Hotsy TRB-3500 User manual

For technical assistance call the dealer nearest you consult our web page at www.hotsy.com
8.917-467.0
TRAILER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
■ TRB-3500, 1.103-818.0
89174670-1

3
CONTENTS
Introduction...................................................................................................................................4
Machine Safety.............................................................................................................................4
Reporting Safety Defects..............................................................................................................4
Checklist, Before Your First Trip ....................................................................................................4
What to Check & How to Check ............................................................................................... 4-6
Brakes ..........................................................................................................................................7
Trailer Storage ..............................................................................................................................7
Preventative Maintenance ............................................................................................................8
Warranty
TRAILER MANUAL • 8.917-527.0 • 8.917-526.0 • 8.917-526.0 • Rev. 9/09

TRAILER OPERATOR’S MANUAL 4
TRAILER MANUAL • 8.917-527.0 • 8.917-526.0 • 8.917-526.0 • Rev. 9/09
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a quality built trailer.
This manual is designed to provide information to help you
to understand, use and maintain your new trailer.
Owner/User Responsibility
The owner and/or user must have an understanding of
the manufacturer’s operating instructions and warnings
before using this equipment. Warning information should
be emphasized and understood. If the operator is not flu-
ent in English, the manufacturer’s instructions and warning
shall be read to and discussed with the operator in the
operator’s native language by the purchaser/owner, mak-
ing sure that the operator comprehends its contents.
Owner and/or user must study and maintain for future
reference the manufacturer’s instructions.
This manual should be considered a permanent
part of the equipment and should remain with it
if unit is resold.
When ordering parts, please specify model and
serial number.
MACHINE SAFETY
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury, read operating instructions
carefully before using.
1. Read the owner’s manual thor-
oughly. Failure to follow instruc-
tions could cause malfunction of
the unit and result in death, seri-
ous bodily injury and/or property
damage.
2. The best insurance against an accident is precaution
and knowledge of this equipment.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which 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 the trailer
maufacturer.
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 local dealer.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Wash-
ington, DC area) or write to NHTSA, U.S. Department
of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from
the Hotline.
WARNING
READ OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
THOROUGHLY
PRIOR TO USE.
CHECKLIST
Before Your First Trip
❑ Tire Pressure and Tire Condition
❑ Wheel Lugs*
❑ Bearing Lube and Tightness
❑ Burnish Brakes (See page 6)
❑ Brakes/Brake Controllers
❑ Breakaway Battery Charge
❑ Hitch
❑ Safety Chains
❑ 12V Running Lights
❑ Distribution and Security
❑ All Jacks “Up” in Travel Position
* Check lug nuts for tightness before initial trip, at 10
miles, 25 miles and 50 miles. Recheck every 3 months
or 3000 miles.
Your local Dealer, in all probability, checked each of these
points before you took delivery. However, these are key
things you should recheck before taking your trailer on
the road for the first time.
WHAT TO CHECK
AND HOW TO CHECK
Tire Pressure
Proper air pressure for your tires is printed on the side-
wall. Check pressure while tires are cold. Do not raise or
lower pressure to meet load. Pressure other than recom-
mended pressure will lead to excessive tire wear or tire
failure. Balancing recommended. Preferred balancing
method is to center off of stud holes, since 13” through
16.5” wheels are not hub piloted.
Wheels
Check wheels for hole elongation or “out of round”. This
condition can be caused by lug nuts not being tight or
being too tight. Trailer wheels can be damaged by chuck
holes or curb jumping.You may not be aware of the road
shock to the wheels without periodic checks. Replace
any wheel that is bent. Replace any wheel if you see
elongation of the bolt holes.

