Bri-Mar DT508LP User manual

Bri-Mar Trailers
MODEL DUMP TRAILERS
This User’s Manual contains safety information
and instructions for your trailer.
You must read this manual before loading or
towing your trailer.
You must follow all safety precautions and
instructions.
BWise Manufacturing LLC
1002 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1
Chambersburg, PA 17201
1-717-261-0922 Phone
1-717-264-5581 Fax
Revised January 2010

Please pay particular attention to the boxes throughout this
manual highlighting certain caution (yellow), warning (orange)
and danger (red) situations.

Table of Contents
DUMP TRAILERS
Bri-Mar Trailers i
1INTRODUCTION / GENERAL INFORMATION ................................1
1.1 TRAILER MODELS................................................................................1
1.2 BREAKING-IN ANEW TRAILER ...........................................................1
1.2.1 Retighten Lug Nuts at First 10, 25 & 50 Miles ..........................1
1.2.2 Adjust Brake Shoes at First 200 Miles .......................................2
1.2.3 Synchronizing the Brake Systems...............................................2
1.2.4 Tire Pressure..............................................................................3
1.3 WARRANTY .........................................................................................3
2GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION ..................................................5
2.1 SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS AND SIGNAL WORDS...................................5
2.2 MAJOR HAZARDS ................................................................................6
2.2.1 Improper Sizing of the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle. ....................6
2.2.2 Driving Too Fast........................................................................7
2.2.3 Failure to Adjust Driving Behavior When Towing a Trailer .....7
2.2.4 Trailer Not Properly Coupled to the Hitch ................................8
2.2.5 Proper Use of Safety Chains ......................................................9
2.2.6 Proper Connection of Breakaway Brake....................................9
2.2.7 Mismatch of Trailer and Hitch.................................................10
2.2.8 Unsafe Tire, Lug Nuts or Wheels .............................................10
2.2.9 Improper Loading ....................................................................12
2.2.10 Unsafe Load Distribution.........................................................13
2.2.11 Shifting Cargo..........................................................................14
2.2.12 Inappropriate Cargo ................................................................15
2.2.13 Inoperable Brakes, Lights or Mirrors ......................................16
2.2.14 Hazards From Modifying Your Trailer....................................17
2.2.15 Hazards For Dump Trailers.....................................................17
2.2.16 Hazards from Accessories........................................................18
2.2.16.1 Battery and Charger .......................................................................19
2.2.16.2 DC Hydraulic Power Unit ..............................................................19
2.2.17 Safety Warning Labels on Your Trailer ...................................21
2.2.18 Trailer Towing Guide...............................................................23
2.2.19 Safe Trailer Towing Guidelines ...............................................24
2.2.20 Reporting Safety Defects ..........................................................25
3TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .......................................................... 27
3.1 TRAILER TIRE INFORMATION.............................................................28
3.2 STEPS FOR DETERMINING CORRECT LOAD LIMIT –TRAILER.............29
3.2.1 Trailers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or Less ...................................31
3.2.2 Trailers Over 10,000 Pounds GVWR.......................................31
3.3 STEPS FOR DETERMINING CORRECT LOAD LIMIT –TOW VEHICLE ....32

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DUMP TRAILERS
Bri-Mar Trailers ii
3.4 GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMINOLOGY ...................................................32
3.5 TIRE SAFETY -EVERYTHING RIDES ON IT..........................................39
3.5.1 Safety First–Basic Tire Maintenance ...................................... 40
3.5.2 Finding Your Vehicle's Recommended Tire Pressure and Load
Limits....................................................................................... 40
3.5.3 Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits ....................... 41
3.5.4 Checking Tire Pressure ........................................................... 41
