Pre-Trip Checklist
This is the most important thing you should look at before using your new trailer. Please take
your time, and make sure you go over this list completely! A description of how these parts work and
how they should be properly checked is included in the Trailer Owner’s Manual.
•
Hitch and coupler w/safety pin
•
Safety chains crossed and secured properly
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All Jacks are up
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All running lights, brake lights, and turn signals functioning
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Brakes, brake controller, and breakaway system
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Proper tire pressure and tire condition on trailer and tow vehicle
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Wheel lug nuts tightened
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Doors, windows, and roof vents closed and secured
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Tie-down Steps, Porches, & Railings
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Proper load distribution
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Both Fresh & Waste Water tanks must be empty prior to transporting the trailer.
Always remember that some common causes of accidents are (1) driver error, (2) failure to
match your road speed with road conditions, and (3) improper loading
.
Safety chains:
Be sure to always connect the safety chains by crossing them beneath the coupler
when hooking up your trailer. Crossing your safety chains will create a cradle to catch the tongue in
case of disconnect from the hitch. Allow enough chain for turning, if too long, then they should be
shortened (just simply twist them). If they look like they have been over-stressed, they should be
replaced.
In some states
it is required by law, that you cross your safety chains.
Brakes:
Forest River trailers come with many different types of brake options. Repair and service
information for each available type of brake can be found in the Axle Manufacturer’s Service Manual.
Please follow all of the Axle Manufacturer’s instructions concerning brakes. Remember that failure to
follow instructions could result in loss of warranty. Brakes on new trailers usually tend to “pull” or
pulsate, but don’t worry, this is normal. Remember that not all Forest River trailers are equipped with
brakes.
Tire pressure:
The proper air pressure for your tires is printed on the sidewall of the tire. Air
pressure should always be checked when tires are cold for the most accurate reading. You must not
raise or lower your air pressure to meet your load. Serious injury may result in under and over
inflation. Excessive wear and tear will also result if recommended pressure is not met. You must
avoid, if possible, any chuckholes, curbs, or other hazards in the road.
Hitch and coupler:
You must correctly match your tow vehicle to your trailer. It is essential that
your tow vehicle can handle the total trailer weight (GVWR). You should also check to see that the
hitch weight carrying capacity of your tow vehicle matches the loaded tongue weight of your trailer.
If you have a brake controller, then you want it to match with the number of braking wheels on your
trailer. The electrical wiring of your tow vehicle needs to match the wiring on your trailer.
It is very
important that the ball on your hitch matches the coupler size on the trailer.
Proper load distribution:
All Forest River trailers are carefully designed to maintain a proper hitch
weight when the trailer is evenly loaded. If improperly loaded, your trailer can become very unstable
