Variant PRO-LINE User manual

Highest quality - built to last for all your
commercial & domestic needs.
Made in Denmark.
Trailer Manual
www.variant-trailers.com.au
ALWAYS MOVING FORWARDS

2
Model: VIN nr.:
Registration date: Registration nr.:
Date:
By:
Date:
By:
Date:
By:
Date:
By:
Date:
By:
Date:
By:
Service & Inspection:
Data - My trailer

3
Congratulations on your new Variant
trailer.
To get the most out of your trailer you should follow
certain advice and instructions.
Therefore we encourage you to read and save this manual.
Especially notice the information marked with .
If any questions occur during use of the trailer, which
cannot be answered by this manual you are always
welcome to contact your dealer.
Content
My trailer
Service and maintenance
Content
Operating instructions
Load of trailers
Boat trailers
Tire pressure and load
Caretaking of trailer sides
Wiring diagram
Warranty
Legal advice
Page 2
Page 14-15
Page 3
Page 4-5
Page 6
Page 7-8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
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4
Attaching
1. The trailer is connected to the
tow bar on the car (remember to
grease the tow bar ball).
2. If the trailer has a security wire
this one also is attached. It is im-
portant that the safety wire goes
in a straight line from the trailer
to the tow bar.
3. Connect the electric system by
plugging the power plug in the
trailer’s socket.
4. With your chains -ensure they
cross over each other -then at-
tach to vehicle
Before you drive
1. Make sure that the trailer is cor-
rectly attached to the car. This is
controlled by lifting the trailer’s
handle. Some types of ball attach-
ments are equipped with a red/
green indicator, which indicates if
the trailer is properly connected.
2. Test that all the trailer’s lights are
working correctly.
3. Control that the load is evenly
distributed and possibly clamped.
Driving
Driving with e.g. tall trailers
or trailers with tall tarpaulins
in strong side winds should be
avoided, especially if the trailer is
empty.
To drive in reverse with a trailer
requires a little practice. When
driving backwards the trailer is
controlled by the ball on the tow
bar.
Therefore it is neccesary to turn
the car in the opposite direction
than you want the trailer to move.
Try a couple of times,
”practice makes perfect.”
Since there are separate speed
limits for driving with a trailer,
always be aware about this.
At the time of writing the speed
limits are:
• 80-100km on highway.
•70 -80km on country road.
• 50-60 km in the city (There may
be signs with lower speed limit).
Look up the rules applicable to
your states road for more infor-
mation about speed limits with
trailers.
Detaching
1. Unplug the electric system and
place it in the holder. Remember
to pull the plug and not the wire.
2. Remove the safety brakaway wire.
3. Detach the chain/s from your
vehicle.
4. Detach the trailer from the car’s
tow bar. Lift the trailer free of the
tow bar by winding the jockey
wheel handle. When doing this
be aware of the weight of any
load. If the trailer is towed with
overload on the jockey wheel this
could damage or at worst cause
distortion of the pull catch or
bracket.
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Operating instructions - all models

