Howto towa motorcycle trailer, utility trailer, or boat trailer safely.
Towing Vehicle CapacityHitch Capacity and Trailer Load.The trailer weight fully loaded should not exceed the gross towing weight capacity of the towing vehicle and the hitch. The maximum vehicle towing capacity is the entire trailer weight including the load. gepact cars can typically tow trailers weighting at least 1,000 lbs(450kg). Larger cars and minivans are usually rated at 3,500 lbs. Light pickup trucks and SUVs may be rated up to 5,000 lbs towing capacity. Check your vehicle specifications for this information.
Hitches are rated for gross towing weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW). Class I Class II Class III Class IV Class VGTW: 2,000 lbs.3,500 lbs. 3,500 - 6,000 lbs. 4,000 - 10,000 lbs. 5,000 - 14,000 lbs.TW: 200 lbs.300 lbs. 350 - 600 lbs. 350 - 1,000 lbs. 500 - 1,200 lbs.
Many motorcycle and gepact utility trailers can be towed with small vehicles and a class I or II hitch. For larger utility and motorcycle trailers, a mid to full size vehicle and a class II or larger hitch may be required.
Trailer Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) Rating.Trailer springs, axles, tires and chassis are all rated for a total maximum weight. The grossvehicle weight is the empty trailer plus the deck, box sides, stake sides, and everything that is installed on the trailer, not counting its cargo. For instance, if the GVW rating is 1,800 lbs and the empty trailer itself weights 400 lbs. A properly loaded cargo of 1,400 lbs may safely be hauled.
Trailer Loading and Tongue Weight. Trailer tongue weight (TW) is the amount of downward weight on the tongue. The tongue weight should be 10 to 15% of the total trailer weight. For example, a trailer with a gross weight of 1,500 lbs. should have the load evenly distributed so that the tongue weight is 150 to 225 lbs. Too much tail weight may cause the trailer to oscillate or weave back and forth. Too much tongue weight can damage the hitch, and can also lower the rear and raise the front of the vehicle, which can cause vehicle mishandling and ineffective braking. is is best to load heavy cargo on the bottom and lighter cargo on top, as a lower center gravity provides better vertical stability and will reduce jerkiness when braking.
Hitch Height. The hitch height is measured from the ground to the top of the receiver (bottom of the trailer ball). Typical hitch height is 15" to 18". The trailer should sit close to level. If the coupler is too low or too high, a raiser can be used to adjust the hitch height up or down.
The Trailer Ball and Safety Chain. Theball should be located so the trailer sits level when connected to the tow vehicle. The vehicle should be able to accept this weight without amajor change of attitude. The ball should belightly greased so the hitch rotates smoothly on it. Safety chains should be long enough for tight turns and becrossed (right to left and left to right). This will helpcreate a "saddle"if you have atongue failure and will help maintain control while stopping. Do not allow these chains to drag on the pavement, because they can be ground to an unsafe condition in a very short amount of time. Always inspect the hitch and tongue for cracks when hooking up. Rust is your enemy and can cause premature failures. Check lights and brakes each time the trailer is hooked up. Try to do things in the same order each time and use a checklist. Don't forget to retract the jack stand. Do not hookup a trailer half way or you may forget to finish thejob.Do notever leave the receptor (safety) pin out.
Trailer Hookup.
Always inspect the hitch and tongue for cracks before towing a trailer.
The trailer ball should alwaysbe lightly greased.
The safety chains should be long enough for tight turns and be crossed in case of a hitch or coupler failure, yet not drag on the ground.
The lighting hookup wire should have enough slack for tight corners yet not drag on the ground. Petroleum based grease should NOT be applied to the plastic electrical connectors such as the 4-pin flat plugs. Use silicone grease.
Check lug nut tightness before each trip. The lug nuts should be tighten at approximately 90 ft.lbs and crossing over to opposite side lugs as you work around the wheel.
Wheel Bearing Maintenance.Trailer wheel bearings or axle bearings should be greased every six months and before long trips. It is a good idea to check them occasionally on long trips, especially when hauling a heavy load. Do this by carefully feeling the hub for excessive heat. CAUTION: If the bearing is adjusted too tight or its running without enough grease, it can get VERY HOT! A hot bearing needs immediate attention. Most often either more grease or proper tightness adjustment will ease the problem, but replacement may be necessary.
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