Futura Low Loader Trailer User Manual

Low Loader Trailer Manual

If you have any questions please email [e-mail]

ph [phone]

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Futura Trailers Limited Warranty (Overview)

Below is a brief overview of your trailers TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY and the process for obtaining warranty service.!The full description of
the warranty can be found on our website www.futuratrailers.com/warranty.

Futura Trailers Inc warrants that its product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship, under normal use and service for a
period of two (2) years. The warranty period starts the day of purchase by the original owner.

In the event that the trailer is returned to an authorized Futura Trailers dealer or Futura Trailers facility or authorised agent and under their
inspection is determined to have been defective in material and/or workmanship, under normal use, the trailer will be repaired without
charge to the original purchaser.

You must contact Futura Trailers Inc or the dealer from which your trailer was purchased to make a warranty claim. All warranty work
performed must be pre-approved by Futura Trailers Inc, or Futura Trailers Inc reserves the right to deny coverage. All repairs must be
performed by Futura Trailers Inc, Futura Trailers Inc dealer or a service agent that has been pre-approved by Futura Trailers Inc.!Futura Trailers
Inc is not responsible for costs relating to transportation and delivery charges of the affected product.!

Futura Trailers Inc obligations under this limited warranty shall be limited to repairing or replacing any part or parts which, in the opinion of
Futura Trailers Inc, shall prove defective in materials or workmanship under normal use and service during the applicable two year period,
commencing with the date of the first retail purchase and no other remedy is available. Any freight transportation charge to or from Futura
Trailers Inc facilities or approved repairer is the responsibility of the purchaser and shall not be a part of the manufacturer’s limited warranty.

The limited warranty shall be void where the unit has been subject to misuse, neglect, alteration, modification, accident or where repair parts
or actual repairs have been supplied and/or performed without Futura Trailers authorization. Loading in excess of gross vehicle load ratings
stated on the VIN and Tire plates or incorrect loading will invalidate any and all warranties. Damage caused by failure to check and torque or
adjust wheel lug nuts or wheel bearings as specified is not covered by warranty. Normal maintenance and service items will not be replaced
due to wear (items include, but are not limited to, bearings, bushes, sheaves, brakes, brake linings, rigging cable, battery).

Limited Warranty does not cover wear, deterioration and/or damage from road elements, salt, sand, weather conditions, and/or improper
wash solvents. Any damage caused by or attributed to any act of God whatsoever is not covered by manufacturer’s limited warranty.

Limited Warranty claims can be entered at futuratrailers.com or email [e-mail].

For full Limited Warranty terms and conditions;

DOWNLOAD FUTURA TRAILERS LIMITED WARRANTY DOCUMENT FROM FUTURATRAILERS.COM/WARRANTY!

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT (DOT) REQUIRES FUTURA TRAILERS INC TO HAVE A RECORD OF THE

FIRST PURCHASER OF A NEW VEHICLE. PLEASE ASSIST YOUR DEALER BY PROVIDING THE NECESSARY

INFORMATION TO REGISTER YOUR TRAILER OR REGISTER ON OUR WEB SITE

FUTURATRAILERS.COM/WARRANTY

OR E-MAIL [e-mail] OR PHONE [phone]

Welcome to Futura Trailers

Thank you for your recent purchase of a Futura Low Loader trailer.! At Futura Trailers we take great pride in the

quality of our trailers and hope your experience with our company is both satisfying and rewarding. We are
confident that our trailers will meet your high standards. If at any time you find you have issues with your
trailer, please do not hesitate to contact your local Futura Trailers dealer or our service department,
[e-mail].

View Quick Start Video at futuratrailers.com/manuals

Before operating the trailer, please refer to both

“Low Loader Trailer Manual” and “Utility Trailer Owners Manual”

This User’s Manual contains safety information and instructions for your trailer. You must
read this manual along with Utility Owners Manual before loading or towing your trailer.
You must follow all safety precautions and instructions.

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Welcome to Futura Trailers

Check wheel lug nut torque to 95 ft/lb, 10, 25 and 50 miles and before each tow.

Trailer wheel lug nuts are prone to loosen after first being assembled. When towing a new trailer, or after wheels have been
remounted, check to make sure the lug nuts are tight after the first 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving and before each tow thereafter.

• Torque wheel lug nuts to 95 ft/lb in the sequence shown above.

• Repeat sequence before each trip or whenever a wheel is removed or replaced.

Check wheel bearings for heat and excessive play at 10, 25 and 50 miles.

The wheel bearing play is set at the factory, however, the wheel bearings may need resetting after towing and should be checked
regularly.

• Tow the trailer for 10 miles at highway speeds.

• Stop the vehicle and park in a safe location.

