Operation; Towing The Generator; Selecting The Proper Towing Equipment; Section 4 Operation - Baldor TS25 Installation & Operating Manual

Section 4

Operation

Towing the Generator

WARNING: Never allow a person to ride in or on a trailer that is being towed. All states prohibit
passengers in towed vehicles. A person can fall off and be struck be another vehicle or run
over by the towed trailer. Failure to observe this warning can result in death.
WARNING: Before using a tow vehicle with a trailer mounted generator, verify that the vehicle is designed
for the load. Using a vehicle that is too small is very dangerous. Be certain that it can handle
the M.G.T.W. (Maximum Gross Trailer Weight) and the tongue weight for safe towing and
braking.
WARNING: For a new trailer, the wheel lug nuts should be tightened to the proper torque specification
before use, after 25 miles of operation and every 100 miles of operation thereafter. Failure to
check the lug nuts for proper tightness can result in an accident due to a wheel falling from
the trailer.
WARNING: Never operate a trailer or tow vehicle that has a loose, missing or broken lug nut. The trailer
is designed for safe operation with all lug nuts installed and all at the proper torque rating.
Operating the trailer with one or more broken or missing lug nuts greatly increases the load
on the remaining nuts and can cause failure of the remaining nuts that can result in an
accident due to a wheel falling from the trailer.

Selecting the Proper Towing Equipment

When selecting the proper towing equipment, the two most important factors that must be
considered are the M.G.T.W. (Maximum Gross Trailer Weight) and the Tongue Weight. The
M.G.T.W. is the total weight of the trailer plus the payload in the trailer. The tongue weight is the
downward pressure exerted at the coupler. The easiest way to measure the gross trailer weight
is to place the loaded trailer on a vehicle scale making sure that the scales are supporting the
entire weight of the loaded trailer.
The easiest method to measure tongue weight (up to 300 lbs.) is to place the jack stand (trailer
tongue) on a bathroom scale making sure the trailer is level. For heavier tongue weights, place a
board across the bathroom scale and a solid object of the same thickness as the scales with a
piece of pipe between each. The trailer tongue should be level and in its normal towing position.
Multiply the scale reading by three (3) to obtain the tongue weight. Tongue weight should be 10%
of trailer weight and not more than10% of M.G.T.W.
Tow Vehicle
Make sure the vehicle you are using to tow the trailer is capable of towing the weight. Check the
vehicle Owner's Manual for towing capability of the towing vehicle or contact the car dealer for
this information. Make sure the tow vehicle is able to tow the load. Vehicle brake capacity is
extremely critical and the tow vehicle must be able to handle the additional weight of the trailer
mounted generator. Radiator and transmission cooling must also be considered.
Tow Vehicle
Compact Vehicle
Compact Vehicle
Mid & Full Size Vehicle
3/4 Ton or larger Truck
MN2416
S Make sure the tow vehicle is able to tow the load. Vehicle brake capacity is extremely
critical and the tow vehicle must be able to handle the additional weight of the trailer
mounted generator. Radiator and transmission cooling must also be considered.
Be sure hitch capacity is equal to or greater than the load when mounted on the
S
vehicle.
S Be sure the size and rating of the hitch ball is equal to or greater than the load.
S Make sure the safety chain(s) rating is equal to or greater than twice the maximum
gross trailer weight rating of your trailer.
S It is against the law to carry passengers in the back of any trailer.
S Reduce weight in car trunk and rear seat areas by the amount of tongue weight of your
trailer.
S Any alterations or changes made to the trailer void any express or implied warranties
on the trailer or towing equipment.
Table 4-1 Tow Hitch Capacity
Hitch Class
Sub Class I
Class III & 4
Maximum Tow Capacity
1000 Lbs.
Class I 2000 Lbs.
Class II 3500 Lbs.
5000 Lbs. Plus
Maximum Tongue Weight
100 Lbs.
200 Lbs.
300 Lbs.
500 Lbs. Plus
Operation 4-1