Ohio Steel Utility Trailer User manual

1
Utility Trailer
Owner’s Manual
^WARNING
This Owner’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.
Bumper Pull Trailers
April 2011
Ohio Steel Industries
2575 Ferris Road
Columbus, Ohio 43224

2
1. Introduction........................................................................................... 5
2. Safety .................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Safety Alert Symbols And Signal Words .......................................................6
2.2 Major Hazards ...................................................................................................6
2.2.1 Improper Sizing Of Trailer To Tow Vehicle ................................................................. 6
2.2.2 Driving Too Fast............................................................................................................ 6
2.2.3 Adjust Driving When Towing Trailer ........................................................................... 7
2.2.4 Trailer Not Properly Coupled To Hitch........................................................................ 7
2.2.5 Proper Use Of Safety Chains....................................................................................... 8
2.2.6 Proper Connection Of Breakaway Brake.................................................................... 8
2.2.7 Matching Trailer And Hitch.......................................................................................... 8
2.2.8 Worn Tires, Loose Wheels And Lug Nuts .................................................................. 8
2.2.9 Improper Loading ........................................................................................................ 9
2.2.10 Unsafe Load Distribution......................................................................................... 10
2.2.11 Shifting Cargo........................................................................................................... 10
2.2.12 Inappropriate Cargo ................................................................................................ 10
2.2.13 Inoperable Brakes Or Lights.....................................................................................11
2.2.14 Trailer Modifications..................................................................................................11
2.2.15 Trailer Towing Guide .................................................................................................11
2.2.16 Safe Trailer Towing Guidelines................................................................................ 12
2.2.17 Safety Warning Labels On Your Trailer................................................................... 13
2.2.18 Reporting Safety Defects......................................................................................... 16
3. Tire Safety Information ...................................................................... 17
3.1 Trailer Tire Information..................................................................................17
3.2 Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit - Trailer ...................................18
3.2.1 Trailers 10,000 Pounds GVWR Or Less.................................................................... 18
3.2.2 Trailers Over 10,000 Pounds GVWR ........................................................................ 18
3.3 Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit - Tow Vehicle..........................19
3.4 Glossary Of Tire Terminology.......................................................................19
3.5 Tire Safety - Everything Rides On It.............................................................21
3.5.1 Safety First- Basic Tire Maintenance........................................................................ 22
3.5.2 Finding Your Vehicle’s Recommended Tire Pressure And Load Limits................ 22
3.5.3 Understanding Tire Pressure And Load Limits ....................................................... 22
3.5.4 Safety First- Basic Tire Maintenance........................................................................ 22
3.5.5 Steps For Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure............................................................ 22
3.5.6 Tire Size....................................................................................................................... 23
3.5.7 Tire Tread..................................................................................................................... 23
3.5.8 Tire Balance And Wheel Alignment .......................................................................... 23
3.5.9 Tire Repair................................................................................................................... 23
3.5.10 Tire Fundamentals.................................................................................................... 23
3.5.10.1 Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires........................................................ 23
3.5.10.2 UTQGS Information......................................................................................................24
3.5.10.3 Additional Information On Light Truck Tires.............................................................24
3.5.10.4 Tire Safety Tips.............................................................................................................25
Contents