• Place your hand on each of the wheel hubs of the trailer. If a hub is too warm to comfortably hold your hand on,
the bearing is generating excessive heat and may be defective, have insufficient play or require lubrication.

• Setting wheel bearings please refer to the Service and Maintenance section of this manual.

• Check the wheel bearing for excessive heat or play again after 25 and 50 miles.!

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Wheel separation can occur, for proper safety and performance the

following checks should be performed at the specified intervals.

Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death! Additionally,

failure to follow these instructions may subject you to personal liability penalties as

determined by the U.S. Judicial System. Failure to follow these instructions may invalidate

the product warranty.

Read before towing your trailer.

Operating your Futura Low Loader

Learn how to safely and correctly operate the Futura Low Loader trailer. This document is to be read in
conjunction with the “Futura Utility Trailer Owners Manual” and instructional videos are available at
futturatrailers.com/videos.

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1. Connect the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Tow-ball size - 2 5/16”
Hitch height
should be 14” to 16”

Dangerous trailer sway may occur if hitch height is too low.

Lifting arm will not raise fully if hitch height is too low.

Operating your Futura Low Loader

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Ensure the tow ball size is correctly matched to the hitch.

Safety cables are connected and crossed and breakaway is

connected to the tow vehicle.

Connect to the tow vehicle. Ensure the safety
cables and the break-away cable are securely
connected to the tow vehicle. Safety cables
must be crossed under the hitch.

Raise the jack fully.

Remove the jack wheel and stow.

Operating your Futura Low Loader

!!

!!!!!!!!!!

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Turn on the master switch to operate the

trailer winch.

Before attempting to lower the trailer,
release all of the safety latches.

Latch shown in un-locked position.

3. Lower the trailer.

2. Park the trailer on level ground.

The trailer lifting arms may not raise fully if the trailer is

not parked on level ground.

Operating your Futura Low Loader

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Stand clear of the trailer or remain in loaded vehicle while lowering or

raising. There are several crush zones.

Never touch cables or moving parts when in operation.

Turn on your wireless remote by holding
down the two buttons simultaneously for 5
seconds until the red light illuminates.

or - use the manual switch on the winch
enclosure to lower the trailer.

Lower the trailer with the wireless Trailer
remote;

Operating your Futura Low Loader

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If you forget to unlock the safety latches before lowering the trailer,

do not attempt to unlock the safety latches as they will be under

load. Raise the trailer again, then release the safety latches.

Lower the trailer until the rear of the trailer is on the ground. Do not overrun the winch down. Stop as soon
as the load is light on the cable. The trailer’s tires should take some load when the vehicle is being loaded.

Raise the license plate.

Pre set the safety latches to auto latch once the
trailer is fully raised.

4. Pre set the safety latches

Operating your Futura Low Loader

Load the vehicle as far forward as possible. Ensure that at least 10% of the total weight is on the trailer tongue.
Rear and mid engine cars may require loading backwards for correct load distribution. If you drive on take the
remote with you. You may use the remote to raise the trailer from inside the vehicle. You may not be able to
open your vehicle doors with the trailer lowered.

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5. Roll, winch or drive the vehicle onto the trailer.

Ensure safety latches are preset to latch and stand clear or

remain in the vehicle while raising the trailer!

6. Raise the trailer using the Trailer remote or winch enclosure switch.

Operating your Futura Low Loader

The winch will stop automatically when the trailer is raised to the travelling position and the safety latches will
spring into place. Prior to towing it is important to check that all lifting arms have landed tight on the mount
beam and all safety latches are engaged.

Note: If the winch has stopped but all latches have not engaged, move the trailer forward to a different
gradient of ground and press the up button again. The trailer may be on uneven ground or the tongue height
too low. For all lifting arms to land, the trailer must be on flat ground with correct tongue height.

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Do not tow trailer without first ensuring the safety latches are all

latched into place. The load must remain on the cables. Damage

may occur to safety latches if travelling without tight cables.

Loading your Futura Low Loader

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For security and to prevent battery drain remove,
the master battery switch.

Charging the onboard battery.

The trailer is equipped with a battery trickle charger
which is powered by the tow vehicle auxiliary supply, if
present on tow vehicle. The solar charger will operate in
daylight to maintain the battery voltage.

When the trailer is not in use ensure the master

switch is turned off.

Ideal battery voltage is between 12.2V and 13V. Note: The battery will be

drained of charge if the breakaway switch is activated.

The trailer may not operate correctly if the voltage is under 12.0V.