3.5.5 Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure ........................... 42
3.5.6 Tire Size................................................................................... 42
3.5.7 Tire Tread................................................................................ 43
3.5.8 Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment ......................................... 43
3.5.9 Tire Repair .............................................................................. 43
3.5.10 Tire Fundamentals................................................................... 43
3.5.10.1 Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires ........................................44
3.5.10.2 UTQGS Information ......................................................................46
3.5.10.3 Additional Information on Light Truck Tires ................................47
3.5.11 Tire Safety Tips........................................................................ 48
4COUPLING TO THE TOW VEHICLE................................................49
4.1 USE AN ADEQUATE TOW VEHICLE AND HITCH ..................................49
4.1.1 Trailer Information.................................................................. 49
4.1.2 Tow Vehicle ............................................................................. 51
4.2 COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING THE TRAILER.......................................53
4.2.1 Various Coupler Designs ........................................................ 54
4.2.2 Trailer with Ball-Hitch Coupler .............................................. 55
4.2.2.1 Before Coupling the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle............................ 57
4.2.2.2 Prepare the Coupler and Hitch ....................................................... 58
4.2.2.3 Couple the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle...........................................59
4.2.3 Trailer with Ring and Pintle Coupler...................................... 59
4.2.3.1 Before Coupling The Trailer To The Tow Vehicle........................60
4.2.3.2 Prepare The Ring and Pintle ..........................................................62
4.2.3.3 Couple The Trailer To The Tow Vehicle....................................... 62
4.2.4 Rig the Safety Chains – Bumper Pull Trailer .......................... 63
4.2.5 Connect the Electrical Cable – Bumper Pull Trailers............. 64
4.2.6 Attach and Test Electric Breakaway Brake System – Bumper
Pull Trailers ............................................................................ 65
4.2.7 Attach and Test Surge Brake Breakaway Brake System.......... 67
4.2.7.1 Testing The Surge Brake Operation (If Equipped) ........................68
4.2.7.2 Uncoupling a Bumper Pull Trailer ................................................. 69
4.2.8 Gooseneck Trailer with Ball Coupler or King Pin .................. 70
4.2.8.1 Prepare the Gooseneck Receiver.................................................... 73
4.2.8.2 Couple the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle...........................................73
4.2.8.3 Rig the Safety Chains.....................................................................75

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DUMP TRAILERS
Bri-Mar Trailers iii
4.2.8.4 Attach and Test the Breakaway Brake System...............................76
4.2.8.5 Connect the Electrical Cable ..........................................................78
4.2.8.6 Uncoupling the Gooseneck Trailer.................................................79
4.3 ADJUST HITCH HEIGHT...................................................................... 81
4.4 ADJUST GOOSENECK HEIGHT ............................................................83
5LOADING AND UNLOADING THE TRAILER ................................85
5.1 TONGUE WEIGHT............................................................................... 87
5.2 CHECKING TONGUE WEIGHT .............................................................89
5.3 LOADING FIXED LOADS.....................................................................90
5.4 LOADING AND UNLOADING BULK MATERIALS.................................. 95
5.4.1 Prepare Trailer For Loading ...................................................95
5.4.2 Loading Bulk Material .............................................................96
5.4.3 Unload Bulk Material Using The Spreader Gate.....................97
5.4.4 Unload Bulk Material Using The Double Swing Gates .........101
5.4.5 Hydraulic Components ..........................................................106
5.4.6 Body safety prop ....................................................................106
5.4.7 Securing the cargo .................................................................108
6CHECKING THE TRAILER BEFORE AND DURING EACH TOW .