5
Loading
When driving with a trailer it is
important for the stability to drive
with the correct ball pressure.
The pressure must be at least 4%
of the trailer’s total weight.
Heavier weight is usually an
advantage, but it’s necesary
to observe the tow bar’s/car’s
maximum ball pressure. This
information can be found in the
cars manual. The trailer is desig-
ned so the center of gravity is in
the center, slightly in front of the
axle. When loading the trailer it
is important to distribute the load
evenly. Rather more in the front
than in the back. A negative ball
pressure - when the load is in
the back - may be catastrophic
and put you, the car and trailer in
danger. If this happens immedia-
tely slow down by breaking and/or
change to a lower gear.
Tightening of wheel bolts
It is very important that the wheel
bolts are tightened after approx.
30 kilometers and afterwards
checked regularly after 1.000
kilometers. Paint, on the hubs
and rims will gradually wear down
whereafter the bolts can loosen.
Therefore remember to tighten
the bolts regularly.
Operating the hand brake
All Variant-trailers with braking are
equipped with a hand brake, which is
recommended to use when the trailer
is parked. For long-term parking the
hand brake should not be used, as the
braking may stick.
The hand brake is activated by pul-
ling the hand brake handle over the
dead center whereafter the gas spring
tightens the break and keeping it
activated.
Warning: If the hand brake is not
fully in a vertical direction, the trailer
will still be able to move backwards.
Lock for ball coupling
A good lock for your ball coupling
reduces the risks of theft. Your lo-
cal Variant dealer will gladly show
you the types of lock solutions for
your trailer.
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6
Overload
In the trailer’s registration cer-
ticate it shows how much the
payload is.
It is strongly adviced against any
kind of overload as your driving
safety is signicantly reduced.
Driving with more weight than al-
lowed may cause damage to tires,
axles and chassis frame and no
warranty cover will be possible.
Driving with overload is also il-
legal.
An example with overload
A trailer type xxx has a design
rating with 1350 kg. The
The measurements are
205×122×40 cm., which gives a
volume around 1 m³.
If this trailer is loaded with sand
the load will weigh approximately
1.500 kg.
Accessories
There is a large selection of ac-
cessories for your Variant trailer
which makes it possible to put
together a trailer for almost any
need. The selection includes:
jockey wheels, tarpaulins, locks,
extra tall sides, grids, hard tops
and slotted sides.
See more at www.variant-trailers.
com.au or ask your local dealer
to get the equipment that meets
your needs.
Regular Trailers

7
Settings
We recommend that when using
your trailer for the rst time, you
spend a proper amount of time to
get the boat properly adjusted.
You will benet from the time
spend as future loading and un-
loading will go fast and smoothly.
Your Variant dealer will be happy
to assist you with advice and
guidance. If the setting requires
that the axle must be moved, the
brake lever also has to be adju-
sted. Here are a number of advice
on how the trailer is adapted to
the boat.
The weight and length of the
boat must be suitable for the
boat trailer.
The boat’s data such as weight
and length are important. The
weight is important in relation to
the trailer’s payload. Remember
that the weight of any equipment,
engine and gasoline must be ad-
ded to the boat’s own weight. The
length should also be correct to
avoid overloading the hull. It may
be tempting to use the boat as a
large luggage room but be careful
not to overload the trailer. If you
in doubt about the total weight we
will recommend to weigh the boat,
to check.
The boat must stand on the
keel and be supported by the
rollers on the side.
To avoid overload of the boat hull
and to make loading and unloa-
ding og the boat easier, the boat
must stand centrally on the keel
and be supported by the rollers
on the side. This is how the boat
trailer is adjusted correctly:
1. The boat is pulled on the trailer
with the hook. In order to obtain
the lowest possible center of gra-
vity the distance between the hull
of the boat and the wheel shields
should be as small as possible,
preferably 20-30mm. Possibly
unload the boat again and adjust
the roller to the correct height.
Does the boat have a at bottom
the rollers are adjusted around
the upper position.
2. The boat is then aligned with the
side rollers. The distance from the
hull to the wheel shields must be
the same on both sides. If neces-
sary use a jack to lift the side rol-
lers in place. The side rollers must
never lift the boat from the roller
underneath.
Boat trailers

8
Bow support
The bow support is adjusted to
t the boat. Both the angle and
the height can be adjusted. The
bow support can be longitudinally
displayed and tightened where the
optimum ball pressure is achie-
ved. While driving it is not enough
to keep the boat supported only in
the bow support using the hook as
the wire gradually will be relea-
sed during driving. The boat must
therefore also be clamped on the
support bracket with, for example
a short tension strap.
Securing
In order for the boat to be rmly
attached the boat should be secu-
red with straps. Correct positioned
securing is done with 4 straps -
one in each corner.
Lighting system
The trailer has a rear light board
which is removed when loading
and unloading. When the split
locks are detached it is easy to
remove the light board. Remem-
ber to place the power plug back
in the holder back into the socket.
Launching
At launch the trailer should only
be driven into the water to the
edge of the rim. Brakes, cables,
etc. should not be under water. If
it happens that the trailer comes
under salt water, it should imme-
diately be rinsed with clean water.
Similar to cleaning the boat.
Wheel bearings & brake
cables
The Ocean boat trailer series
features traditional wheel bearings
and brake cables. All other boat
trailers are equipped with water-
tight bearings and stainless brake
cables which requires minimal
maintenance.
Boat storage
A boat trailer is primarily intended
for transportation of boats but can
also serve as a convenient storage
space for your boat. For longer
periods of boat storage (more
than 3 weeks), we recommend
that the trailer is covered up,
otherwise the wheels and shaft
suspension will be unnecesarily
damaged and may in worst case
break.

