JLG Triple-L Operator Manual - Manual (Page 11)

SECTION 1 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
3121224 – Triple-L-Trailer – 1-1
SECTION 1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.1 SAFETY INFORMATION
Safety Information, Alert Symbols, and
Signal Words
An owner’s manual that provides general trailer informa-
tion cannot cover all of the specific details necessary for
the proper combination of every trailer, tow vehicle and
hitch. Therefore, you must read, understand and follow
the instructions given by the tow vehicle and trailer hitch
manufacturers, as well as the instructions in this manual.
Triple-L™ Trailers are built with components produced by
various manufacturers. Some of these items have sepa-
rate instruction manuals that were originally shipped with
the product. Where this manual indicates that you should
read another manual, and you do not have that manual,
call JLG to obtain a copy.
The safety information in this manual is denoted by the
safety alert symbols and signal words listed below:
INDICATES AN IMMINENTLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION. IF NOT
AVOIDED, WILL RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THIS
DECAL WILL HAVE A RED BACKGROUND.
INDICATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION. IF NOT
AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THIS
DECAL WILL HAVE AN ORANGE BACKGROUND.
INDICATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION. IF NOT
AVOIDED, MAY RESULT IN MINOR OR MODERATE INJURY. IT MAY
ALSO ALERT AGAINST UNSAFE PRACTICES. THIS DECAL WILL
HAVE A YELLOW BACKGROUND.
INDICATES PROCEDURES ESSENTIAL FOR SAFE OPERATION.
THIS DECAL WILL HAVE A GREEN BACKGROUND.
1.2 LOCAL AND NATIONAL REGULATIONS
In many regions, a trailer is considered a motor vehicle. As
such, there are regulations (height, width, brakes etc.) that
must be followed by the owner and operator. It is the
responsibility of the trailer owner and operator to deter-
mine which regulations apply and to comply with these
requirements.
1.3 MAJOR HAZARDS
Safe and proper usage of the trailer is essential to avoid
accidents. Unsafe use; separation of trailer from tow vehi-
cle; and loss of control of the trailer or trailer/tow vehicle
combination can result in death or serious injury. Com-
mon causes for trailer accidents include:
a. Driving too fast for conditions
b. Failure to adjust handling while towing a trailer
c. Trailer improperly coupled to the hitch
d. Incorrect use of safety chains
e. Incorrect use of breakaway brake
f. Mismatch of trailer and hitch
g. Unsafe tires, lug nuts or wheels
h. Overload
i. Unsafe load distribution
j. Shifting cargo
k. Inappropriate cargo
l. Inoperable brakes, lights or mirrors
m. Modifying the trailer
n. Inadequate tow vehicle or towing hitch
o. Not properly maintaining the trailer structure.
Driving too Fast for Conditions
With ideal road conditions, the maximum speed when
safely towing a trailer is 55 mph. If you drive too fast, the
trailer tires will overheat and possibly blowout. As your
speed increases, you are more likely to suddenly lose
control. Never exceed 55 mph while towing the trailer.
DECREASE YOUR SPEED AS ROAD, WEATHER AND LIGHTING
CONDITIONS DETERIORATE.
Failure to Adjust Handling While Towing a
Trailer
When towing a trailer, your tow vehicle will have
decreased acceleration, increased stopping distance, and
increased turning radius (which means you must make
wider turns to keep from hitting curbs, vehicles, and any-
thing else that is on the inside corner). In addition, you will
need a longer distance to pass, due to slower acceleration
and increased length.
Be alert for slippery conditions. You are more likely to be
affected by slippery road surfaces when driving a tow
vehicle with a trailer, than driving a tow vehicle without a
trailer.