................................................................................................................. 109
6.1 PRE-TOW CHECKLIST....................................................................... 109
6.2 MAKE REGULAR STOPS ................................................................... 109
7ACCESSORIES..................................................................................... 111
7.1 ACCESSORY BATTERY ..................................................................... 111
7.2 BATTERY CHARGER ........................................................................ 112
7.3 DC HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT ......................................................... 113
8INSPECTION SERVICE & MAINTENANCE.................................. 115
8.1 INSPECTION,SERVICE &MAINTENANCE SUMMARY CHARTS .......... 115
8.2 INSPECTION AND SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS ....................................... 119
8.2.1 Axle Bolts, Frame, Suspension, & Structure ..........................119
8.2.2 Trailer Structure ....................................................................120
8.2.2.1 Fasteners and Frame Members .....................................................120
8.2.2.2 Welds............................................................................................120
8.2.2.3 Slide-Out Ramps ..........................................................................121
8.2.3 Trailer Brakes - Electric ........................................................121
8.2.3.1 Brake Shoes and Drums ...............................................................121
8.2.3.2 Manually Adjusting Brake Shoes .................................................121
8.2.3.3 Trailer Brakes - Electric ...............................................................122
8.2.3.4 Tow Vehicle Operated Electric Brakes ........................................123
8.2.3.5 Magnets for all Electric Brakes ....................................................123

Table ofContents
DUMP TRAILERS
Bri-Mar iv
8.2.4 Trailer Brakes – Surge .......................................................... 124
8.2.4.1 Hydraulic Surge Brake................................................................. 124
8.2.4.2 Master Cylinder Bleeding ............................................................ 124
8.2.5 Trailer Connection to Tow Vehicle........................................ 126
8.2.5.1 Coupler and Ball .......................................................................... 126
8.2.5.2 Ring and Pintle............................................................................. 127
8.2.5.3 Gooseneck....................................................................................127
8.2.5.4 Fifth Wheel Kingpin .................................................................... 128
8.2.6 Landing Leg or Jack.............................................................. 128
8.2.7 Lights and Signals ................................................................. 128
8.2.8 Accessory Battery .................................................................. 129
8.2.9 Accessory DC Power Unit..................................................... 129
8.2.9.1 DC Power Unit Maintenance ....................................................... 130
8.2.9.2 DC Power Unit Troubleshooting.................................................. 131
8.2.10 Tires....................................................................................... 132
8.2.11 Wheel Rims ............................................................................ 133
8.2.12 Wheel Bearings...................................................................... 133
8.2.13 Lubrication Points ................................................................. 134
8.2.14 Lug Nuts (Bolts)..................................................................... 136
9 ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS................................................................138
Trailers

Bri-Mar Trailers 1
1 INTRODUCTION /GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 TRAILER MODELS
1.2 BREAKING-IN ANEW TRAILER
1.2.1 Retighten Lug Nuts at First 10, 25 & 50 Miles
Wheel lugs can shift and settle quickly after being first assembled, and
must be checked after the first 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving. Failure to
perform this check may result in a wheel coming loose from the trailer,
causing a crash leading to death or serious injury.
Lug nuts are prone to loosen after being first assembled. Death or
serious injury can result.
Check lug nuts for tightness on a new trailer, and after re-mounting a
wheel at 10, 25 and 50 miles.
Dump Trailer Models:
Low Profile
• DT508LP
• DT510LP
• DT610LP
• DT610LP-LE
• DT612LP-LE
• DT712LP-LE
• DT714LP-LE• DT612LP
• DT712LP
Low Profile Heavy Duty
• DT712LPHD
• DT714LPHD
• DT716LPHD
Deck Over
• DT610-DP
• DT712-DP
• DT712T-DP
• DT610D-LE
R Series (Rascal)
• DTR508LP
• DTR510LP
• DTR610LP
• DTR610D
HD Gooseneck
• DT818-20GN

Introduction / General Information
Bri-Mar 2
1.2.2 Adjust Brake Shoes at First 200 Miles
Brake shoes and drums experience a rapid initial wear. The brakes must
be adjusted after the first 200 miles of use, and each 3,000 miles
thereafter. Some axles are fitted with a mechanism that will
automatically adjust the brake shoes when the trailer is “hard braked”
from a rearward direction. Read your axle and brake manual to see if
your brakes adjust automatically. If you do not have the axle and brake
manual, call Bri-Mar Manufacturing LLC at 1-717-263-6116 for a free
copy.
A hard stop is used to:
•Confirm that the brakes work;
•Confirm that the trailer brakes are properly synchronized with
the tow vehicle brakes using the brake controller in the tow
vehicle
•Adjust the brake shoes as necessary.
•For surge brakes check the Master cylinder reservoir for fluid.
If your trailer is not fitted with automatically adjusting brakes, the brakes
will need to be manually adjusted. See section 8.2.3.2, “Manually
Adjusting Brake Shoes,” for instructions.
1.2.3 Synchronizing the Brake Systems
Trailer brakes are designed to work in synchronization with the brakes
on the tow vehicle.
