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Section 4
Operation
Operation 4-1MN2417
Towing the Generator
WARNING: Never allow a person to ride in or on a trailer that is being towed. All states prohibit
passengers in towed vehicles. A person can fall off and be struck be another vehicle or run
over by the towed trailer. Failure to observe this warning can result in death.
WARNING: Before using a tow vehicle with a trailer mounted generator, verify that the vehicle is designed
for the load. Using a vehicle that is too small is very dangerous. Be certain that it can handle
the M.G.V.W. (Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight) and the tongue weight for safe towing and
braking.
WARNING: For a new trailer, the wheel lug nuts should be tightened to the proper torque specification
before use, after 50 miles of operation, after 100 miles of operation and periodically thereafter.
Failure to check the lug nuts for proper tightness can result in an accident due to a wheel
falling from the trailer.
WARNING: Never operate a trailer or tow vehicle that has a loose, missing or broken lug nut. The trailer
is designed for safe operation with all lug nuts installed and all at the proper torque rating.
Operating the trailer with one or more broken or missing lug nuts greatly increases the load
on the remaining nuts and can cause failure of the remaining nuts that can result in an
accident due to a wheel falling from the trailer.
S Make sure the tow vehicle is able to tow the load. Vehicle brake capacity is extremely
critical and the tow vehicle must be able to handle the additional weight of the trailer
mounted generator. Radiator and transmission cooling must also be considered.
S Be sure hitch capacity is equal to or greater than the load when mounted on the
vehicle.
S Be sure the size and rating of the hitch ball is equal to or greater than the load.
S Make sure the safety chain(s) rating is equal to or greater than twice the maximum
gross vehicle weight rating of your trailer.
S It is illegal to transport passengers in any trailer.
S Reduce weight in car trunk and rear seat areas by the amount of tongue weight of your
trailer.
S Any alterations or changes made to the trailer void any express or implied warranties
on the trailer or towing equipment.
Selecting the Proper Towing Equipment
When selecting the proper towing equipment, the two most important factors that must be
considered are the M.G.V.W. (Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight) and the Tongue Weight (trailer
tongue weight at the hitch). The M.G.V.W. is the total weight of the trailer plus the payload in the
trailer. The tongue weight is the downward pressure exerted at the coupler. The easiest way to
measure the gross vehicle weight is to place the loaded trailer on a vehicle scale making sure
that the scales are supporting the entire weight of the loaded trailer.
The easiest method to measure tongue weight is to place the jack stand (trailer tongue) on a
scale making sure the trailer is level. The trailer tongue should be level and in its normal towing
position. Tongue weight should be 10% of trailer weight and not more than10% of M.G.V.W.
Tow Vehicle
Make sure the vehicle you are using to tow the trailer is capable of towing the weight. Check the
vehicle Owner’s Manual for towing capability of the towing vehicle or contact the vehicle
manufacturer for this information. Make sure the tow vehicle is able to tow the load. Vehicle
brake capacity is extremely critical and the tow vehicle must be able to handle the additional
weight of the trailer mounted generator. Radiator and transmission cooling must also be
considered. Seek expert advise to select the proper tow vehicle. Trailers with a gross vehicle
weight rating that exceeds 10,000 lbs require special consideration.
Table 4-1 Tow Hitch Capacity
Tow Vehicle Hitch Class Maximum Tow Capacity Maximum Tongue Weight
Compact Vehicle Sub Class I 1000 Lbs. 100 Lbs.
Compact Vehicle Class I 2000 Lbs. 200 Lbs.
Mid & Full Size Vehicle Class II 3500 Lbs. 300 Lbs.
3/4 Ton or larger Truck Class III 5000 Lbs. 500 Lbs.
1 Ton or larger Truck Class IV 10000 Lbs. 1000 Lbs.
Class 3−8 Vehicle Custom Engineered Custom Engineered Custom Engineered