9
To ensure your trailer is always operational and ready to use,
make sure it is serviced at your local Variant dealer regularly.
We recommend that trailers with brakes recieve a check each
10.000 kilometers or once a year.
Repair and adjustment of brakes should only be done by profes-
sionals.
Service & Maintenance

10
Trailers with ply sides
For Variant-trailers with ply sides
we use rst class waterproof
plywood, which is treated with
phenol and almost maintenance-
free. After some time the plywood
may get dulled or matt. The best
way to get back the shine is to
apply acid free oil or a mixture of
raw linseed oil and turpentine in
the ratio 1:1. The oil is applied
to the plywood in a generous
amount. After approximately 15
minutes the excess is wiped off
with a dry cloth. Keep in mind
that the cloth with raw linseed oil
must be disposed in a sealed pla-
stic bag, as the cloth may other-
wise ignite.
Trailers with
aluminium sides
The aluminium sides hardly
require any maintenance. Avoid
cleaning with strong alkaline as
this will react chemically with
aluminium. The nice nish is best
kept using auto wax.
Trailers with steel sides
The steel sides are properly clea-
ned with warm water & universal
cleaning detergent.
Galvanized parts
Galvanized parts must be ”oxyg-
nated” before the galvanization is
an effective protector against rust.
Galvanization is complete and
effective when the metal turns
matt.
Maintenance of the trailer sides

11
Settings
Different types of tyres must have different tyre pressure to work opti-
mally and not wear down too fast.
Using the chart below you can nd the correct tire pressure.
For longer periods of storage the trailer should be covered up (smaller
trailers may be parked vertically). This avoids a point loading which can
cause ”bulged” tires.
Tire pressure and load
Tire size
Tire pressure at
maximum load
Maximum
load
Bar Psi pr. tire in kg.
4.00-8 4 PR 4,25 60 265
4.00-8 6 PR 4,25 60 335
5.00-10 C 2,40 34 375
145 R10/145 B10 2,50 36 375
195/55 R10 C 6,25 90 750
195/60 R12 6,25 90 900
145/70 R13 3,00 43 475
145/80 R13 3,00 43 475
155 R13 3,00 43 500
155 R13 C 4,50 65 600
165 R13 C 4,50 65 675
185/70 R13 C 6,25 90 900
195/50 R13 C 6,25 90 900
165 R14 3,75 54 550
165 R14 C 4,50 65 675
185/65 R14 3,60 43 650
185 R14 C 4,50 65 945
The tightening torques of the wheel bolts should be 100-110 Nm at a size of 17
mm. and 110-120 Nm at the size of 19 mm.
NOTE! Please note that the load of tyres which are used for passenger cars with
max speed 80 km/h may be exceeded with 10%. Therefore it is possible that
the loading instructions written on the trailer’s tyres may differ from the weights
shown in the chart above.
Tire pressure and load

12
When replacing or repairing the trailer’s power plug the following
diagram may be used:
7 - pin plug for
Jokon lights
Radex lights
13 - pin plug for
Radex lights
Wire diagram

