Mi-T-M HMT-4004-0MGV Manual Del Operador página 19

WHILE TOWING TRAILER:
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
BY ANOTHER VEHICLE OR RUN OVER BY THE TOWED TRAILER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING CAN RESULT IN DEATH.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING USE
Loading Trailer. The trailer should be loaded so that the downward tongue weight is approximately 10% of the gross
trailer weight. Hitch only to the hitch points recommended by the tow vehicle manufacturer.
Following and stopping distance. The stopping distance increases when towing a trailer. A rule of thumb for the
minimum distance that should be maintained between you and the preceding car on dry pavement is one car and
trailer length (2 car lengths) for every 10 MPH you are traveling. The distance should be increased accordingly de-
pending on road and weather conditions. Avoid sudden stops if possible. Operate tow vehicle smoothly - no jerky
turns, starts or stops. When possible, avoid operating the tow vehicle near ditches, embankments and holes and
reduce speed when crossing uneven or rough terrain.
Passing. Accelerating and passing should be done slowly to allow extra distance for passing. Signal well in advance
when passing and returning to the proper lane. Allow for the extra length of the trailer before changing lanes. Never
change lanes abruptly as this may cause the trailer to sway and push the tow vehicle into a "jack knife" condition.
Turning. Allow for the extra length of the trailer. Drive slightly beyond normal turning point to avoid running over
curbs and soft shoulders. Turning radius increases when towing. Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes and
on rough, slick or muddy surfaces.
Uphill and Downhill Grades. Reduce speed and use a lower transmission gear for steep or long up or down hill
grades. Maintain safe distance from other vehicles.
Parking. When tow vehicle is idle, engage brakes and park lock securely.
• Avoid parking on uphill or downhill grades.
• Place transmission in "PARK".
• Apply parking brake.
• Use wheel chucks.
• In parking lot, avoid parking close to other vehicles. Turning radius is greater and it may be impossible
to get out of a parking space after a few other vehicles have parked around your vehicle.
ALWAYS TURN OFF TOW VEHICLE ENGINE BEFORE MAKING ADJUSTMENTS OR REPAIRS TO AN
ATTACHED TRAILER.
AFTER USE:
1. Inspect trailer for wear or damage.
2. Ensure that all fasteners and fittings are tight.
3. Verify the stop, tail and turn signals are working properly.
4. Check wires for good connections and possible fraying or wearing of insulation.
5. Check and properly maintain the trailer, hitch, jack, ball and coupler.
6. Inspect hitch and ball for damage. Ball or hitch can be damaged in parking, hitting curbs, dragging when crossing
ditches or railroad tracks.
7. Check and properly tighten all bolts on trailer, hitch, ball and coupler (including wheels).
8. Check safety chains for wear and do not allow them to drag on ground or roadway.
9. Check tow vehicle tires for wear and proper inflation (check vehicle's owner manual for proper level of inflation of
tires for towing a trailer).
10. Check trailer tires for wear and proper inflation. Replace only with a tire of the same size and capacity ratings.
11. For proper tow vehicle maintenance while towing a trailer, check vehicle's owner manual and manufacturer's
specifications.
HMT-4004-0MGH Operator's Manual
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
19