Carry-On Trailer Corporation 7x16CG Installation and operating manual

Please Read All Warnings Carefully Before Use.
Note: Not all Trailers are Shown on the cover
4x6CG
5x8CG, 5x10CG & 5x10CGB
6x12CGV
7x16CG
ENCLOSED TRAILER
MANUAL & SAFETY GUIDE
ENCLOSED TRAILER
MANUAL & SAFETY GUIDE
6x10CG, 6x12CG & 6x12 CGR
CG = Cargo
B = Brake
R= Ramp Door
V = V-Nose

TABLE OF CONTENTS
contents
Section and Page Numbers:
I. Safety Information............................................ 4
•Safety Signal Word: Warning ............................................. 5
•Driving Too Fast .................................................................. 5
•Changed Handling Due to Trailer ........................................ 5
•Coupling of Trailer to Tow Vehicle ...................................... 6
•Usage of Safety Chains and Breakaway Kit ........................ 6
•Mismatch Between Trailer and Hitch ................................... 7
•Tires and Wheels .................................................................. 7
•Weight and Load Distribution .............................................. 9
•Shifting Cargo ...................................................................... 10
•Brakes, Lights and Mirrors ................................................... 10
11...................................................timiLdaoLtcerroCgninimreteD•
•Reporting Safety Defects ..................................................... 12
•Formaldehyde Warning .......................................................... 12
II. Preparing to Tow ..................................................... 13
•Providing an Adequate Tow Vehicle and Hitch ......................... 14
•Trailer Information ...................................................................... 14
•Tow Vehicle
................................................................................... 15
•Coupling the Trailer .................................................................... 16
>>> Ball Hitch Coupler .......................................................... 17
•Loading the Trailer .......................................................... 18
>>> Checking the Trailer .......................................................... 19
>>> Loading Cargo ................................................................ 20
•Checking the Trailer Before and During Each Tow .................... 22
•Breaking in a New Trailer .......................................................... 22
•Uncoupling the Trailer .......................................................... 22
>>> Ball Hitch/Torque Jack Uncoupling ................................... 23

(continued...)
III. Trailer Towing Guide ..................................... 25
•Safety Trailer Towing Guidelines ...................................... 26
IV. Scheduled Inspection and Maintenance .............. 28
92...................................snoitcurtsnIecivreSdnanoitcepsnI•
>>>Axle Bolts, Frame and Suspension .................................... 29
•Brakes, Electric ...................................................... 29
>>> Breakaway Battery ............................................................. 29
>>> Breakaway Switch ............................................................. 29
>>> Magnets ............................................................................. 29
•Trailer Connection to Tow Vehicle ..................................... 30
>>> Coupler and Ball ................................................................. 30
•Trailer Structure ................................................................. 30
>>> Cleaning ............................................................................. 30
>>> Fasteners and Frame Members .......................................... 30
>>> Welds ................................................................................... 31
>>> Drop Ramp Torsion Springs ................................................ 31
•Tires ................................................................................... 32
•Wheels ................................................................... 32
>>> Unsealed Bearings (Hubs) ................................................. 32
>>> Lug Bolts or Nuts ................................................................. 33
>>> Wheel Rims ......................................................................... 34
Trailer Wheel Safety Guide .................................................. 35
contents
Reporting Safety Defects NHTSA ................................ 24
V. VIN Tag and Certificate of Origin ............................. 38
VI. Tire Care, Safety Information ........................................ 39
VII. Trailer Warranty Information
&Registration ................................................... 41

