DR Power LT 1 (1/2-ton) (March 2012 - Present) - Manual (Page 5)

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Safely Towing your DR VERSA TRAILER
BEFORE towing your DR 1/2 TON VERSA TRAILER, read the following:
•
Driving a vehicle with a Trailer in tow is vastly different from driving the same vehicle without a trailer in tow. When towing a
Trailer, you need more room to turn and more distance to stop. You will need to spend time adjusting to the different feel
and maneuverability of the Tow Vehicle with a loaded Trailer.
•
Never exceed the maximum tow rating for the Vehicle being used. Do not exceed the maximum towing capacity of your Tow
Vehicle. Check the Tow Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual on tow capacity limitations.
•
An improperly coupled Trailer may result in death or serious injury. Before coupling the DR 1/2 TON VERSA TRAILER to your
Tow Vehicle, be sure the size of the Ball is 2". Make sure that the Hitch Ball is not worn or cracked and is tight on the Tow
Vehicle’s Hitch. Also check the Coupler for cracks and deformations and make sure that the Coupler is securely fastened and
locked to the Trailer Tongue with the Safety Snap Pin installed. Lubricate the Hitch Ball and the inside of the Coupler with a
thin layer of grease. Make sure the Tow Hitch is adjusted properly to the Ball Hitch.
• Assure that the Trailer Wheel Lug Nuts are tight before towing as outlined in Chapter 4: Maintaining the DR 1/2 TON VERSA
TRAILER.
•
Improper Tire pressure can result in a blowout and loss of control, which can lead to death or serious injury. Be sure the
Tires are properly inflated to the pressure indicated on the sidewall of the Tire(s) before towing the Trailer.
• Make sure the Optional Trailer Jack is fully retracted and secured with the Pin before towing.
•
Use caution when towing the Trailer over rough terrain and hillsides to prevent loss of control and rolling over. Never operate
near, or on slopes of 20 degrees or greater. Before operating the Tow Vehicle and DR 1/2 TON VERSA TRAILER on any
sloped surface or hill, refer to the Safety Rules in the Tow Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual on proper operation on slopes.
•
Slow down for bumps and release the Tow Vehicle’s accelerator when crossing the bump to avoid unintended acceleration.
•
Do not brake while in a curve unless absolutely necessary. Instead, slow down before you enter the curve and power through
the curve. This way, the Towing Vehicle remains in charge.
• Do not apply the brakes to correct extreme Trailer swaying. Continuing to pull the Trailer, with slight acceleration will provide
a stabilizing force.
•
Be careful when towing the Trailer in icy, wet, or snowy conditions, which could impair the braking ability and the stability of
the Trailer and Tow Vehicle.
• Driving too fast for conditions can result in loss of control and may cause death or serious injury. Decrease your speed as
ground, weather, and lighting conditions deteriorate.
•
Never exceed 25 mph.
• Use lower gears when climbing and descending grades.
• Your Tow Vehicle’s braking and stability may be affected when towing the DR 1/2 TON VERSA TRAILER.
•
Do not ride the brakes while descending grades, as they may get so hot that they stop working. This may lead to a runaway
Tow Vehicle and Trailer.
• Make sure the DR 1/2 TON VERSA TRAILER is not overloaded and that the load is properly distributed front to back and side
to side and properly secured. The Trailer’s maximum towing capacity is 1000
pounds.
•
Do not tow the Trailer on highways or on public thoroughfares. The DR 1/2 TON VERSA TRAILER is designed for off road use
only.
A Note to All Users
No list of warnings and cautions can be all-inclusive. If situations occur that are not covered by this manual, the operator must
apply common sense and operate your DR 1/2 TON VERSA TRAILER in a safe manner. Contact us at www.DRpower.com or call
Toll Free: 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637) for assistance.