TRAILER OPERATOR’S MANUAL 5
TRAILER MANUAL • 8.917-527.0 • 8.917-526.0 • 8.917-526.0 • Rev. 9/09
Wheel Lugs
Wheel lug nuts must be tightened with a torque wrench.
Refer to the chart below for proper torque
1. Start all bolts or nuts by hand to prevent cross thread-
ing.
2. Tighten bolts or nuts following
sequence at right.
3. The tightening of the fasten-
ers should be done in stages.
Following the recommended
sequence, tighten fasteners per
wheel torque chart below.
4. Wheel nuts/bolts should be torqued before first road
use and after each wheel removal. Check and re-
torque after the first 10 miles, 25 miles and again at
50 miles. Check periodically thereafter.
Wheel Torque Requirements
Ball Coupler Hitches
Coupler assembly includes a latch lever and latch lever
safety pin or hitch pin. Be sure the latch lever is locked
and the pin properly secured before moving your trailer.
The pin can be engaged fully only if ball is properly seated
in the coupler.
Hitch Balls
These come in a variety of diameters and capacities.
The GVWR (General Vehicle Weight Rating) capacity is
always stamped on the ball. Use a 2" ball. Always be sure
the hitch ball at least matches the GVWR of your trailer.
Always be sure the diameter of the hitch ball matches
the coupler diameter. Never attempt to tow your trailer
with improper size ball. Always keep ball greased to
avoid excessive wear. Replace worn hitch ball or locking
dogs promptly.
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
manufacturer’s 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 heavi-
est wheel position.
1
2
34
5
TORQUE SEQUENCE
WHEEL
SIZE
1st
Stage
2nd
Stage
3rd
Stage
14" 20 - 25 50 - 60 90 - 120
Note: The capacity rating molded into the sidewall of the
tire is not always the proper rating for the tire if used in a
trailer application. Use the following guideline:
1. LT and ST tires: use the capacity rating molded into
the tire.
2. Passenger Car Tires: Use the capacity rating molded
into the tire sidewall divided by 1.10.
Use tire mounting procedures as outlined by the Rubber
Manufacturer’s Association or the tire manufacturers.
Tire inflation pressure is the most important factor in tire
life. Inflation pressure should be as recommended by the
manufacturer for the load. Pressure should be checked
cold before operation. Do not bleed air from tires when
they are hot. Check inflation pressure weekly during use
to insure the maximum tire life and tread wear. The fol-
lowing tire wear diagnostic chart will help you pinpoint
the causes and solutions of tire wear problems.
Note: Tire wear should be checked frequently because
once a wear pattern becomes firmly established in a
tire it is difficult to stop, even if the underlying cause is
corrected.
WEAR PATTERN WearPattern CAUSE CauseCause ACTION aCtion
Center
Wear
Over
Inflation
Adjust pressure to
particular load per
tire catalog.
Edge
Wear
Under
Inflation
Adjust pressure to
particular load per
tire catalog.
Side
Wear
Loss of
camber or
overloading
Make sure load
doesn't exceed
axle rating. Align at
alignment shop.
Toe Wear Incorrect
toe-in
Align at alignment
shop.
Cupping Out of
balance
Check bearing
adjustment and bal-
ance tires.
Flat
Spots
Wheel
lockup & tire
skidding
Avoid sudden stops
when possible and
adjust brakes.

TRAILER OPERATOR’S MANUAL 6
TRAILER MANUAL • 8.917-527.0 • 8.917-526.0 • 8.917-526.0 • Rev. 9/09
Safety Chains
Your trailer is equipped with safety chains that meet the
requirements of D.O.T. Regulations 393.70.
Always attach the chains by crossing them, forming a
“cradle”. If your coupler disengages for any reason, the
“cradle” will keep the hitch from dragging on the ground.
You’ll be able to make an easier and safer stop.
Safety Chain Hook-Up
Abrasion (possibly from dragging on the ground) or
unusual stress (like the situation described above) can
weaken the links, making them unsafe for trailering. If
you detect any of these conditions, replace the safety
chains! If chains are too long, twist to shorten, and pre-
vent dragging.
Brakes
Your trailer is equipped with one of several brake type
options.
Complete service and repair information for each avail-
able type brake is found in the Service Manual that is
furnished with your trailer,
Note: It is important to strictly adhere to the instructions
for brake service and repair. In this way, you are protect-
ing the validity of all applicable warranties.
Burnishing the Brakes
Brakes on a new trailer may tend to “grab” or pulsate.
This is normal. To correct the situation, pull the trailer
with the trailer brake control slightly engaged a short
distance (about 1000 ft or until trailer does not grab or
pull to one side anymore).This action smooths down the
brake bands.
Note: Do not lock up the wheels.
Breakaway Switch &
D.O.T. Wet Cell Battery
After hitching to the tow vehicle, pull the safety pin on the
breakaway switch. Check to see if system is operational.
Push safety pin back in to its original position.
Check battery fluid level every 60-90 days. Remove cover.
There are two fill caps. Refill with distilled water only.
Breakaway Switch
Mounted on Frame
Attach breakaway switch cable securely in a straight line
to the tow vehicle. Locate attachments so little “slack”
is left in the cable, but enough slack to allow for turning
without disengaging the pin.The cable will activate brakes
the instant a trailer becomes disengaged. Brake adjust-
ment is critical to stopping a disengaged trailer.
Check Breakaway System
& Brakes Before Each Trip
1. Disconnect 12V plug from tow vehicle.
2. Pull breakaway pin.
3. While pin is pulled, move tow vehicle forward. Brake
should be on and wheels locked.
4. Replace pin and secure to tow vehicle. Do not loop
over hitch ball.
5. Plug 12V connector into tow vehicle receptacle.
6. Test brakes with brake controller.
Note: When disconnecting trailer from tow vehicle, make
sure to replace safety pin.
Breakaway Battery
(Two fill caps
underneath cover)
Power Cable
Breakaway
Pin
Cable to Vehicle
Breakaway Battery

TRAILER OPERATOR’S MANUAL 7
TRAILER MANUAL • 8.917-527.0 • 8.917-526.0 • 8.917-526.0 • Rev. 9/09
BRAKES
Brake Adjustment
Brakes should be adjusted (1) after the first 200 miles of
operation after the brake shoes and drums have “seated”,
(2) at 3000 mile intervals and (3) as use and performance
require. The brakes should be adjusted in the following
manner:
1. Jack up trailer and secure on adequate capacity jack
stands. Check that wheel and drum rotate freely.
2. Remove adjusting hole cover from adjusting slot on
bottom of brake backing plate.
3. With screwdriver or standard adjusting tool, rotate
the starwheel of the adjuster assembly to expand
the brake shoes. Adjust the brake shoes out until the
pressure of the linings against the drum makes the
wheel very difficult to turn.
Note: With drop spindle axles, a modified adjusting
tool with about an 80 degree angle should be used.
4. Then rotate starwheel in opposite direction until wheel
turns freely with slight lining drag.
5. Replace the adjusting hole cover and lower wheel to
ground.
6. Repeat above procedure on all brakes.
CAUTION: Never crawl under your trailer unless
it is resting on properly placed jack stands.
Do not lift or place supports on any part of the suspen-
sion system.
Brake Cleaning & Inspection
Your trailer brakes must be inspected and serviced at
yearly intervals or more often as use and performance
require. Magnets and shoes must be changed when they
become worn or scored thereby preventing inadequate
vehicle braking.
Clean the backing plate, magnet arm, magnet and brake
shoes. Make certain that all the parts removed are re-
placed in the same brake and drum assembly. Inspect
the magnet arm for any loose or worn parts. Check shoe
return springs, hold down springs and adjuster springs
for stretch or deformation and replace if required.
CAUTION: Asbestos Dust Hazard. Since
some brake shoe friction materials contain
asbestos, certain precautions need to be
taken when servicing brakes:
1. Avoid creating or breathing dust.
2. Avoid machining, filing or grinding the brake linings.
3. Do not use compressed air or dry brushing for clean-
ing. (Dust can be removed with a damp brush).
TRAILER STORAGE
Preparation
If your trailer is to be stored for an extended period of
time or over the winter, it is important that the trailer be
prepared properly.
1. Remove the emergency breakaway battery and store
inside, out of the weather. Charge the battery at least
every 90 days.
2. Jack up the trailer and place jack stands under trailer
frame so that the weight will be off the tires. Never
jack up or place jack stands on the axle tube.
3. Lubricate mechanical moving parts that are ex-
posed to weather, such as the hitch and suspension
parts.
Note: On oil lubricated hubs the upper part of the roller
bearings are not immersed in oil and are subject to po-
tential corrosion. For maximum bearing life it is recom-
mended that you revolve your wheels periodically (every
2-3 weeks) during periods of prolonged storage.
After Prolonged Storage — Inspection
Procedures
Before removing trailer from jack stands:
1. Remove all wheels and hubs or brake drums. Note
which spindle and brake that the drum was removed
from so that it can be reinstalled in the same loca-
tion.
2. Inspect suspension for wear.
3. Check tightness of hanger bolt, shackle bolt and
U-bolt nuts per recommended torque values.
4. Check brake linings, brake drums and armature faces
for excessive wear or scoring.
5. Check brake magnets with an ohmmeter. The
magnets should check 3.2 ohms. If shorted or worn
excessively, replace.
6. Lubricate all brake moving parts using a high tem-
perature brake lubricant. (LUBRIPLATE or equiva-
lent).
CAUTION: Do not get grease or oil on brake linings
or magnet face.
7. Remove any rust from braking surface and armature
surface of drums with fine emery paper or crocus
cloth. Protect bearings from contamination while so
doing.
8. Inspect oil or grease seals for wear or nicks. Replace
if necessary.
9. Lubricate hub bearings. Refer to procedure in
manual.
10. Reinstall hubs and adjust bearing per instructions in
manual.

TRAILER OPERATOR’S MANUAL 8
TRAILER MANUAL • 8.917-527.0 • 8.917-526.0 • 8.917-526.0 • Rev. 9/09
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
This trailer was produced with the best available materials and quality craftsmanship. However, you as the owner, have
certain responsibilities for the correct care of the equipment. Attention to regular preventative maintenance procedures
will assist in preserving the performance of your equipment.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Tire Air Pressure Inflate to proper pressure indicated on sidewall Every Trip
Wheel Lugs, Bolts & Nuts Tighten to proper torque specifications Every 3000 mi or 3 mos.*
Wheel Check for damage and or out-of-round Every 6000 mi or 6 mos.
Coupler Ball
Check for sufficient lube.
Check lock mechanism.
Check for unusual wear.
Every trip
Safety Chains at Hitch Ball Check for abrasion, distortion and general integrity
of links. Every trip
Coupler Check for proper fastening & hitch pin in position
and secure.
Every trip
Brakes Check for proper adjustment & operation Every trip
Breakaway Switch Test switch operation and connections Every trip
Breakaway Battery Pull switch pin, check charge indicator light Every trip
Load Distribution Check load distribution & security Every trip
Leveling Jacks Check fastenings. Lube. Every trip
Welds Check all weld beads for cracks or separations Every 6000 mi. or 6 mos.
Hinges Grease zerks with a Lithium complex grease Every 3000 mi. or 3 mos.
Tie Down Devices Check for fracturing, distortion and improper
anchoring. Every 3000 mi., or 3 mos.
Electrical: Lights & Signals Check to make sure all are working properly.
Replace burned out bulbs.
Every trip
* Check lug nuts for tightness before initial trip, at 10 miles, 25 miles and 50 miles. Recheck at least every 3 months or 3000 miles
Axles, Hubs and Brakes
Maintenance for axles, hubs and brakes is extremely important for protecting the longevity of your trailer. It is
extremely important for your personal safety and the protection of others. Follow the maintenance schedule
exactly as described.
Please, never shortcut axle, hub and brake service and maintenance.

PRESSURE WASHER WARRANTY
HOTSY LIMITED TRAILER WARRANTY
(Effective August 2009)
We warrant to the original purchaser that each new part and accessory sold by Hotsy will be free from manufacturing defects
in materials or workmanship in normal service for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase, provided it is installed
properly and the equipment maintained in accordance with Hotsy instructions and manuals.
Our obligation under this warranty is expressly limited. As to the replacement or repair, at our option, at Hotsy Inc., Camas,
Washington 98607, or at a service facility designated by us, for such part or parts as inspection shall disclose to have been
defective.
EXCLUSIONS:
This warranty does not apply to defects caused by casualty or unreasonable use, including faulty repairs by others and
failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY:
Suspension axles, torflex axles, hubs, drums, brakes, bearings and seals. These are subject to the warranties, if any of
their manufacturers.
WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND,
including but not limited to labor costs or transportation charges in connection with the replacement or repair of defective
parts.
ANY IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY. We make no
other express warranty, nor is anyone authorized to make any in our behalf.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE:
Purchaser must bring the trailer to an authorized Hotsy Dealership. For the dealership nearest you consult our web page:
www.Hotsy-inc.com.
TRAILER MANUAL • 8.917-527.0 • 8.917-526.0 • 8.917-526.0 • Rev. 9/09

8.917-467.0 • Revised 9/09 • Printed in U.S.A. or Mexico