Safety Information
I. Safety information
This operator’s manual is intended for Carry-On Trailer
enclosed trailers. Read this manual before loading or
towing your trailer and follow all of the safety precautions
and instructions. It contains safety information, instructions
and warnings for protection against death and serious
injuries, including loss of control of the trailer, and the
trailer/tow vehicle combination.
Common causes of loss of control of your trailer include:
•Driving too fast for conditions
•Failure to properly couple the trailer tothe hitch
•Inadequate tow vehicle or towing hitch
•Absence of braking on trailer
•Failure to maintain proper tire pressure
•Failure to keep lug nuts tight
•Overloading or uneven loading of the trailer
•Failure to properly maintain the trailer structure
This manual is not all-inclusive and may not provide all of
the specific details necessary for the proper combination of
trailer, tow vehicle and hitch that you have. Therefore, the
trailer owner is responsible for reading, understanding and
following the instructions of the towing vehicle and trailer
hitch manufacturers, as well as the instructions of this
manual.
4
Warning!
Driving Too Fast
Changed Handling
With A Trailer
Coupling of Trailer
to Tow Vehicle
Usage of Safety
Chains and Break-
away Kit
Mismatch Be-
tween Trailer and
Hitch
Tires and Wheels
Weight and Load
Distribution
Shifting Cargo
Brakes, Lights,
and Mirrors
Reporting
Safety Defects
Introduction

5
I. Safety Information
• Warning!
The following signal word is used to indicate risk:
• Driving Too Fast
The maximum speed that the trailer can be safely towed, under ideal
conditions, is 60 miles per hour. Do not exceed the maximum towing
speed while towing your Carry-On Trailer.
• Changed Handling With A Trailer
When towing the trailer, you will have:
1. Slower acceleration
2. Increased stopping distance
3. Increased turning radius (watch the inside corner)
4. Longer distance to pass, due to slower acceleration
5. Increased vehicle length
Also, keep in mind the following information:
• Beware of slippery conditions. A tow-vehicle and trailer combination
is more likely to be affected by slippery road surfaces than a tow
vehicle without a trailer.
• Anticipate the trailer reaction to the air pressure wave caused by
passing trucks and busses. This reaction is called “swaying”.
• Use rear view mirrors frequently to observe both the trailer behavior
and trafc patterns.
• Use a lower gear when going down steep or long grades. Do not ride
the brakes, or they may overheat to the point of becoming ineffective.
Use the engine and transmission as a brake.
• Keep the height of your trailer in mind, especially when approaching
Hazards or unsafe practices that COULD result in severe
personal injury or death if the warning is ignored.
Driving too fast for conditions may result in loss of control
and cause death or serious injury. Reduce your speed
when towing a trailer.
Safety Information

6
sheltered areas and when around trees.
• Coupling of Trailer to Tow Vehicle
A secure coupling, including the correct attachment of the safety
chains, is vital. A loss of coupling may result in death or serious injury.
Coupler and hitch selection and condition are critical
for safe towing. Uncoupling may result in death or
serious injury.
• Make sure the hitch and ball are related for the trailer.
• Make sure the hitch [ball size] matches the coupler.
• Check the hitch ball for wear, corrosion and cracks
before coupling. Replace worn, corroded or cracked
hitch ball before coupling the trailer.
• Make sure the hitch ball nut is tight before coupling
the trailer.
An improperly coupled trailer may result in death or
serious injury.
Do NOT move the trailer until:
• the coupler is secured and locked
• the safety chains are secured to the tow vehicle
• the trailer jacks are fully retracted.
Do NOT tow the trailer on the road until:
• the trailer brakes are checked
• the breakaway switch is connected to the tow vehicle
(if applicable)
• the trailer lights are connected
• Usage of Safety Chains and Breakaway Kit
Safety chains are provided so that control of the trailer can be main-
tained, even if the trailer becomes loose from the hitch. To be effec-
tive, safety chains must be in good condition and properly rigged.
Incorrect rigging of the safety chains may result in loss of
control of the trailer and tow vehicle, leading to serious
injury.
Safety Information

