JLG Triple-L Operator Manual - Manual (Page 29)

SECTION 2 - TRAILER OPERATION
3121224 – Triple-L-Trailer – 2-11
2.10 LOADING THE TRAILER
Improper trailer loading causes many accidents and
deaths. To safely load a trailer, you must consider:
a. Overall load weight
b. Load weight distribution
c. Proper tongue weight
d. Securing the load properly
To determine that you have loaded the trailer within its rat-
ing, you must consider the distribution of weight, as well
as the total weight of the trailer and its contents. The trailer
axles carry most of the total weight of the trailer and its
contents (Gross Vehicle Weight, or “GVW”). The remain-
der of the total weight is carried by the tow vehicle hitch. It
is essential for safe towing that the trailer tongue and tow
vehicle hitch carry the proper amount of the loaded trailer
weight, otherwise the trailer can suddenly sway at towing
speed. Read the “Tongue Weight” section below.
Towing stability also depends on keeping the center of
gravity as low as possible. Load heavy items on the floor
and over the axles. When loading additional items, be
sure to maintain even side-to-side weight distribution and
proper tongue weight. The total weight of the trailer and its
contents must never exceed the total weight rating of the
trailer (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or “GVWR”).
DO NOT LOAD A TRAILER SO THAT THE WEIGHT ON ANY TIRE
EXCEEDS ITS RATING. DO NOT EXCEED THE TRAILER GROSS
VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) OR AN AXLE GROSS AXLE
WEIGHT RATING (GAWR).
Tongue Weight
It is critical to have a portion of the trailer load carried by
the tow vehicle. The trailer tongue must exert an appropri-
ate downward force on the hitch. This is necessary for two
reasons. The proper amount of tongue weight is neces-
sary for the tow vehicle to be able to maintain control of
the tow vehicle/trailer system. If there is not enough
weight on the tongue, the tongue exerts an upward pull on
the hitch, the rear wheel of the tow vehicle can lose trac-
tion or grip and cause loss of control or the trailer can sud-
denly become unstable at high speeds.
If there is too much tongue weight, the front wheels of the
tow vehicle can be too lightly loaded and cause loss of
steering control and traction, as well, if the front wheels
are driving.
Tongue weight is necessary to insure that the trailer
axle(s) do not exceed their Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR).
For a ball hitch trailer the tongue weight should be
between 10% and 15% of the total trailer weight, including
the cargo. For example, a trailer, with a loaded weight of
4,000 pounds, should have 10-15% of 4,000 pounds on
the tongue. That is, the trailer would have 400 to 600
pounds on its tongue.
MAKE CERTAIN THAT TONGUE WEIGHT IS WITHIN THE ALLOW-
ABLE RANGE. BE SURE TO DISTRIBUTE THE LOAD FRONT-TO-
REAR TO PROVIDE PROPER TONGUE WEIGHT, DISTRIBUTE THE
LOAD EVENLY, RIGHT AND LEFT, TO AVOID TIRE OVERLOAD;
AND KEEP THE CENTER OF GRAVITY LOW.
Checking Tongue Weight
To check the tongue weight, the tow vehicle and trailer
must be on level ground, as they will be when the trailer is
being towed.
If you know the weight on your tow vehicle axles when you
are not towing a trailer, trailer tongue weight can be deter-
mined with the use of a truck axle scale.
The recommended method of checking tongue weight is
to use an accessory called a “tongue weight scale.” Con-
tact your dealer to check on the availability of a tongue
weight scale.
If necessary, the tongue weight may also be determined
through the use of a personal scale. When using a per-
sonal scale, the loaded trailer must be on a smooth and
level surface and the front and rear of the trailer wheels
must be blocked. If the tongue weight exceeds the per-
sonal scale capacity, a lever arrangement will be required
to determine the tongue weight.
B E FO RE C H E CK I N G T ON GU E WE I GH T, BLO C K T RA I LER
WHEELS, FRONT AND REAR.
The tongue weight can also be checked at an axle weigh-
ing scale.
Tongue Height
Proper tongue height is critical to maintaining stability dur-
ing towing. After the trailer is loaded, check the tongue
height and ensure that the underside of the tongue is 17”-
19” above the ground.
THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRAILER TONGUE MUST BE BETWEEN
17” AND 19” ABOVE LEVEL GROUND BEFORE TOWING. ADJUST
THE COUPLER OR TOW VEHICLE HITCH TO ACHIEVE THIS
HEIGHT.