! Important Advice !
• To ensure a safe center of gravity, load all gear as low as possible on the trailer. Never overload the trailer. The trailer-weight rating is usually found on a manufacturer's plate installed on the trailer tongue.
• For trailer balance, equally distribute gear from side to side.
• Weight should be distributed 60 percent in the front half of the trailer and 40 percent in the rear half. Check the trailer manufacturer's requirements.
• Tongue weight should be between 10 and 15 percent of the trailer weight. Know the actual tongue weight and the rated hitch weight of the tow vehicle.
• If the weight of the payload exceeds 1000 pounds, the trailer should have its own brake system (electric or surge brakes).
• Make sure the tires on the tow vehicle and the trailer are inflated to the correct pressures.
• Make sure the tow vehicle's mirrors meet legal requirements.
• After hitching, verify that all connections are tight (brakes, lights, hitch).
• Lock the hitch coupler with a locking pin.
• Attach the safety chains on the tongue to the hitch receiver.
• Check that trailer lights are fully functional.
• Adjust the tow vehicle's mirrors before you pull out.
• Right after you pull out, check the trailer brakes to make sure they're working.
• Accelerate slowly.
• Avoid sudden moves.
• During turns, allow sufficient room for the trailer to clear a corner or object.
• Pass with care.
• Use engine compression for braking on downgrades.
• Avoid parking on grades.
• When parking or backing up, use an outside observer as a guide whenever possible.