7
Safety Chains must:
• Fasten to the frame of tow vehicle, not to the trailer
hitch or ball.
• Cross underneath the hitch and coupler with minimum
slack to permit turning and to hold the tongue up, if the
trailer comes loose.
Your trailer may be equipped with a breakaway brake system, in addi-
tion to having safety chains. This system will apply the brakes on your
trailer, if the trailer comes loose from the hitch for any reason. To be
effective, the breakaway brake system must be in good condition, and
properly rigged.
An ineffective breakaway system can result in a runaway
trailer, if the coupler or ball hitch fails, leading to death or
serious injury.
• Test the function of the breakaway system before
towing the trailer. Do not tow the trailer if the
breakaway system is not working. Having it serviced
or repaired.
• Connect the breakaway cable to the tow vehicle.
• NOT to the safety chain.
• NOT to the hitch, ball or support.
• Mismatch Between Trailer and Hitch
Use of an under-rated hitch, ball or tow vehicle may
result in loss of control leading to death or serious injury.
Make certain that your hitch and tow vehicle are rated for
your trailer.
• Tires and Wheels
Tire or wheel failure may result in loss of control of the trailer and the
towing vehicle. Trailer tires and wheels are more likely to fail than car
tires and wheels because they carry a heavier load. Therefore, it is
critical that you develop the necessary habit of always inspecting the
trailer tires before towing. If tire pressure is too low or too high, the
trailer will not be stable. They must be inated to the proper pressure
before getting underway. Trailer tires are designed to be inated to
Safety Information

8
higer pressure than passenger vehicle tires.
Improper tire pressure causes an unstable trailer. Blow
out and loss of control may occur. Death or serious injury
may result.
Make sure of proper tire pressure before towing a trailer.
Inate tires to pressure indicated on the sidewall.
Tire pressure must be checked “cold”. Allow 3 hours of cool down
after driving as much as 1 mile at 40 m.p.h. before checking pressure.
If the tires have too little tread, they will not provide adequate trac-
tion on wet roadways. This may result in loss of control of the towing
vehicle and trailer, leading to death or serious injury.
Inspect the trailer tires before each tow. If a tire has a bald spot,
bulge, cut, crack, or is showing any cords, immediately replace the
tire before towing the trailer. Uneven tread wear may be caused by
tire imbalance, axle misalignment or improper ination. If you observe
uneven tread wear, take the trailer to a Carry-On Trailer dealer service
center for diagnosis.
Lug nuts or bolts may shift and settle quickly after assembly. You must
check the lug nuts for tightness after the rst 10, 25, and 50
miles of driving a new trailer (or remounted wheel), and before each
tow thereafter. Trailer wheels and lug nuts are subjected to greater
side loads than automobile wheels. This may cause the lug nuts to
become loose.
Failure to perform this check may result in a wheel parting from the
trailer, and a crash leading to death or serious injury.
Lug nuts are prone to loosen after assembly. Death or
serious injury may result. Check lug nuts for tightness on
a new trailer, and after re-mounting a wheel at 10, 25,
and 50 miles.
Use a torque wrench to obtain the proper tightening of the lug nuts (or
bolts). If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts with
a lug wrench as much as you can, then have the lug nuts tightened
Safety Information

9
to the proper torque at a service garage or by your Carry-On Trailer
dealer.
Inadequate lug nut torque may cause a wheel to part
while towing. Death or serious injury can result. Make
sure lug nuts are tight before towing trailer.
• Weight and Load Distribution
Proper loading of your trailer is essential for your safety. Tire, wheel, axle
or structural failure may be caused by overloading.
An overloaded trailer may 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
(GVWR).
Proper handling of your trailer depends on having the trailer load dis-
tributed properly. A proper weight distribution is equal, right to left; and
proper tongue weight for stable trailer handling. Rules of thumb for
proper tongue weight are:
Ball Hitch (or Bumper Hitch) 10-15% of GVW
Gooseneck Hitch 20-25% of GVW
Fifth Wheel Hitch 20-25% of GVW
The trailer is more stable when its center of gravity is low.
• Load heavy items on the oor and over the axles.
• Load additional items to maintain even weight distribution and to
achieve desired tongue weight.
An improperly distributed load may result in loss of
control of the trailer, leading to death or serious injury.
• Proper tongue weight is essential for stable
trailer handling
• Distribute the load front to rear to provide proper
tongue weight
Safety Information