13
The warranty includes
Replacement or - factory’s choice
- repair of construction or material
defects, in case of errors arising
during normal and proper use of
the trailer.
Repairs carried out within the war-
ranty period will not extend the
deadline of the warranty.
The warranty does not include
Expenses for ongoing services and
maintenance or expenses caused
by normal wear and tear or as a
result of the trailer not being used
for a longer period of time.
Defects caused by non-proper use
of the trailer.
Defects caused by the use of non-
original spare parts.
Costs of renting a replacement
trailer.
Reklamation og garanti
Newly galvanized parts will be
very smooth and silver in the
beginning. After a short while the
parts become matt in nish and
a more ”rough” surface. This is
quite normal and is due to the
”oxigenation” og the galvnized
parts. This also applies to cut ed-
ges. They rust when the trailer is
new, but the rust disappears over
time.
The process ensures that the
galvinazation wil provide optimal
protection against corrosion. This
”cosmetic” change will not be
recognized as a justied warranty
claim.
Also note that galvanized parts
should never be in contact with
acid and certain other chemicals.
Therefore always rinse carefully
with clean water after driving on
salted roads or transport of fertili-
zer or any other acidic goods.
Plywood is a living material.
Please note that bottom and side
sheets can change under different
conditions. High amounts of mois-
ture can make the plywood bend.
When the wood dries up it will
return to normal. It is recommen-
ded to mount a at tarpaulin on
the trailer to keep it dry.
Warranty
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14
Taxation
Trailers which weight 500 kg or
less are extempted from taxation,
while trailers weighting more than
500 kg have to pay a small fee.
Inspection
All Variants trailers are standard
type approved in the EU. This
means they are covered by the
rules for passenger cars. Trailers
are free of inspection at the time
of purchase and by change of ow-
nership within the rst 5 years.
Weight rules
The rules for inspection free
coupling and driver’s license
rules only apply to passanger
cars and vans with a maximum
allowed weight of up to 3500
kg. Car and trailer must be
approved for inspection free
coupling which is written in the
registration certicate. A car is
allowed to drive with a trailer if
the actual total weight (trailer’s
weight + load) of the trailer does
not exceed ”the maximum total
weight of trailers with/without
brakes”, called the coupling
weight, which is stated in the car’s
registration certicate.
Even if the car is approved for
one size of weight it may still
drive a trailer that is approved
for a greater weight. The trailer’s
actual total weight can’t exceed
the coupling weight. Therefore it
is allowed to drive a 500kg trailer
even if the car only is allowed to
pull 450kg, as long as the trailer’s
actual total weight does not
exceed 450 kg. Note, regarding
the coupling, it is the actual total
weight of the trailer and not the
trailer’s allowed total weight which
is essential.
A number of laws and regulations apply to trailers and their use. The most
important ones are listed in this section.
However please be aware that there may be changes in the rules as well
as different interpretations of the laws in the individual states.
Therefore Variant can not be held responsible for changes or differences in
interpretation.
Legal rules

15
Insurance
The trailer is covered by the car’s
liability insurance. Mounting the
tow bar necessitates a change in
the car’s liability insurance so that
it includes the pull of the trailer.
The engine register automatically
informs the insurance company
when the tow bar is mounted. If
the trailer is wished to be insu-
red further you will need a casco
insurance.
Driver’s license rules
When deciding which driver’s
license is required you must know
the following 4 values which all
can be found on the car’s/trailer’s
registration certicate:
AThe car’s allowed total weight.
BThe car’s own weight.
CMaximum coupling weight.
DTotal trailer weight allowed.
Only driver’s licenses for passen-
ger car (B) is required if just one
of the following conditions are
met:
•D cannot exceed 750 kg.
• A+D cannot exceed 3500 kg.
• A+C cannot exceed 3500 kg.
(A+C only applies to driver’s licenses issued before
may 2009)
Regardless of the above B+E li-
censes are always required if both
Cand Dare more than B+50 kg.
Reduction of weight
To legally drive the trailer it may be
necessary to reduce one or more of
the weights A, C or D. The trailer’s
total weight (D) can be reduced by
up to 30% of the original total weight
rounded up to nearest number divisi-
ble by 25. It is also possible to reduce
the total weight of the car (A).
Reduction of the trailer’s/car’s total
weight requires approval by inspec-
tion. I some cases it may be advanta-
geous to reduce the coupling weight
(with brakes) (C).
This value can be reduced only with
permission from the tax ofce.
Example
The car’s
allowed
total
weight
The car’s
actual
weight
Max.
coupling
weight
The trai-
ler’s total
weight
Driver’s
license
needed
A B C D
2000 1200 1200 1600 B
2100 1300 1400 1300 B
2100 1300 1400 1400 BE
2500 1500 1100 1000 B
3500 1850 2000 750 B
2800 1700 2000 800 BE
Note that regarding the driver’s
license conditions it is always the
car’s/trailer’s registered weight which
is crucial.

Subject to errors and changes.
Variant Australia
1,2-6 Bonnal Rd Erina
T. 02 4367 0026
[email protected]
Dealer
ALWAYS MOVING FORWARDS
www.variant-trailers.com.au