Loading your Futura Low Loader

Futura low loader trailers are designed specifically for carrying motor vehicles. It is recommended that Futura
over the wheel tie straps be used to secure the vehicle with the tie straps connected to the side chassis rails.
The vehicle must be loaded as far forward on the trailer as possible so the loaded tongue weight is 10% of the
total load. Do not load cargo in the towed vehicle, once it is onboard the trailer as this may change the load
distribution and overload the trailer. We recommend installing a weight safe hitch. https://www.weigh­safe.com/ to ensure correct tongue load. For instruction on how to use Futura over wheel tie straps, please see
the video at futuratrailers.com/manuals . !

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Do not exceed the load stated on the trailer’s tire and loading information plate.
Apply the towed vehicle park brake and always ensure towed vehicle is correctly

secured to the trailer using Futura over wheel tie down straps before towing. Replace

tie down straps if worn.

Loaded tongue load must be 10% of total load. An incorrectly loaded vehicle

may result in trailer sway or whipping and lead to a total loss of control. For

correct weight distribution rear engine cars may require loading backwards.

If loading your trailer when not connected to the tow vehicle, use wheel

chocks to ensure the trailer cannot move during loading and only load vehicle

using the recovery winch. Have some tension on the cables to ensure load is

taken on the tires. Stand clear while loading.

Important operating notice

Trailer winch direction: If the winch is over run in the down rotation the cable will re-spool and start to

wind in, raising the trailer upwards. The trailer will lift when the winch is run in the wrong direction. It will
however not automatically stop when reaching the top of its travel. The proximity sensor is not wired to stop
the winch when rotating in the down direction. The trailer should only be raised by pressing UP button and
lowered pressing the DOWN button.

Winch cable: Ensure the winch cable is always neatly spooled on the winch drum. If the cable frays, replace
it immediately.

In case of trailer winch failure: If for any reason the winch fails to operate the trailer can be raised by
placing a suitable jack under the mount beam and jacking from each side. Secure the safety latches to hold the
trailer in the raised position and tie the loose cable rigging up from dragging on the ground before towing to a
repair agent.!

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Be aware of the importance of running the trailer winch in the

correct rotation when raising and lowering the trailer.

Storing your Futura Low Loader

We recommend storing the trailer in the lowered position with the battery switch off. Chock the wheels to
prevent the trailer from rolling. The trailer can also be used for parking your vehicle on whilst in the lowered
position.

Support

We are sure you’ll enjoy the ease and convenience of your new Futura Low Loader trailer. If you have any
questions please email [e-mail] . To view our Quick Start Video or download a copy of this
guide, the Futura Utility Trailer Owners Manual and Futura Trailers 2 year Limited Warranty, or to make a
warranty claim, order parts, or locate your nearest Futura Trailer dealer please visit: www.futuratrailers.com!

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Electric brake-away unit is for emergency brake-away function only. Do not
use the brake-away unit as a park brake as the battery will run flat and the

brakes will disengage.

Service and Maintenance Summary

Check wheel lug nut torque to 95 ft/lb at 10, 25 and 50 miles and before each tow.
Check wheel bearings for heat and excessive play at 10, 25 and 50miles and before each tow.
Bed brakes in when first towing.
Check brake adjustment 200 miles and 3,000 miles.
Check drum brake pads for wear.
Check tire pressure before each tow. (55psi)
Lubricate wheel bearings every 12 months or 10,000 miles.
Check lifting arm bearings regularly. There should be no back-lash in lifting arm bearings.
Check lights are in working order.
Check breakaway switch operation before each tow.
Apply grease or motor cycle chain lube to shaft of the rigging pulleys regularly to prevent
squeaking and prolong bearing life.
Realign trailer winch cable on the winch drum if it gets crossed.
Inspect winch and rigging cable and replace if there are any signs of damage or fraying.

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Do not work under the trailer when it is loaded. Before working under the

trailer ensure the battery switch is off, the safety latches are engaged on all

lifting arms and the tongue and rear of the trailer are safely supported.

WHEEL BEARING LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS
Thickener Type Lithium Complex Dropping Point 215 C (419 F) Minimum
Consistency NLGI No 2 Additives EP, Corrosion and Oxidation Inhibitors
Viscosity Index 80 Minimum

Tire, wheel or lug nut failure can cause loss of control. Before towing you must check

tire pressure and tread. Check tires and wheels for damage.

Re-tighten lug nuts for new and re-mounted wheels after first 10, 30 and 50 miles.

Service and Maintenance

Electric Brakes: Electric brake manual can be found at futuratrailers.com/manuals

The trailer brakes should be burnished-in when new by applying the brakes 20 to 30 times with an
approximate 20 mph decrease in speed, eg from 30 mph to 10 mph, allowing ample time for the pads
to cool between application.
Check the brake pads for wear before each tow. Adjust the brakes after the first 100 miles and at 3,000
mile intervals thereafter or as use and performance requires.

To adjust the brakes.