10
• Distribute the load evenly, right and left to avoid
tire overload
• Keeping the center of gravity low and centered is
essential to minimize the risk of tipping over
• Shifting Cargo
You are responsible for securing your cargo in such a way that it does
not shift within the trailer during the tow. The “ride” inside a trailer can
be very bumpy and rough.
A shifting load may result in failure, or loss of control
of the trailer, and can lead to death or serious injury. You
must tie down all loads with properly sized fasteners,
rope, straps, etc. to prevent the load from shifting while
trailer is in motion. If the catch on the door latch has a
hole for a linch pin, be sure to securely fasten the linch
pin to the door.
Always secure the door latch after closing. Place a linch-
pin in the catch. If the door opens, your cargo may be
ejected onto the road.
Your Carry-On Trailer is not capable of safely
transporting ammable, explosive, poisonous or other
dangerous materials.
• Brakes, Lights, and Mirrors
The brakes (if equipped) and lights on your trailer are controlled via a
connection to the tow vehicle, usually a multi-pin electrical connec-
tor. Trailer brake operation is critical for slowing the trailer. Lights are
necessary for drivers behind you to see you at night, and be alerted to
your intended moves. Make sure that the brakes and all of the lights on
your trailer are functioning properly before towing your trailer.
Failure to connect the tow vehicle lighting and braking
to the trailer will result in inoperable lights and brakes,
and may lead to collision.
Check that all the trailer lights and brakes work before
each tow.
Standard mirrors usually do not provide adequate visibility for viewing
trafc to the sides and rear of a trailer under tow. You are responsible for
providing mirrors that permit you to safely maneuver in trafc.
Safety Information

11
• Determining Correct Load Limit
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit (10K GVWR or less):
1. Locate the statement, “The weight of cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.,” on your vehicle’s placard. This figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity this placard is attatched to
vin tag.
2. Determine the combined weight of passangers, luggage and cargo
being loaded in the tow vehicle and the trailer. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit (10K GVWR or more):
1. Determine the empty weight of your trailer by weighing the trailer using
a public scale or other means. This step does not have to be repeated.
2. Locate the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the trailer on your
trailer’s VIN Certification label.
3. Subtract the empty weight of your trailer from the GVWR stated on the
VIN label. That weight is the maximum available cargo capacity of the
trailer and may not be safely exceeded.
3. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
capacity available. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750(5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
4. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage capacity calculated in Step #4.
5. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transfered to your vehicle. Consult the tow vehicle’s manual to determine
how this weight transfer reduces the available cargo and luggage capacity
of your vehicle.
Safety Information

12
• Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Carry-On Trailer
Corporation, PO Box 542, Lavonia, GA 30553. Phone number is 706-356-5379.
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 prob-
lems between you, your dealer, or Carry-On Trailer Corporation, PO Box 542,
Lavonia, GA 30553. Phone number is 706-356-5379.
Warning! Important Health Notice
Some of the building materials used in the manufacturing of this Cargo Trailer emits
FORMALDEHYDE. Eye, Nose and Throat irritation, Heachache, Nausea and a
variety of Asthma-like symptoms, including shortness of breath, have been reported
as a result of FORMALDEHYDE exposure. Elderly persons and young children,
as well as anyone with a history of Asthma, Allergies, or Lung Problems, may be at
greater risk. Research is continuing on the possible long-term effects of exposure to
FORMALDEHYDE.
Reduced ventilation resulting from this Cargo Trailer remaining closed for long
periods of time, may allow FORMALDEHYDE and OTHER CONTAMINANTS
to accumulate inside of an enclosed trailer.Additional ventilation to dilute this air
may be obtained from a passive or mechanical ventilation system offered by the
manufacturer. Consult your dealer for information about the ventilation options
offered with this Cargo Trailer.
High temperatures and humidity tend to raise FORMALDEHYDE levels. When a
Cargo Trailer is to be located in areas subject to extreme summer temperatures,
vents will help to control the temperature levels. Check with your dealer to
discuss these other options if necessary.
If you have any questions regarding the health effects of FORMALDEHYDE,
consult you doctor or local health department.
Safety Information
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safecar.gov: or
write to: Administrator NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E. Washington,
DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle
safety from http://www.safecar.gov.

