Loading And Unloading; Loading Trailer; Preparing Trailer For Loading - Integrity Enclosed Trailer Owner's Manual

5. Loading And Unloading

Improper trailer loading causes many accidents and
deaths. To safely load a trailer, you must consider:
Overall load weight.
•
Load weight distribution.
•
Proper tongue weight.
•
Securing the load properly.
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To determine that you have loaded the trailer within its
rating, you must consider the distribution of weight, as
well as the total weight of the trailer and its contents.
The trailer axles carry most of the total weight of the
trailer and its contents (Gross Vehicle Weight, or
"GVW"). The remainder of the total weight is carried
by the tow vehicle hitch.
It is essential for safe towing that the trailer tongue
and tow vehicle hitch carry the proper amount of the
loaded trailer weight, otherwise the trailer can develop
an undesirable sway at towing speeds, or the rear
of the towing vehicle can be overloaded. Read the
"Tongue Weight" information in Section 4.
The load distribution must be such that no component
part of the trailer is loaded beyond its rating. You must
consider the rating of the tires, wheels and axles. For
tandem and triple axle trailers, you must make sure
that the front-to-rear load distribution does not result
in overloading any axle.
Towing stability also depends on keeping the center
of gravity as low as possible. Load heavy items on
the fl oor and over the axles. When loading additional
items, be sure to maintain even side-to-side weight
distribution and proper tongue weight. The total
weight of the trailer and its contents must never
exceed the total weight rating of the trailer (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating, or "GVWR").
Do not transport people, containers of hazardous
substances, or flammable liquids. The exception is
fuel in the tank of vehicles or equipment being hauled.
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WARNING
Do not transport fl ammable, explosive,
poisonous or other dangerous materials
on your trailer.
The exception is fuel in the tank of a
vehicle or equipment being hauled.
Loading And Unloading
Do not transport people in your trailer.
Besides putting their lives at risk, the
transport of people in a trailer is illegal.
You can die or be brain damaged by
Carbon Monoxide.
Do not operate a generator, portable grills,
portable heaters, portable lanterns or
portable stoves inside the trailer.
Do not sleep in a trailer not equipped with
living quarters.
A trailer not designed with living quarters
must only be used for transportation of its
intended cargo.

5.1 Loading Trailer

5.1.1 Preparing Trailer For Loading

Inspect the fl oor of the trailer.
1.
Inspect the tie down rings and track system for
2.
damage, looseness or signs of bending before
loading the trailer.
Damaged or loose tie down rings or track
can break, allowing cargo to become
loose.
Loose cargo can shift the center of gravity,
and result in loss of control of the trailer.
Inspect and test tie downs and track before
loading cargo.
Do not use a damaged or loose tie downs
or track to secure cargo.
Park the tow vehicle and trailer on a fi rm and level
3.
surface.
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WARNING
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DANGER
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WARNING
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WARNING