1. Jack the wheel off the ground.

2. Remove the cover from the adjusting slot on the bottom of the
brake backing plate.

3. Using a screwdriver, rotate the star-wheel of the adjuster
assembly to expand the brake shoes.

4. Adjust the brake shoes out until the pressure of the linings
against the drum makes the wheel very difficult to turn.

5. Rotate the star-wheel in the opposite direction until the wheel
turns freely with a slight lining drag.

6. Replace the adjusting slot cover and lower the wheel to the ground. Repeat the above procedure on all
brakes.

Wheel Bearing Adjustment:!

Check wheel bearings for heat and excessive play at 10, 25 and 50 miles and before each tow.
Adjust the wheel bearings at 2,000 mile intervals or as use and performance requires.
Lubricate bearings every 12 months or 10,000 miles.

To set wheel bearings:

1. Rotate the hub slowly while tightening the castle nut to approximately 50 ft/lb.

2. Back off the castle nut completely to remove the torque.

3. Turn the castle nut by hand until it is snug and and line up the nearest cotter pin hole.

4. Replace the cotter pin and bend over the pin legs.

5. Check for excessive play or heat after the first 10 miles, repeat adjustment procedure if necessary.

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Failure to back off the castle nut as described may cause the bearing to

run hot and be damaged. If this happens during operation, the wheel

also may lock or come off, causing a risk of serious bodily harm.

Service and Maintenance

Torque Wheel Lug Nuts:

After first 10, 25 and 50 miles, torque lug nuts to to 95 ft/lb. Repeat sequence before each trip or
whenever a wheel is removed or replaced.!

Chassis:

Keep the chassis clean and free from salt and road debris.

If the trailer has been towed on salted or grimy roads then we recommend you rinse the rigging and
pulleys with fresh water to prevent debris and salt build up in the pulley bushes.

Lifting Arm:

It is important that lifting arm idler hub bearings are snug and there is no lateral movement in the lifting
arms.
If there is play in the lifting arm, tighten the hub nut to 50 ft/lb, replace and bend over the cotter pin.

Winch and Rigging:

Do not overwind the winch down to avoid back winding. Keep the winch cable neat on the winch drum.
If you notice the winch load up excessively when the trailer reaches the full up position, release the UP
button as the control circuit may have failed.

Inspect the magnetic proximity sensor located on the left rear mount beam , the sensor surface must be
clean for the sensor to operate correctly.

Periodically inspect the winch and rigging cables for fraying. If any fraying or damage has occurred you
must replace the cable or rigging set.

Lightly lubricate the rigging pulley bushes with motorcycle chain lube, lithium grease or similar, to
minimise bearing noise and prolong service life.

Inspect pulley shafts as a part of regular preventive maintenance and replaced if worn.

IF IN DOUBT ABOUT ANY SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES PLEASE HAVE YOUR
FUTURA DEALER OR A SIMILARLY TRAINED AND QUALIFIED PERSON CARRY OUT THE TASK.

Late Model Tow Vehicle Lighting Issue.

Some late model vehicles have sensors built into the tail light harnesses to detect when a lamp has burned out. LED
trailer lighting may not work correctly when connected to these vehicles. Consult the vehicle manufacturer for a
solution.!

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Disclaimer of incidental and consequential Damages

Futura Trailers Inc hereby disclaims any and all incidental and consequential damages arising out of or relating to the trailer, including
expenses such as transportation to and from vehicle dealerships and Futura Trailers Inc repair facilities, loss of time, loss of pay, loss of use,
inconvenience, commercial loss (including lost profits), towing charges, bus fares, vehicle rental, service call charges, gasoline expenses,
incidental charges such as telephone calls and facsimile transmissions, and expenses for lodging. This disclaimer is independent of any
failure of the essential purpose of any warranties provided with a trailer, and shall survive any determination that a warranty failed of its
essential purpose. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or
exclusion may not apply to you.

Futura Trailers Inc may direct you to an authorized Futura Trailers repairer, or may request that you bring your trailer to the nearest Futura
Trailers facility for repairs.

Replacement parts are sent to whoever is responsible for the repair. Futura Trailers will not be responsible for improper repairs made to
Futura trailers. Futura Trailers Inc will not be responsible for non-authorized replacement parts used in repairs. Products or parts produced
by another manufacturer and distributed by Futura Trailers Inc will be covered by the respective manufacturer’s warranty.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

If you believe that your trailer has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)in addition to notifying Futura Trailers Inc.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order
a recall and remedy campaign. However, NTHSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Futura Trailers
Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153);go to http://
www.safercar.gov;or write to: Administrator,NHTSA,1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E.,Washington, DC 20590.

You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http:// www.safercar.gov.

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FUTURA TRAILERS INC 3500 SOUTH DUPONT HIGHWAY, DOVER DE 19901

If you have any questions please email [e-mail]

ph [phone]

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