3
4. Coupling To Tow Vehicle ................................................................... 26
4.1 Tow Vehicle And Hitch...................................................................................26
4.1.1 Trailer Information...................................................................................................... 26
4.1.2 Tow Vehicle ................................................................................................................. 26
4.2 Coupling And Uncoupling The Trailer .........................................................26
4.3 Couple Trailer To Tow Vehicle ......................................................................27
4.3.1 Ball Hitch Coupler.......................................................................................................27
4.3.1.1 Before Coupling Trailer To Tow Vehicle........................................................... 28
4.3.1.2 Prepare Coupler And Hitch ............................................................................... 28
4.3.1.3 Couple Trailer To Tow Vehicle........................................................................... 28
4.3.2 Trailer With Ring And Pintle Coupler ....................................................................... 29
4.3.2.1 Before Coupling Trailer To Tow Vehicle........................................................... 29
4.3.2.2 Prepare Ring And Pintle .................................................................................... 29
4.3.2.3 Couple Trailer To Tow Vehicle........................................................................... 30
4.3.3 Connect Safety Chains............................................................................................... 30
4.3.4 Connect Electrical Cable............................................................................................ 31
4.3.5 Attach Breakaway Brake Lanyard............................................................................. 31
4.3.5.1 Test Electric Brakes........................................................................................... 31
4.3.5.2 Test Electric Breakaway Brakes ....................................................................... 31
4.3.5.3 Test Surge Brakes (If Equipped)....................................................................... 32
4.3.5.4 Test Surge Breakaway System ......................................................................... 33
4.4 Uncouple Trailer.............................................................................................33
4.5 Tongue Weight ...............................................................................................33
4.5.1 Checking Tongue Weight........................................................................................... 34
4.6 Adjust Hitch Height (If Equipped).................................................................34
5. Loading And Unloading..................................................................... 36
5.1 Loading Trailer...............................................................................................36
5.1.1 Preparing Trailer For Loading.................................................................................... 36
5.1.2 Loading A Rigid Deck Trailer..................................................................................... 36
5.1.3 Loading A Tilt Deck Trailer......................................................................................... 37
5.1.3.1 Manual Tilt Trailer............................................................................................... 37
5.1.3.2 Hydraulic Tilt Trailer........................................................................................... 38
5.2 Unload Trailer.................................................................................................38
5.2.1 Unload Manual Tilt Trailer.......................................................................................... 38
5.2.2 Unload Hydraulic Tilt Trailer...................................................................................... 38
5.3 Hydraulic Components .................................................................................39
5.4 Securing Cargo..............................................................................................39
6. Pre-Tow Checklist............................................................................... 40
6.1 Pre-Tow Checklist..........................................................................................40
6.2 Make Regular Stops ......................................................................................40
Contents

4
7. Breaking In A New Trailer .................................................................. 41
7.1 Retighten Lugs At First 10, 25 & 50 Miles....................................................41
7.2 Adjust Brake At First 200 Miles ....................................................................41
7.3 Synchronizing Brake Systems .....................................................................41
8. Accessories ........................................................................................ 42
8.1 Accessory Battery .........................................................................................42
9. Inspection, Service And Maintenance.............................................. 43
9.1 Inspection, Service & Maintenance Summary Charts................................43
9.2 Inspection And Service Instructions............................................................46
9.2.1 Trailer Structure.......................................................................................................... 46
9.2.1.1 Fasteners And Frame Members........................................................................ 46
9.2.1.2 Welds................................................................................................................... 46
9.2.2 Trailer Brakes - Electric.............................................................................................. 46
9.2.2.1 Brake Shoes And Drums ................................................................................... 46
9.2.2.2 Manually Adjusting Brake Shoes...................................................................... 47
9.2.2.3 Electric Brakes ................................................................................................... 47
9.2.2.4 Tow Vehicle Operated Electric Brakes ............................................................. 47
9.2.2.5 Electric Brake Magnets...................................................................................... 47
9.2.3 Trailer Brakes - Surge (If Equipped).......................................................................... 47
9.2.3.1 Surge Brake Master Cylinder............................................................................ 47
9.2.3.2 Hydraulic Surge Brake....................................................................................... 48
9.2.3.3 Master Cylinder Bleeding.................................................................................. 48
9.2.4 Trailer Connection To Tow Vehicle............................................................................ 48
9.2.4.1 Coupler And Ball ................................................................................................ 48
9.2.4.2 Ring And Pintle................................................................................................... 49
9.2.5 Landing Leg Or Jack.................................................................................................. 49
9.2.6 Lights And Signals ..................................................................................................... 49
9.2.7 Wheel Rims ................................................................................................................. 49
9.2.8 Tires............................................................................................................................. 49
9.2.9 Wheel Bearings........................................................................................................... 50
9.2.10 Lubrication................................................................................................................ 50
9.2.11 Hydraulic Reservoir.................................................................................................. 50
9.2.12 Lug Nuts Or Bolts..................................................................................................... 50

5
1. Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your trailer. We
believe you will be happy and completely satisfied
with your purchase. Our goal is to provide a valued
customer a quality trailer at a reasonable price.
For your safety, read and understand this manual
before operating your trailer. If there are any questions
about information in this manual, please consult your
dealer.
When calling about your trailer, please have the VIN
number available for the dealer. The VIN number is
normally on the front left side of the trailer.
For future reference, please write your VIN number in
the space below:
___________________________________________
This manual covers the basic trailer. You must read,
understand and follow the instructions given by the
trailer manufacturer, tow vehicle and trailer hitch
manufacturers. Keep all manuals provided with your
trailer in a safe place at all times.
Inserts providing information on axles and tire
warranty are provided with this manual. Please keep
these inserts for future reference.
Introduction