When the tow vehicle and trailer braking systems are synchronized, both
braking systems contribute to slowing, and the tongue of the trailer will
neither dive nor rise sharply.
Trailers

Introduction / General Information
Bri-Mar 3
If trailer and tow vehicle brakes do not work properly together, death or
serious injury can occur.
Road test the brakes in a safe area at no more than 30 m.p.h. before
each tow.
To insure safe brake performance and synchronization, read and follow
the axle/brake and the brake controller manufacturers’ instructions. If
you do not have an axle & brake manual, call Bri-Mar Manufacturing
LLC at 1-717-263-6116 for a free copy.
1.2.4 Tire Pressure
Check tire pressures on both the trailer and tow vehicle. Inflate to the
pressure stated on the vehicles Certification / VIN label.
1.3 WARRANTY
Bri-mar Manufacturing, LLC, warrants each trailer to be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of (24) months to the original
purchaser from date of purchase, or (30) months from date of manufac-
ture, which ever expires first, under normal wear and rated load capacity.
Bri-mar Manufacturing, LLC, warrants its paint finish to be free from
defects as a result of improper surface preparation and application for a
period of (12) months to the original purchaser from date of purchase, or
(24) months from date of manufacture, which ever expires first, excluding
normal wear.
Extended warranty is given to the frame structure on all Heavy Duty
trailers. This includes: frame rail, crossmembers, tongue and tongue
brace for a period of five (5) years from date of original purchase.
All auxiliary parts, axle assemblies, brake systems, wheels, tires, light
systems, hitch couplers, jacks, power units, cylinders, or other accessories
or purchased parts are covered by the warranty of the original manufac-
turer.
The warranty does not cover: normal wear, lack of maintenance, misap-
plication of use, abuse or negligence, overloading in excess of GVWR on
vin sticker, unauthorized modifications and repairs, altered electrical
Trailers
Your Bri-Mar Trailer is warranted to the original purchaser to be free
from defects in material and workmanship in accordance with the
schedule below, except as herein limited, from the date of purchase.
The obligations of BWise Manufacturing under this limited warranty
shall be limited to repairing or replacing any part or parts which, in the
opinion of BWise Manufacturing, shall be proved defective in materials
or workmanship under normal use and service. Paint and wiring is
warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a
period of 1 year from date of purchase. DURA color wood decking is
warranted to be free from color fading or defects in workmanship for
a period of 1 year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not
cover any part or parts that have been damaged as a result of an accident,
misuse, abuse or which have been modied, altered or repaired by a party
not previously authorized by BWise Manufacturing. This warranty shall
not apply if the trailer has been subjected to loads in excess of its rated
capacity. The remedies described herein are the sole remedies.
• 6 months – R series, UTE, all rental units.
• 1 year – LPLE, EHLE, T, CH, CHT, UT, DI series.
• 2 year – LP, LPHD, DP, EH, EH8, HT series.

Introduction / General Information
Bri-Mar Trailers 4
systems, accidents, towing and transportation costs, loss of time and use,
damage to towing vehicle, or customer dissatisfaction.
Bri-mar Manufacturing, LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications at any time, without incurring any obligation to
owners of trailers previously sold.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, guarantees of agreements,
whether expressed or implied, and no other person, agent, dealer, or
company is authorized to change, modify, or extend its terms in any
manner whatsoever.
EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
This warranty shall not extend to:
• Equipment which has been modied, repaired, or altered in any way
without express written consent of BWise Manufacturing.
• Unreasonable use (including failure to provide necessary scheduled and
routine maintenance).
• Tires, axles, power units, cylinders and additional components not
supplied by BWise Manufacturing are warranted by the respective
manufacturers of those components.
• Parts which require replacement in the ordinary course of use due to
normal wear.
• Damage to paint due to road salt, stone chips or pressure washing.

Bri-Mar 5
2 GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
2.1 SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS AND SIGNAL WORDS
An Owner’s Manual that provides general trailer information cannot
cover all of the specific details necessary for the proper combination of
every trailer, tow vehicle and hitch. Therefore, you must read,
understand and follow the instructions given by the tow vehicle and
trailer hitch manufacturers, as well as the instructions in this manual.
