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TOWING TRAILERS
WARNING
Use caution when towing trailers wider than the vehicle allowing for additional isle
clearance and corner cutting of the trailers.
Not allowing for additional clearance may result in collision with severe bodily injury
and/or property damage.
Towing a Trailer
Note: Towing up or down grades will significantly reduce the capacity of the vehicle.
When towing trailers:
• Do not exceed the DBP towing capacity of the vehicle. See Specifications and DBP
definition; also included on the data plate.
• Only use Taylor-Dunn approved trailer hitches.
• Do not exceed the capacity of the trailer hitch installed on the vehicle.
• Do not exceed the load capacity of the trailer. Refer to documentation supplied with your
trailer for information regarding load capacity of the trailer.
• Make sure all loads are securely tied down. Refer to documentation supplied with your
trailer for information regarding attaching loads to the trailer.
• Cargo consisting of fluid in tanks shall have fluid baffles in the tank to help reduce shifting
load weight.
• Do not back up when towing more than one trailer.
• Drive slowly when towing loads with a high center of gravity.
• When turning, be sure to allow for "corner cutting" of the trailer.
• Allow for longer stopping distances when towing heavy loads.
• Allow for longer stopping distances when driving down a grade.
• Block the trailer wheels before disconnecting from the vehicle.
• Do not disconnect a trailer while parked on a grade.
Draw Bar Pull (DBP), Definition
DBP is a measure of pulling force required to move a load. The load may be a trailing load or a
pushed load. It is normally expressed in pounds or Newtons.
The DBP is the horizontal force exerted on a load at its coupler while towing or pushing a load.
To measure the DBP, a scale would be connected in line with the towing vehicle coupler and
the load. The scale will directly read the DBP as the load is towed.
DBP specifications, definition:
• Normal DBP: Highest DBP that can be sustained for a given duty cycle.
• Ultimate DBP: Also referred to a Maximum DBP. Highest DBP achieved while traveling at
a minimum speed of approximately 0.5 mph (0.8 kph) for a minimum of 30 seconds. This
specification is used in calculations for getting a load moving.
Notes:
DBP specifications are based on:
• Road surface consisting of level dry clean asphalt, brushed concrete or equivalent.
• Maximum battery weight installed per vehicle battery specification.
Towing a load up any grade will significantly increase the DBP required.
Most paved roads and parking lots have a drainage grade to allow water to run off. When operating
a tow tractor at or near its maximum capacity, this drainage grade will significantly affect DBP
required to pull the load and may result in exceeding the specifications.
Page 28
MT-416-00
TT-416 Stand Up Tow Tractor
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