Table of Contents Introduction ................................3 Purpose ................................. 3 Follow Vehicle and Axle Weight Ratings ..................... 3 Understand Design and Safety Factors ....................... 4 Vehicle Load and Handling Limits ......................... 4 Meaning of Alert Symbols and Signal Words ..................... 7 Reporting Safety Defects ..........................
Awareness and knowledge of safe vehicle operating limits will ensure you can enjoy the maximum utility and productivity from your Valor Trailer. Do not operate the trailer until you have read and fully understand this instruction and operating manual.
SAFETY ALERT Valor trailers should not be loaded past the rated capacity and should be loaded in consideration of the load warning sticker. It is your responsibility to understand how load distribution affects your trailer’s load-carrying capacity.
Page 6
loads. Positioning the load in a central, side to side location enhances directional control, roll stability, and braking. Trailers with a shorter wheelbase are more prone to roll during an abrupt lane change or because of quick reactions at the wheel. This rolling tendency can dramatically worsen with a tall load and a higher center of gravity.
Page 7
While on a downgrade, the force of gravity works against the driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle, particularly if the road surface is wet or slick from snow and ice or covered with loose material. On upgrades, the problem changes to spinning out because of insufficient traction of the drive wheels, particularly on snow and ice or other slippery road conditions.
Meaning of Alert Symbols and Signal Words It is important that you understand the meaning of the following symbols that are used throughout this document. The signal words indicate the level of risk. lists the various safety symbols used throughout Table 1 this document.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation; and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Valor Industries.
Pre-Trip Inspection There are some items on every vehicle combination that require no special knowledge, training, or sophisticated equipment to inspect—and can be and should be inspected prior to every trip Perform the following inspection in Table 3 prior to your departure. Table 2: Pre-Trip Inspection ✓...
Required Trailer Hookup Procedures The consequences of not properly hooking the trailer to the tow vehicle can be very serious. Failure to adhere to the information in this section could lead to the trailer becoming detached, the trailer brakes and/or lights not working correctly, or other unsafe situations.
Proper Use of a Trailer Brake Controller Table 4: Setting Up Trailer Brake Controller Setting Up Trailer Brake Controller Step No. Action Plug in the trailer wiring harness. With your trailer coupled to your vehicle, the first step when towing with a brake controller is to make sure the trailer wiring harness is plugged into your vehicle.
1.10 Proper Trailer Loading and Unloading Practices CAUTION Trailer Loading Practices The consequences of ignoring proper trailer loading practices can be very serious. Failure to adhere to the information in this section could lead to unsafe handling, diminished braking capacity, or other unstable trailer characteristics, which could result in an accident-causing property damage, bodily injury, or death.
3. Before securing equipment, always lower booms, loaders, and buckets. The parking brake on the equipment being transported must be engaged, where applicable. Note: Always make sure you are under the maximum allowable height clearance. 4. Restrain equipment with crawler tracks as well as wheel type equipment in the lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical directions using a minimum of four direct tie-downs and binders.
Allow ample time for brakes to cool between applications (roughly one mile at 40 mph). This allows the brake shoes and magnets to slightly “wear-in” to the drum surfaces. (recommendation from Lippert Axles). For further details see the attached manual in the Valor Dealer Packet.
Perform the following steps in Table 6 to complete the various stages of periodic maintenance. Table 6: Periodic Maintenance Checklist Step ✓ Periodic Maintenance Checklist Pre-Trip Inspection Lube wear areas on hitch. Examine frame and tongue members for evidence of damage or cracked welds. Check suspension for bent or broken springs, damaged components, and loose or missing fasteners.
Step ✓ Periodic Maintenance Checklist Special Accident or Overload: Check all structural components for damage. Check tires and wheels for damage. Check axle alignment. Rear Impact: Check impact guard components for damage. Skidding: Check tires for flat spots. Structural Components Subframe Other than for periodic or special inspections, and washing, the trailer subframe requires no regular maintenance.
Jack Assembly Every six months, lubricate the jack as follows: 1. Extend the leg approximately two inches from the fully retracted position. 2. Add one-quarter pound molybdenum grease (with a temperature rating suitable for your operating conditions) to each of the grease fittings. For two-speed jacks, there are two on the gear leg, one on the swivel pad, and one on the gear box.