Our trailers are built with components produced by various
manufacturers. Some of these items have separate instruction manuals.
Where this manual indicates that you should read another manual, and
you do not have that manual, call Bri-Mar Manufacturing LLC at
1-717-263-6116 for more information.
The safety information in this manual is denoted by the safety alert
symbol:
The level of risk is indicated by the following signal words.
DANGER – Immediate hazards which WILL result in severe personal
injury or death if the warning is ignored.
WARNING – Hazards or unsafe practices which COULD result in severe
personal injury or death if the warning is ignored.
CAUTION – Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in minor
or moderate injury if the warning is ignored.
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General Safety Information
Bri-Mar 6
Notice
NOTICE – Practices that could result in damage to the trailer or other property.
2.2 MAJOR HAZARDS
Loss of control of the trailer or trailer/tow vehicle combination can result
in death or serious injury. The most common causes for loss of control
of the trailer are:
•Improper sizing the trailer for the tow vehicle, or vice versa.
•Excessive Speed: Driving too fast for the conditions.
•Failure to adjust driving behavior when towing a trailer.
•Overloading and/or improper weight distribution.
•Improper or mis-coupling of the trailer to the hitch.
•Improper braking and steering under sway conditions.
•Not maintaining proper tire pressure.
•Not keeping lug nuts tight.
2.2.1 Improper Sizing of the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle.
Trailers that weigh too much for the towing vehicle can cause stability
problems, which can lead to death or serious injury. Furthermore, the
additional strain put on the engine and drive-train may lead to serious
tow vehicle maintenance problems. For these reasons, the maximum
towing capacity of your towing vehicle should not be exceeded. The
towing capacity of your tow vehicle, in terms of maximum Gross Trailer
Weight (GTW) and maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
can be found in the tow vehicles Owner’s Manual.
^ Danger
Use of an under-rated hitch, ball or tow vehicle can result in loss of
control leading to death or serious injury.
Make certain your hitch and tow vehicle are rated for your trailer.
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General Safety Information
Bri-Mar 7
2.2.2 Driving Too Fast
With ideal road conditions, the maximum recommended speed for safely
towing a trailer is 60 mph. If you drive too fast, the trailer is more likely
to sway, thus increasing the possibility for loss of control. Also your
tires may overheat, thus increasing the possibility of a blowout.
^WARNING
Driving too fast for conditions can result in loss of control and cause
death or serious injury.
Adjust speed down when towing trailer.
2.2.3 Failure to Adjust Driving Behavior When Towing a
Trailer
When towing a trailer, you will have decreased acceleration, increased
stopping distance, and increased turning radius (which means you must
make wider turns to keep from hitting curbs, vehicles, and anything else
that is on the inside corner). Furthermore the trailer will change the
handling characteristics of your towing vehicle, making it more sensitive
to steering inputs and more likely to be pushed around in windy
conditions or when being passed by large vehicles. In addition, you will
need a longer distance to pass, due to slower acceleration and increased
length. With this in mind:
•Be alert for slippery conditions. You are more likely to be affected
by slippery road surfaces when driving a tow vehicle with a trailer,
than driving a tow vehicle without a trailer.
•Anticipate the trailer “swaying.” Swaying can be caused by
excessive steering, wind gusts, roadway edges, or by the trailer
reaction to the pressure wave created by passing trucks and busses.
•When encountering trailer sway take your foot off the gas, and steer
as little as possible in order to stay on the road. Use small “trim-like”
steering adjustments. Do not attempt to steer out of the sway; you’ll
Trailers

General Safety Information
Bri-Mar 8
only make it worse. Also, do not apply the tow vehicle brakes to
correct trailer swaying. On the other hand, application of the trailer
brakes alone will tend to straighten out the combination, especially
when going downhill.
•Check rearview mirrors frequently to observe the trailer and traffic.
•Use lower gear when driving down steep or long grades. Use the
engine and transmission as a brake. Do not ride the brakes, as they
can overheat and become ineffective.
•Be aware of your trailer height, especially when approaching
bridges, roofed areas and around trees.
