4-Star Bumper Pull Horse Trailer

Loading And Unloading

5. Loading And Unloading

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Improper trailer loading causes many accidents and deaths. To safely load a trailer, you must consider:

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Overall load weight.

Load weight distribution.

Proper tongue weight.

Securing the load properly.

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WARNING

Do not transport people in your trailer.

Besides putting their lives at risk, the transport of people in a trailer is illegal.

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DANGER

You can die or be brain damaged by

Carbon Monoxide.

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 trailer axles carry most of the total weight of the trailer and its contents (Gross Vehicle Weight, or

“GVW”). The remainder of the total weight is carried by the tow vehicle hitch.

Do not operate a generator, portable grills, portable heaters, portable lanterns or portable stoves inside the trailer.

It is essential for safe towing that the trailer tongue and tow vehicle hitch carry the proper amount of the loaded trailer weight, otherwise the trailer can develop an undesirable sway at towing speeds, or the rear of the towing vehicle can be overloaded. Read the

“Tongue Weight” information in Section 4.

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WARNING

Do not sleep in a trailer not equipped with living quarters.

The load distribution must be such that no component part of the trailer is loaded beyond its rating. You must consider the rating of the tires, wheels and axles. For tandem and triple axle trailers, you must make sure that the front-to-rear load distribution does not result in overloading any axle.

Towing stability also depends on keeping the center of gravity as low as possible. Load heavy items on the fl oor and over the axles. When loading additional items, be sure to maintain even side-to-side weight distribution and proper tongue weight. The total weight of the trailer and its contents must never exceed the total weight rating of the trailer (Gross

Vehicle Weight Rating, or “GVWR”).

A trailer not designed with living quarters must only be used for transportation of its intended cargo.

5.1 Loading Trailer

5.1.1 Preparing Trailer For Loading

Open windows and vents to provide ventilation. Open feed doors for ventilation, only if equipped with safety bars or netting that covers the feed door opening, which must be closed.

Consider the weather and transport conditions. On warm sunny days, maximum ventilation is required.

Do not transport people, containers of hazardous substances, or flammable liquids. The exception is fuel in the tank of vehicles or equipment being hauled.

Do not carry a horse without providing ventilation, even in coldest weather. Ventilation is critical for the well being of your horses. Know your horses and adjust ventilation for your horses’ comfort.

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WARNING

Do not transport fl ammable, explosive, poisonous or other dangerous materials on your trailer.

Be sure pivoting window latches are in a fl ush position, so they do not present a protrusion that can injure your horse.

Tighten any loose or protruding screws in the walls.

The exception is fuel in the tank of equipment being hauled.

Remove or secure loose objects, (i.e. butt bars, saddles, tack and equipment) so that items will not move during towing.

Inspect for cracks at the welds on the divider hinges,

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