Deck Hinge Assembly Check the hinge assembly frequently for cracked welds; this assembly is highly stressed during loading and unloading. Grease the deck hinges every six months—or earlier, if service dictates. Apply grease to the fittings (one per side) until fresh grease becomes visible. Running Gear Suspension The suspension on your trailer is Rubber Torsion type and requires no maintenance.
Hub Inspection Clean the hub with a commercial solvent for inspection. Check for cracks, elongated holes, evidence of overheating or foreign object damage. The hub is crucial to safe vehicle operation and any doubt about its condition should be cause for replacement. Broken or Damaged Studs Typically, when a stud is damaged it is due to under torque (loose cap nuts), over torque, or overloading.
2. When preparing to machine a drum, allow at least .040" under the maximum diameter for further normal in-service wear. Failure to allow for service wear will result in a weakened brake drum and may result in an accident. Brake drums should be replaced in pairs to achieve the same braking power on both wheels and maintain even braking load on the axle.
Electric Brake Burnishing Refer to following clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9HDloz9fq8 Axle End Component Cleaning and Inspection Refer to the supplied manufacturer's manual for specifics. Axle End Component Assembly Refer to the supplied manufacturer's manual for specifics. Wheel Bearing Adjustment Refer to the supplied manufacturers manual for specifics. Wheel Bearing Lubrication Refer to the supplied manufacturers manual for specifics.
4. Bolt Circle. Many bolt circle dimensions are available, and some vary by so little that it might be possible to attach an improper wheel that does not match the axle hub. Be sure to match your wheel to the axle hub. 5.
Page 25
Stage 2 torque value (if applicable) and then the full Stage 3 torque value in sequence. Trailer Model Torque Range (all values in Ft-lbs.) Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 12TU-12TUS (6.5’) 20-25 50-60 90-120 16TU-16TUS (6.5’) 20-25 50-60 90-120 18TUS (5’)
Tires Before mounting tires onto wheels make certain that the rim size and contour is approved for the tire as shown in the Tire and Rim Association Yearbook or the tire manufacturers catalog. Also make sure the tire will carry the rated load. If the load is not equal on all tires due to trailer weight distribution, use the tire rated for the heaviest wheel position.
Electrical Harnesses and Lights The electrical harnesses in the trailer run within the frame members and require no maintenance. The oval stop/turn/taillights and the round clearance lights are all of the sealed type and do not have a separately replaceable bulb. If a light does stops working, first check the plug at the light for voltage (with a test lamp or voltmeter) to verify that the electrical system is functioning properly.
Deck Hinge Assembly The hinge assembly is highly stressed during loading and unloading, so check it for cracked welds frequently. Every six months, or sooner if service dictates, grease the deck hinges. Apply grease to the fittings (one per side) until fresh grease becomes visible. www.valortrialers.com PHONE: 208-810-4900 Rev.
Axle Assembly (See Lippert’s Owner’s manual for specifications and parts list) Trailer Model Lippert Axle Configuration/Capacity 12TU-12TUS (6.5’) 2 x 7K Torsion with Grease Lubrication 16TU-16TUS (6.5’) 2 x 8K Torsion with Grease Lubrication 18TUS (5’) 3 x 7K Torsion with Grease Lubrication www.valortrialers.com...
HINGE ASSEMBLY Ref. Part Number DESCRIPTION 16-TU 16-TUS 16-TUS 18-TUS (5+16) (6.5+16) (5+16) SA-000012-UT HINGE PIN H-000039-U HEX BOLT (0.3125-18 X 1.25" UNC GR. 8, ZINC) H-000029-U LOCK WASHER (0.3125 GR. 8, ZINC) H-000028-U WASHER (0.3125 GR. 8 ZINC) H-000030-U NUT (0.3125-18 UNC GR.
ELECTRICAL PLUGS ***CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TROUBLESHOOTING AND/OR REPLACEMENT ELECTRONICS*** www.valortrialers.com PHONE: 208-810-4900 Rev. 05.17.2022...
Page 44
This page is intentionally left blank www.valortrialers.com PHONE: 208-810-4900 Rev. 05.17.2022...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the 12TU and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers