
TOWING SAFETY
Towing a trailer requires care! Both the trailer and vehicle must be in good condition and securely fastened to
each other to reduce the possibility of an accident. Reduce speed when the tank is filled with water. The
tank is not baffled, so there will be a noticeable water surge in the tank under heavy braking.
Checkthatthehitchandcouplingonthetowing
vehicle are rated equal to, or greater than, the
trailer's "gross vehicle weight rating" (GVWR).
Inspect the hitch and coupling for wear or
damage. DO NOT tow trailer using defective
parts!
Makesurethetrailerhitchandthecouplingare
compatible. Make sure the coupling is se-
curely fastened to the vehicle.
Check tires on trailer for tread wear, inflation,
andcondition.
Connect safety chains in a crossing pattern
under the tongue and attach the brake away
cableTOTHEREARBUMPEROFTHETOW-
ING VEHICLE. Do not attach the cable to the
trailer hitch.
Make sure directional and brake lights on the
trailer are connected and working properly.
Checkthatlugnutsholdingwheelsaretightand
that none are missing.
Checkthelevelofthebrakefluidreservoirinthe
surge coupler on the tongue.
TOWING SPEEDS
The maximum recommended towing speed for the MWT0500 water trailer are as follows:
With the tank empty, improved road: 55 m.p.h.
With the tank full, improved road: 45 m.p.h.
With the tank 1/2 full, improved road: 45 m.p.h. or less
Any towing on unimproved roads: 20 m.p.h. or less
Before towing the trailer, check that the weight of the trailer is equal across all four trailer tires. A large
angle between the trailer and tow vehicle will cause more weight to be carried by one axle, which could
cause premature wear on the tires and axles and cause potentially unsafe operating conditions. Adjust the
angle of the trailer tongue to keep the trailer as level as possible.
The trailer is equipped with hydraulic surge brakes, or optional electric surge brakes. Check the operation
of the brakes by braking the vehicle at a slow speed before entering traffic. Both the trailer and the vehicle
should brake smoothly. If the trailer seems to be pushing, check the level in the surge brake fluid reservoir.
When towing, maintain extra space between vehicles and avoid soft shoulders, curbs and sudden lane
changes. If you have not pulled a trailer before, practice turning, stopping, and backing up in an area away
from heavy traffic.
A film of grease on the coupler will extend coupler life and eliminate squeaking. Wipe the coupler clean and
apply fresh grease each time the trailer is towed.
REPORTING TRAILER SAFETY DEFECTS
If you believe your trailer 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
Magnum Products, Inc. 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 problem between you, your dealer, or Magnum Products, Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 or by fax at:
(202)-366-7882. Letters can be addressed to:
U.S. Department of Transportation
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Office of Defects Investigation
NSA-10.01, 400 7 th street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
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