D & E Trailer Sales in Grafton Massachusetts

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Towing Information

Your Tow Vehicle

Know your tow vehicle. Do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your tow vehicle as specified by the manufacturer.
Check the GVWR rating on the hitch or bumper to make sure it meets or exceeds the GVWR rating on the trailer.
Check hitch ball to make sure it is the same size as the trailer
coupler. Also, the hitch ball should meet or exceed the GVWR
of the trailer. Periodically lubricate the ball and visually check for any signs of deterioration.
With excessive wear, hitch balls can come loose from the trailer coupler.
If you are towing with a vehicle that did not come with a factory installed towing package,
make sure to install a transmission cooler and a heavy-duty turn signal switch.
Your tow vehicle should have properly installed fastener points (either links or rings) for the trailer's safety chains. These fastener points are part of the equalizer hitch. If you are using a bumper or a straight frame hitch,
you may need to have fastener points added to the tow vehicle.
Check your tow vehicle's tire pressure. When you add the hitch weight to tires that are improperly inflated,
tread wear will be greatly accelerated.
Make sure the mirrors are wide enough to see the back corner of the trailer. Most trucks have adequate mirrors,
but most automobiles will require add-on extended mirrors that can be purchased at almost any auto or RV parts supplier.
When you are hitched to the trailer, make sure both the tow vehicle and trailer ride level. If the hitch weight makes the tow vehicle "squat" in the rear, you will need to purchase an equalizer hitch to eliminate this problem. A tow vehicle that rides low in the rear will not steer properly and may cause damage to the rear axle, hubs, and tires from an overload situation.
If you are towing with an automatic transmission, you should never tow in overdrive.

Your Trailer

Know your trailer. Do not overload. Stay within your
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) capacity.
Refer to your trailer's identification plate for the GVWR.
Follow the axle manufacturer's recommendations
for checking lug nuts on wheels.
If the trailer has been idle for several months, it is a good idea to grease the bearings as condensation can build up in the bearings. Regular use keeps the bearings free of moisture.
Check tire pressure on trailer regularly and keep inflated
per the PSI listed on the sidewall of the tire.
Scale your trailer after it is loaded to make sure it does not exceed the GVWR. Make sure the hitch weight is between 10 and 15 percent of the trailers loaded weight. For example: A trailer that weighs 10,000 lb. loaded
should have a hitch weight no less than 1,000 lb. and no more than 1,500 lb.
Check your coupler periodically for adequate lubrication. A dry coupler and hitch ball will
cause excessive wear. This will result in coupler or component replacement.
Make sure you have a pin or padlock to secure the latching lever on the coupler.
Without properly securing the latching lever, it could accidentally disengage allowing the coupler to jump off the ball.
When coupling your trailer to your tow vehicle, be sure your battery is fully charged and the breakaway switch cable is secured to the tow vehicle.
Make sure your trailer's safety chains have a rating that meets or exceeds the GVWR of the trailer. We manufacture all our trailers with chains that exceed the GVWR rating of the trailer. Securely latch the chains to links (or rings) on the tow vehicle. Be sure to cross the chains before you attach them to your tow vehicle. This crossing technique creates a cradle to catch the coupler should it disengage from the tow vehicle preventing it from dragging or plowing into the road. This will enable you to stop safely in such an emergency. Do not allow the chains to drag on the road surface because over time this will weaken the chains and lessen their effectiveness. All ball coupler hitch trailers are required to have safety chains.
Make sure all doors are closed and locked while in transit. Make sure all roof vents and windows are securely closed.
Make sure your load has been properly secured so is does not shift while you are towing.
Before each trip, check the operation of all lights on the tow vehicle and trailer.
Before each trip check the trailer's brakes and make sure they are properly adjusted for the load you are carrying.
Remember . . . it takes more room (and time) to stop a heavier loaded trailer than a light one.
Anticipate stops and don't tailgate.
Use common sense when towing a trailer. Watch your speed (maximum posted speed limit on any interstate highway is 60 mph). Make your turns a bit wider to accommodate your trailer.

DID YOU KNOW...

Trailer laws covering such things as brakes, lights, safety chains, licenses, etc., will vary from state to state.
Be sure that your trailer is in full compliance with your state laws. Your trailer dealer usually can help you in
this regard. If not, contact your nearest state motor vehicle department office for full information.
The total weight of your boat, engine, fuel, water and gear must not exceed the trailer's maximum load carrying capacity. Overloading can cause serious injury or property damage. Note: Maximum load carrying capacity is the
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less the weight of the empty trailer.
Fishtailing caused from improper tongue weight on the tow vehicle hitch ball can cause loss of control
of the tow vehicle and result in serious injury or property damage.
Serious injury or property damage can result if the total weight of your loaded trailer
exceeds the capacity of the hitch on your tow vehicle.
Failure to properly attach safety chains between your trailer and tow vehicle can result
in a run-away trailer should the trailer coupler become detached from the hitch.
Failure to properly engage the hitch ball in the coupler ball socket and securely lock the coupler latch mechanism can cause the trailer to become detached from the tow vehicle while traveling, which may cause serious injury or property damage.
Failure to replace coupler or latch assembly if either shows any evidence of wear
or damage can result in serious injury or property damage.
To reduce the risk of serious injury or property damage, make certain that all trailer lights are in proper working order.
Maintain proper torque on lug nuts or wheel bolts. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or property damage.
Keep wheel bearings lubricated. Failure to properly lubricate may cause bearing failure
and possible wheel loss resulting in serious injury or property damage.
Keep tires properly inflated. Failure to maintain correct pressure may result in tire
failure and loss of control resulting in serious injury or property damage.
Trailer brakes must be maintained in good working condition. Loss of adequate
braking could result in serious injury or property damage.
To reduce the risk of serious injury, do not step inside or on the trailer frame during loading/unloading procedures.

SAFETY CHAINS
Your trailer has two towing safety chains or cables, which are bolted at different locations to your trailer. When hitching up your trailer do not connect the safety chains in the same location. Fasten separately to your hitch per the manufacturers instructions.

WIRE COLOR CODE AND LIGHTS
The following wire color code function is used:

White wire - is your ground.
Yellow and brown wires - travels on the left side of your trailers.
Green and brown wires - travels on the right side of your trailers.
Yellow wire - is for your left stop and turn signal lights.
Brown wire - is for tail lights, clearance and marker lights.
Green wire - is for your right stop and turn signal lights.

Towing vehicles equipped with four wire tail light systems, must use a (4) to a (3) wire converter.
To avoid trouble with your lighting system, we recommend the following:

Be sure your vehicle is equipped with the proper lighting connections, thus avoiding overloading circuits.
Once a year, remove light lenses and spray metal components with WD40 or apply a light coating of petroleum jelly.
Carry spare light bulbs. Tail Light - Bulb #11.57, Marker Light - Bulb #194, 3 Light Rear Bar - Bulb #L1895

ALL BOLTS AND NUTS
After you purchase your trailer, (and on a regular basis), double check all bolts and nuts for tightness.

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