2.2.4 Trailer Not Properly Coupled to the Hitch
It is critical that the trailer be securely coupled to the hitch ball, and that
the safety chains and emergency break-away brake cable are correctly
attached. Uncoupling may result in death or serious injury to you and to
others.
^WARNING
Proper selection and condition of the coupler and hitch are essential to
safely towing your trailer. A loss of coupling may result in death or
serious injury.
•Be sure the hitch load rating is equal to or greater than the load
rating of the coupler.
•Be sure the hitch size matches the coupler size.
•Observe the hitch for wear, corrosion and cracks before coupling.
Replace worn, corroded or cracked hitch components before
coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.
•Be sure the hitch components are tight before coupling the trailer to
the tow vehicle.
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General Safety Information
Bri-Mar 9
^WARNING
An improperly coupled trailer can result in death or serious injury.
Do not move the trailer until:
•The coupler is secured and locked to hitch;
•The safety chains are secured to the tow vehicle; and
•The trailer jack(s) are fully retracted.
Do not tow the trailer on the road until:
•Tires and wheels are checked;
•The trailer brakes are checked;
•The breakaway switch is connected to the tow vehicle;
•The load is secured to the trailer; and
•The trailer lights are connected and checked.
2.2.5 Proper Use of Safety Chains
If your trailer comes loose from the hitch for any reason, we have
provided safety chains so that control of the trailer can still be
maintained.
^WARNING
Improper rigging of the safety chains can result in loss of control of the
trailer and tow vehicle, leading to death or serious injury, if the trailer
uncouples from the tow vehicle.
•Fasten chains to frame of tow vehicle. Do not fasten chains to any
part of the hitch unless the hitch has holes or loops specifically for
that purpose.
•Cross chains underneath hitch and coupler with enough slack to
permit turning and to hold tongue up, if the trailer comes loose.
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General Safety Information
Bri-Mar 10
2.2.6 Proper Connection of Breakaway Brake
If equipped with brakes your trailer will be equipped with a breakaway
brake system that can apply the brakes on your trailer if your trailer
comes loose from the hitch ball for any reason. The breakaway brake
system, including battery, must be in good condition and properly
rigged to be effective.
An ineffective or inoperative breakaway brake system can result in a
runaway trailer, leading to death or serious injury if the coupler or hitch
fails.
The breakaway cable must be connected to the tow vehicle, and NOT to
any part of the hitch.
Before towing the trailer, test the function of the breakaway brake
system. If the breakaway brake system is not working, do not tow the
trailer. Have it serviced or repaired.
2.2.7 Mismatch of Trailer and Hitch
Use of a hitch with a load rating less than the load rating of the trailer can
result in loss of control and may lead to death or serious injury.
Use of a tow vehicle with a towing capacity less than the load rating of
the trailer can result in loss of control, and may lead to death or serious
injury.
Be sure your hitch and tow vehicle are rated for the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer.
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General Safety Information
Bri-Mar 11
2.2.8 Unsafe Tire, Lug Nuts or Wheels
Just as with your tow vehicle the trailer tires and wheels are important
safety items. Therefore, it is essential to inspect the trailer tires before
each tow.
If a tire has a bald spot, bulge, cut, cracks, or is showing any cords,
replace the tire before towing. If a tire has uneven tread wear, take the
trailer to a dealer service center for diagnosis. Uneven tread wear can be
caused by tire imbalance, axle misalignment or incorrect inflation.
Tires with too little tread will not provide adequate frictional forces on
wet roadways and can result in loss of control, leading to death or serious
injury.
Improper tire pressure causes increased tire wear and may reduce trailer
stability, which can result in a tire blowout or possible loss of control.
Therefore, before each tow you must also check the tire pressure.
Remember, the proper tire pressure is listed on the Certification / VIN
label, normally mounted on the front left side of the trailer, and should be
checked when tires are cold. Allow 3 hours cool-down after driving as
much as 1 mile at 40 mph before checking tire pressure.
^WARNING
Improper tire pressure may cause an unstable trailer. Blowout and loss
of control may occur. Death or serious injury can result.
