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TOWING EQUIPMENT OWNERS: Make sure all operators of your equipment read and understand this information before towing.
Save for reference. This will help you properly select, use, and maintain your towing equipment. Refer to owner's manuals for your
tow vehicle, trailer, and other parts of your towing system. Learn the capabilities and limitations of each part. GROSS TRAILER
WEIGHT and TONGUE WEIGHT are two of the most important items to consider. THESE WEIGHTS MUST NEVER EXCEED THE
LOWEST RATING OF ANY PART OF YOUR TOWING SYSTEM. GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT is the weight of the trailer plus all cargo.
Measure GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT with the fully loaded trailer on a level surface. The WEIGHT is the downward force exerted on
the ball by the trailer coupler. Measure TONGUE WEIGHT with the fully loaded trailer on a level surface. The coupler must be at its
normal towing height. Use a commercial scale or a bathroom scale. Set up the bathroom scale as shown for heavy tongue weights.
METHOD FOR MEASURING GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT
YOUR TOWING EQUIPMENT
TRAILER HITCHES, RECEIVERS, AND BALL MOUNTS
Select these products by their gross trailer weight and tongue weight ratings.
Select hitches and receivers for specific vehicles.
HITCH BALLS
Select by gross trailer weight rating, mounting platform thickness, hole size,
and coupler socket size. Platform must be at least 3/8 inch thick. Hole
must not exceed threaded shank diameter by more than 1/16 inch. Use lock
washer. Tighten per instructions. When tightened, shank must protrude
beyond bottom of nut. Gross trailer weight rating and ball diameter are
marked on REESE balls.
TRAILER COUPLERS
The coupler socket should be smooth, clean, and lightly lubricated.
Tighten or adjust per coupler manufacturer's instructions.
SAFETY CHAINS
Connect safety chains properly EVERY TIME YOU TOW. Cross chains
under coupler. Attach securely to the hitch or tow vehicle so they can't
bounce loose. Leave only enough slack to permit full turning. Too much
slack may prevent chains from maintaining control if other connections
separate. Don't let chains drag on the road.
TRAILER LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, ELECTRIC BRAKES, AND
BREAK AWAY SWITCH CONNECTIONS
Make these safety-critical connections EVERY TIME YOU TOW, no matter
how short the trip. Check operation, including electric brake manual control,
before getting on the road.
SWAY CONTROLS
Sway controls can lesson the effects of sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and
buffeting caused by other vehicles. We recommend them for trailers with
large surface areas, such as travel trailers. Adjustable friction models can
help control trailers with low tongue weight percentage.
OTHER USEFUL EQUIPMENT
AIR SPRINGS, AIR SHOCKS, or HELPER SPRINGS are useful for some
hitch applications. A TRANSMISSION COOLER may be necessary for
heavy towing. Many states require TOWING MIRRORS on both sides.
TIRE INFLATION
Check often. Follow tow vehicle and trailer manufacturers' recommendation.
Improper tire inflation can cause trailer sway.
CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT / REPLACE WORN PARTS
Check ball, coupler, chains, retaining pins and clips, and all other
connections EVERY TIME YOU TOW. Re-check at fuel and rest stops.
DO NOT MODIFY REESE PRODUCTS. INSTALL ONLY ON SPECIFIED VEHICLES IN GOOD CONDITION. REESE TOWING
PRODUCTS ARE DESIGNED TO TOW TRAILERS. USE ONLY FOR THIS PURPOSE. Do not attach cargo carriers, motorcycle
carriers, boat hoists, or coupler alignment devices. Do not extend the original structure. Do not use to pull or push the towing
vehicle. Do not use as a jacking point. Do not attach anything with or in place of the ball. Any exceptions to the foregoing require
written approval of REESE PRODUCTS, Inc. DO NOT TOW MULTIPLE TRAILERS. Towing one trailer behind another may cause
severe instability and loss of control. FAILURE TO HEED WARNINGS AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN VEHICLE
CRASH, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY
IA69000
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON TOWING
WARNING
DON'T OVERLOAD ANY PART OF YOUR TOWING SYSTEM
2 OR 3 FT.
PIPE
BATHROOM SCALE
METHOD FOR MEASURING TRAILER TONGUE WEIGHT
SAFE TOWING TIPS
NO PASSENGERS IN TRAILERS!
NEVER allow people in trailers while towing, under any circum
stances.
TRAILER LOADING
Proper loading helps prevent sway. Place heavy object on the floor
ahead of the axle. Balance the load side-to-side. Secure it to
prevent shifting. Tongue weight should be 10-15 percent of gross
weight for most trailers. Too low a percentage of tongue weight can
cause sway. NEVER load the trailer rear-heavy. LOAD THE
TRAILER HEAVIER IN FRONT.
DRIVING
The additional weight of a trailer affects acceleration, braking and
handling. Allow extra time for passing, stopping, and changing lanes.
Severe bumps can damage your towing vehicle, hitch, and trailer.
Drive slowly on rough roads. STOP AND MAKE A THOROUGH
INSPECTION IF ANY PART OF YOUR TOWING SYSTEM
STRIKES THE ROAD. CORRECT ANY PROBLEMS BEFORE
RESUMING TRAVEL.
CHECK FOR EXCESSIVE SWAY AND ELIMINATE IT
Excessive sway can lead to loss of control. Sway motion should
settle out quickly. Sway tends to increase on a downgrade. Starting
slowly, increase speed in gradual steps. If sway occurs, adjust your
trailer load and equipment. Repeat until the trailer is stable at
highway speed. Do this whenever your trailer loading changes.
IF TRAILER SUDDENLY STARTS TO SWAY
Turbulence from another vehicle, a wind gust, or a downgrade can
cause sudden sway. So can a shift of the trailer's load or a trailer
tire blowout. IF THE TRAILER SWAYS, IT IS THE DRIVER'S
RESPONSIBILITY TO ASSESS THE SITUATION AND TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION. Below are suggestions that may apply,
depending on conditions:
DO
- Reduce your speed gradually.
- Hold the steering wheel as steady as possible.
- If your trailer has electric brakes, apply the brakes alone, without
using the tow vehicle's brakes.
DON'T
- Don't hit your brake pedal hard unless absolutely necessary. A
"jackknife" can result.
- Don't try to steer out of the sway condition. Sudden or violent steering
can make it worse.
- Don't speed up. Sway increases as you go faster.
- Don't continue towing a trailer that tends to sway. You may lose
control during an emergency maneuver or if the conditions listed above
occur.
1 FT.
PIPE
BRICK
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