Preparing to Tow
II. Preparing to tow
This chapter provides instructions for the opera-
tion and care of Carry-On Trailer’s enclosed trail-
ers. These instructions must be followed to ensure
safety of persons, and satisfactory life of the trailer.
Safety precautions protect against injury or property
damage, and must be followed at all times.
This section of the manual is organized into sub-
sections containing information pertaining to the
correct methods of preparing to tow your Carry-
On enclosed trailer. Reading this information is a
prerequisite to towing your trailer and must be fully
comprehended before use.
13
Providing an
Adequate Tow
Vehicle and Hitch
Trailer Information
Tow Vehicle
Coupling the Trailer
Loading the Trailer
Checking the
Trailer Before and
During Each Tow
Breaking in a
New Trailer
Uncoupling
the Trailer
Introduction

14
II. Preparing to Tow
• Providing an Adequate Tow Vehicle and Hitch
You are responsible for providing a vehicle and hitch that have a
towing capacity that is sufcient for your trailer. Vehicle and hitch
manufacturers are the appropriate source of competent advice. If the
vehicle or hitch is not properly selected and matched, you can cause
an accident that may result in loss of life.
Use of an under-rated hitch or tow vehicle may result in
loss of control leading to death or serious injury.
Make certain your hitch and tow vehicle are rated for
your trailer.
• Trailer Information
Your Carry-On enclosed trailer has an identication and information
tag. The VIN tag is located on the tongue near the trailer on the right
side as you face the trailer. The trailer VIN tag contains essential
information for the safe use and identication of your Carry-On en-
closed trailer.
EMPTY WEIGHT: The documents that accompany the trailer, such as
the Manufacturer’s Certicate Origin, are not a reliable source for
“empty” or “net” weight of your Carry-On enclosed trailer, you must
weigh it on an axle scale. Axle scaling requires knowing the axle
weights of your tow vehicle, without the trailer coupled.
GAWR: This is the maximum gross weight that each axle can support.
It is the lowest of axle, wheel or tire rating.
GVWR: This is the maximum allowable gross weight of your Carry-
On enclosed trailer and its contents. The gross weight of the trailer
includes the weight of the trailer and all of the items within it. GVWR
is sometimes referred to as GTWR (Gross Trailer Weight Rating), or
MGTW (Maximum Gross Trailer Weight). GVWR, GTWR, and MGTW
are all the same rating. The sum total of the GAWR for all trailer axles
may be less than the GVWR. The total weight of the cargo and trailer
Preparing to Tow

15
must not exceed the lesser of the total GAWR or GVWR.
VIN: This is the Vehicle Identication Number.
• Tow Vehicle
If you are purchasing a new vehicle to tow your Carry-On enclosed
trailer, consult the vehicle dealer for advice on how to equip the towing
vehicle. The following information and equipment must be discussed
with the vehicle dealer.
Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler:
A towing vehicle automatic transmission is handling more power when
a trailer is being towed. Inadequate cooling will shorten transmission
life, and may result in sudden transmission failure. Check with the tow
vehicle dealer.
Brake Controller:
This device is part of the tow vehicle and is necessary to operate the
electric brakes on your trailer (if applicable). Carry-On Trailer provides
electric brakes on some trailers. The brake controller here is not the
same as the safety breakaway brake controller that may be provided
on some trailers.
Cooling System:
The engine on the tow vehicle is working harder when you are towing
your trailer. Depending on the size of the trailer being towed, it may be
necessary to have an engine oil cooler. Inadequate cooling may result
in sudden engine failure. Check with the tow vehicle dealer.
Electrical Connector:
This component is used to connect the lighting and brake facilities on
the trailer to the light and brake controls on the towing vehicle.
Emergency Flares and Emergency Triangle Reectors:
It is suggested to carry these warning devices if you are towing a
trailer. The hazard lights of your towing vehicle will not operate for as
long a period of time because the battery is running the trailer lights
as well as the towing vehicle lights.
Preparing to Tow