Make sure of proper tire pressure before towing trailer. Inflate tires to
pressure stated on the Certification / VIN label.
The tightness of the lug nuts is very important in keeping the wheels
properly seated to the hub. Before each tow, check to make sure they are
tight.
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General Safety Information
Bri-Mar 12
^WARNING
Metal creep between the wheel rim and lug nuts (bolts) will cause rim to
loosen.
Death or injury can occur if wheel comes off.
Tighten lug nuts (bolts) before each tow.
The proper tightness (torque) for lug nuts is listed in Section 8.2.13 in the
“Inspection and Service Instructions” chapter of this manual. Use a
torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts, use the crisscross star pattern as
shown in the Inspection, Service and Maintenance section.
Lug nuts are also prone to loosen after first being assembled. When
driving a new trailer (or after wheels have been remounted), check to
make sure they are tight after the first 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving and
before each tow thereafter.
Failure to perform this check can result in a wheel separating from the
trailer and a crash, leading to death or serious injury.
^WARNING
Lug nuts are prone to loosen after being first assembled. Death or
serious injury can result.
Check lug nuts for tightness on a new trailer, and after re-mounting a
wheel at 10, 25 and 50 miles.
^WARNING
Inadequate lug nut torque can cause a wheel separating from the trailer,
leading to death or serious injury can result.
Be sure lug nuts are tight before each tow.
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General Safety Information
Bri-Mar 13
2.2.9 Improper Loading
The total weight of the load you put in or on the trailer, plus the empty
weight of the trailer itself, must not exceed the trailer's Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). If you do not know the empty weight of the
trailer plus the cargo weight, you must weigh the loaded trailer at a
commercial scale. In addition, you must distribute the load in the trailer
such that the load on any axle does not exceed the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). If your trailer is equipped with a Tire & Loading
Information Placard, mounted next to the Certification / VIN label, the
cargo capacity weight stated on that placard is only a close estimate. The
GVWR and GAWR’s are listed on the Certification / VIN label mounted
on the front left side of the trailer.
^WARNING
An overloaded trailer can result in failure or in loss of control of the
trailer, leading to death or serious injury.
Never load a trailer so that the weight on any tire exceeds its rating.
Never exceed the trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Never exceed an axle Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
2.2.10Unsafe Load Distribution
Uneven load distribution can cause tire, wheel, axle or structural failure.
Be sure your trailer is properly loaded.
Improper front / rear load distribution can lead to trailer swaying or poor
tow vehicle handling. Trailer sway results from tongue weights that are
too low, and poor tow vehicle stability results from tongue weights that
are too high. Refer to the Chapter heading “Loading the Trailer” for
more information.
In the following table, the second column shows the rule of thumb
percentage of total weight of the trailer plus its cargo (Gross Trailer
Weight, or “GTW”) that should appear on the tongue of the trailer. For
example, a trailer with a gooseneck hitch, with a loaded weight of 12,000
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General Safety Information
Bri-Mar 14
pounds, should have 20-25% of 12,000 pounds (2400-3000 lbs.) on the
gooseneck. A dump trailer will have the proper weight distribution if the
load is evenly distributed in the dump body. For non-flowable (discrete)
loads locate the load such as to provide the proper tongue weight. After
loading, be sure to check that none of the axles are overloaded.
Tongue Weight as a Percentage of Loaded Trailer
Weight
Type of Hitch Percentage
Ball Hitch (or Bumper Hitch) 10–15%
Gooseneck Hitch
Fifth Wheel Hitch
20–25%
Towing stability also depends on keeping the center of gravity as low as
possible.
^WARNING
Improper tongue weight (load distribution) can result in loss of control of
the trailer, leading to death or serious injury.
Make certain that tongue weight is within the allowable range.
Be sure to:
•Distribute the load front-to-rear to provide proper tongue weight (see
chart). For dump trailers, a flowable load should be evenly
distributed throughout the body
•Distribute the load evenly, right and left.
•Keep the center of gravity low.
2.2.11Shifting Cargo
Since the trailer “ride” can be bumpy and rough, you must secure your
cargo so that it does not shift while the trailer is being towed.
Trailers