl asher circuit.

eLeCTRICaL COnneCTOR

An Electrical Connector connects the lights on the trailer

to the lights on the towing vehicle.

emeRgenCY FLaReS anD TRIangLe ReFLeCTORS

It is wise to carry these warning devices even if you are

not towing a trailer. It is particularly important to have these

when towing a trailer because the hazard fl ashers of your

towing vehicle will not operate for as long a period of time

when the battery is running both the trailer lights and tow

vehicle lights.

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