16
Fire Extinguisher:
It is wise to carry a re extinguisher in the tow vehicle.
Heavy Duty Flasher:
This electrical component may be required when your trailer turn sig-
nal lamps are attached to the tow vehicle asher circuit.
Overall Carrying and Towing Capacity of Vehicle:
Vehicle manufacturers will provide you with the maximum capacities
of their various models.
Suspension System:
Sway bars, shock absorbers, heavy duty springs, heavy-duty tires and
other suspension components must be selected to accommodate the
size and weight of the trailer that is going to be towed.
Side View Mirrors:
The size of the mirrors that are required depends on the size of the
trailer that is being towed and your state law requirements. In ad-
ition, you must consider the fact that some states prohibit having
extended mirrors on a towing vehicle, except while trailer is actu-
ally being towed. In these cases, detachable extended mirrors are
required. You must check with your dealer or the appropriate state
agency for mirror requirements.
• Coupling the Trailer
A reliable coupling (or fastening) of the trailer to the tow vehicle is
essential to safety. A loss of coupling may result in death or serious
injury. Therefore, you must understand and follow all of the instruc-
tions for coupling.
Improperly coupled trailers may result in death or
serious injury.
Do not move the trailer until:
• the coupler is secured and locked, if applicable
• the safety chains are secured to the tow vehicle
• the trailer jacks are fully retracted
Do not tow the trailer on the road until:
• the trailer brakes are checked
Preparing to Tow

17
• the breakaway switch is connected to the
tow vehicle
• the trailer lights are connected
The following parts are involved in making a secure coupling
between the trailer and the tow vehicle:
Coupler*: A device on the tongue of the trailer, that makes the connec-
tion to the hitch on the tow vehicle.
*Note Coupler Size: All 2,000 lb. GVWR trailers use a 1 7/8” Coupler.
All 2,990 lb. GVWR trailers use a 2” Coupler. All 7,000lb - 14,000 lb.
GVWR trailers use a 2 5/16” Coupler.
Hitch: A device on the tow vehicle, to which the coupler of the trailer is
attached. The hitch also supports the weight of the trailer tongue.
Safety Chains: They keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle in
case the coupler connection comes loose. In order to be effective,
safety chains must be properly rigged to pull the trailer in case the
coupler comes loose from the hitch. With proper rigging, it is possible
to keep the tongue of the trailer from digging into the pavement, even
if the coupler to hitch connection comes apart.
Trailer Lighting Connector: A device that connects electrical power
from the tow vehicle to the trailer. This connector operates the brakes,
brake lights, running lights, and turn signals as required.
Breakaway Switch: A device that activates emergency electrical
brakes on the trailer in case the coupler connection comes loose. In
order to be effective, the breakaway switch must be rigged to the tow
vehicle with the correct amount of slack. This will allow switch activa-
tion if the coupler connection comes loose.
Jack: A device on the trailer that is used to raise and lower the tongue
(front) of the trailer. Sometimes called the “landing gear”.
>>> Ball Hitch Coupler
Couple the trailer to the tow vehicle:
• Using the trailer jack, lower the trailer until the coupler fully engages
the hitch ball. If the coupler does not line up with the hitch ball,
Preparing to Tow

18
adjust the position of the tow vehicle.
• Engage the coupler locking mechanism. In the engaged position,
the locking mechanism holds the coupler securely to the hitch ball.
Make sure that the coupler completely covers the hitch ball and the
locking mechanism is engaged. A properly engaged locking mecha-
nism will permit the coupler to raise the rear of the tow vehicle.
Incorrect rigging of the safety chains may result in loss of
control of the trailer and tow vehicle, leading to death or
serious injury, if the trailer becomes uncoupled from the
tow vehicle.
Fasten safety chains to the frame of the tow vehicle, not
to the hitch of ball.
Cross underneath hitch and coupler with minimum slack
to permit turning and to hold the tongue up, if the trailer
comes loose.
• Loading the Trailer
An improperly loaded trailer is dangerous on the road. Many accidents
and death’s are caused by improper trailer loading. Safely loading a
trailer is an activity that requires attention to many factors:
• Overall load weight
• Load weight distribution
• Securing the load properly
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 total weight of the trailer and its contents must never exceed the
lesser of the GVWR, or the sum total of the GAWR’s as stated on the
trailer’s VIN tag.
Usually, the wheel and tire ratings determine the “GAWR”, and the
GVWR determines the maximum weight of the trailer and its contents.
An overloaded trailer can result in failure or in loss of
control of the trailer, leading to death or serious injury.
Preparing to Tow

19
• 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)
It is also essential to distribute the load so that the tongue has enough
weight to provide predictable handling, and so that no single tire is
overloaded. Rules of thumb for proper tongue weight are:
• Ball (or bumper) Hitch 10-15% of GVW
• Gooseneck Hitch 20-25% of GVW
• Fifth Wheel 20-25% of GVW
GVW is the total weight of the trailer and all cargo. The cargo
should be distributed so that the trailer center of gravity is as low as
possible. Heavy items should be loaded on the oor and over the ax-
les. Additional items should be loaded evenly, right to left, to achieve
uniform tire loading and the total load should be distributed front-to-
rear to obtain proper tongue weight.
>>> Checking Tongue Weight
Tongue weight can be measured on a fully loaded trailer by several
methods. In each method, the trailer must be level, as it will be when
being towed.
An improperly distributed load may result in loss of control
of the trailer, and may lead to death or serious injury.
• Proper tongue weight is essential for stable trailer
handling
• Distribute the load front to rear to provide proper
tongue weight
• Distribute the load evenly, right and left, to avoid
tire overload
• Keeping the center of gravity low and centered is
essential to minimize the risk of tip-over.
You are responsible for securing your cargo in such a way that it does
Preparing to Tow

20
not shift while the trailer is being towed. The “ride” inside a trailer
tends to be bumpy and rough.
A shifting load may result in failure or loss of control of
the trailer, leading to death or serious injury.
You must tie down all loads with properly sized fasteners,
ropes, straps, etc. to prevent the load from shifting
while towing.
>>> Loading Cargo
Before loading cargo into your enclosed trailer, inspect the trailer for any
internal or external damage.
All trailers must be coupled to the tow vehicle before loading. This is
critical for the bumper pull trailer. The tongue of a bumper pull trailer
may rise during loading, before the cargo is properly distributed.
Depending on the exact model of your Carry-On trailer, the cargo
carrying portion may be designed for carrying such things as:
• Automobiles
• Snowmobiles
• All-Terrain Vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Other Cargo
The enclosed cargo trailer is not to be used to transport people, animals,
containers of hazardous substances, or containers of ammable
substances. Fuel used by an off-road vehicle, a car, or a motorcycle
comes in a gasoline tank that is designed to contain fuel while that ve-
hicle is being driven. These “containers” of fuel may be carried inside
your enclosed cargo trailer.
Never transport people, or animals inside your Carry-On
enclosed trailer, even if it has living quarters. Besides
putting their lives at risk, the transport of people in trailers
is illegal.
Your Carry-On enclosed trailer is not capable of safely
transporting ammable, explosive, poisonous or other
dangerous materials.
Preparing to Tow