ShoreLand'r Utility Trailer user manual
UTILITY TRAILER OWNER’S GUIDE
Thank you for choosing ShoreLand’r®!
Here are the operating instructions for your new trailer. Please read this document
carefully before using your trailer and keep it in a safe place for future reference.
If you have any questions about your trailer contact your local ShoreLand’r® dealer or contact our
Customer Service Department at 800-859-3028 or e-mail: shorelandr@midwestindustries.com,
so we can assist you in contacting a dealer.
You should have recieved a packet of warranty documents with your trailer. Be sure to fill out and
mail your Warranty Registration Card to activate your trailer’s warranty. If you did not recieve this
information ask your dealer for a copy or visit www.shorelandr.com and register online.
Please fill in the following information for your records
Model Year:
Model:
Vehicle Identification Number:
Carrying Capacity:
Date Purchased:
Purchased From:
Models and specifications are subject to change. Some models are shown with optional equipment. Because of the continual improvements to our
trailers, ShoreLand’r® reserves the right to add or discontinue models at any time or to change design and specifications without notice and incurring obligations.
Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 800.859.3028 www.shorelandr.com 0003513
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Table of Contents
Specifications & General Information
Matching Your ShoreLand’r® to Load Hauling ............. 2
Load Carrying Capacity ................................................. 3
Weight Distribution / Tongue Weight .............................. 3
Tow Vehicles .................................................................. 3
Trailer Balls and Coupler ............................................... 4-5
Safety Chains ................................................................ 5
Proper Winch Post Adjustment ...................................... 6
Bow Eye Safety Chain ................................................... 6
Winch Handles ............................................................... 6
Bow Pulpits and Winch Post Lengths ............................ 6
Wiring Diagram and Color Code .................................... 6
Tire Information .............................................................. 6-11
Determining Correct Load Limits ............................. 6
Tire Safety ................................................................ 7
Basic Tire Maintenance ........................................... 7
Recommended PSI & Maximum Load Capacity ...... 7
Understanding Tire Pressure & Load Limits ............ 7
Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure ............................ 7
Tire Size ................................................................... 7
Tire Tread ................................................................. 7-8
Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment .......................... 8
Tire Repair ............................................................... 8
Tire Fundamentals ................................................... 8
Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires .................. 8
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading System) Info ...... 8-9
Torquing Procedure For Mounting Wheels .............. 9
Rim ................................................................................. 9-10
Brakes ............................................................................ 10
Glossary of Tire Terminology ......................................... 13-15
Toubleshooting & Maintenance
Lighting .......................................................................... 10
Paint and Its Care .......................................................... 10
Repacking Bearings ....................................................... 10-11
Hubs, Bearings, Races & Seals Chart ........................... 11
Grease Seals ................................................................. 11
Recommended Lubricant ............................................... 11
Bearing Repacking ........................................................ 11
Bearing Adjustment ....................................................... 11-12
Brakes Service & Maintenance ...................................... 12
Backing Up Trailer With Disc Brakes ............................. 12
Reporting Safety Defects ............................................... 12-13
Warranty Information ..................................................... 13
You and Your ShoreLand’r
We at ShoreLand’r® would like to thank you for purchasing one
of our trailers!
Our goal is your complete satisfaction, that is why we recommend
leading this manual in its entirety. A better understanding of your
trailer’s features, regulations and adjustments will make your towing experience more pleasurable.
It is important that you give your new trailer proper care and maintenance to ensure that it continues to provide the dependable performance year after year.
Happy trailering!
®
IMPORTANT: Read this manual carefully with special attention
directed toward all WARNING, CAUTION and IMPORTANT
information.
Because of the continual improvements being made in our line,
ShoreLand’r® reserves the right to add or discontinue models at
any time or to change design and specifications without notice and
incurring obligations.
All specifications contained herein were in effect at the time this
manual was printed.
Should a problem arise, please contact the dealer from whom the
original purchase was made. You may also call our distributor for
your area or call our Customer Service Department by phone at
800-859-3028 or e-mail shorelandr@midwestindustries.com.
NOTICE
This trailer is equipped to meet applicable U.S. Federal safety standards. Check local and state requirements regarding brakes and any additional
equipment that my be required. Any modifications or additions including load equalizing hitches, without written factory consent; usage in an abnormal
manner including overloading voids all manufacturers warranties and liability.
Referencing the Utility Trailer in this Manual
All references to the trailer or component parts to either left or right are made with the assumption that you are standing behind the trailer
facing forward. Your left-hand or right-hand is the equivalent on the trailer.
Matching Your Shoreland’r® to the Load You Intend to Haul
The key to carefree trailering is purchasing a trailer that is designed with a carrying capacity large enough to carry the loads you intend to
haul on it. This includes all excess gear and tie down materials used to contain the load on the trailer when towing.
The trailer should also be long enough to properly support the materials you are hauling. It must also be of sufficient width to offer stability
while towing.
Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 800.859.3028 www.shorelandr.com 0003513
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Load-carrying Capacity
Located on the front left-hand side of the frame, (either the inside
or the outside) is the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) tag. It will
show the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) which is the maximum load that can be applied to the tires on the trailer. Note that
the VIN tag may have as many as three different GVWR ratings
listed because some trailers frames have more than one tire option
available. The GVWR and the carrying capacity of the trailer may
vary based on the tire size installed on the trailer.
Also listed on the VIN tag is the carrying capacity of the trailer.
This is the maximum carrying capacity of the trailer with its respective tire option. It may not necessarily equal the total GVWR of the
trailer less the empty weight of the trailer because there may be
another controlling factor such as frame strength that reduces the
carrying capacity to what is listed on the VIN tag.
The tire label will list the size tire that was installed on the trailer as
original equipment when it was sold to you, the consumer. It also
lists the maximum carrying capacity of the trailer.
IMPORTANT
The total weight of the load must never exceed the weight of cargo
listed on the tire label and/or the maximum load carrying capacity
listed on the VIN tag on your trailer. The GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) listed is the maximum total weight of the trailer with
accessories and all cargo allowable to be carried on the tires that
are installed on the trailer.
Some model trailers have a different limiting factor other than the
tires, example frame, or brake law limitations. The maximum load
carrying capacity that is listed should never be exceeded.
CAUTION: The maximum load applied to the trailer
must never exceed the carrying capacity of the trailer
as stated on the VIN label and/or the tire placard. Doing
so may cause failure of one or more component parts of
the trailer causing potential damage to the trailer and/
or a potential accident. All concentrated loads must be
spread over as large an area as possible to eliminate
potential damage to the decking.
Shown below is an example of the VIN and tire label that is placed
on your trailer showing the items just discussed above. Once you
have familiarized yourself with the information supplied on the example tire label and VIN tag, check the tire size and capacity of
your trailer as shown on the VIN tag on your trailer.
Proper Weight Distribution & Tongue Weight
Ensuring that your trailer has the proper GVWR is very important.
Once that has been established and you have the load on the trailer
it is equally important that you have proper weight distribution.
Tongue Weight
The tongue weight on your trailer should range from 5-10% of the
total weight of the trailer and all the cargo that it is carrying. This
is the amount of weight that is then transferred to the tow vehicle
through the ball hitch. Smaller trailers should have a tongue weight
that ranges closer to the 10% while larger trailers will tend to be
closer to the 5% range. This should be checked when the tongue
is parallel to the ground. A bathroom scale can be used to help
determine the tongue weight as long as the above conditions are
adhered to.
Example: The total weight of the trailer with load is 2,000 pounds.
The tongue weight should not be less than 100 pounds (5%) nor
more than 200 pounds (10%). A reasonable tongue weight for a
trailer this size is 125-150 pounds.
Too light of tongue weight can cause the trailer to “fishtail” (sway
Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 800.859.3028 www.shorelandr.com 0003513
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from side to side) as you travel down the highway. This creates
excessive strains on the tow vehicle, hitch and also the trailer itself.
It can very easily lead to an accident.
To adjust for too light tongue weight the load must be shifted forward with respect to the axle. This will increase the weight that is
transferred to the tongue. Adjustments should be made until the
tongue weight falls within the 5% and 10% recommended range.
Likewise, if you have too much tongue weight adjust the weight
backwards with respect to the axle until the tongue weight falls in
the recommended range.
Tow vehicles vary on how much tongue weight they can support for
proper towing.
IMPORTANT: Before towing this trailer be sure to read the
instructions and warnings supplied in this manual. Also read
the information supplied with your tow vehicle so you know
and understand it’s limitations.
NEVER TOW THIS TRAILER BEFORE CHECKING:
It is also important that the lighting system in the tow vehicle has
sufficient capacity to support the additional load the trailer lighting
will add to the system. A heavy duty flasher may be required to
make your turn signals function properly.
TRAILER BALLS & COUPLERS
Coupler and latch assembly show no signs of wear or damage.
•
Coupler hitch and hitch ball are of the same size.
•
Coupler and safety chains are safely secured to the hitch.
•
Check all fasteners for proper tightness.
•
Load is securely tied down to the trailer.
•
Wheel lug nuts are properly tightened to the right torque.
•
Wheel bearings are properly adjusted and maintained.
•
Load is within the maximum load carrying capacity of trailer.
•
Tires are properly inflated and are road worthy.
•
All trailer lighting is working properly.
•
Trailer brakes are properly adjusted and in working condition.
•
IMPORTANT: The load must be distributed equally on the
bed of the trailer if possible. Heavy, concentrated loads may
cause damage or possible failure of the trailer decking. If
concentrated loads are placed on the trailer deck, spread the
load over a larger area by placing a larger size steel plate or
multiple layers of plywood on the trailer decking before placing on the concentrated load.
WARNING: Loads placed on the trailer must be securely
tied to the trailer frame or decking. Always use appropriate
tie downs designed to restrict loads from moving when properly attached. Failure to do so will allow shifting of the load
causing potential trailer failure and/or loss of the load and
personal injury.
WARNING: Failure to properly engage the hitch ball in the
coupler ball socket and securely lock the coupler latch mechanism can cause the trailer to become detached from the
tow vehicle while traveling, which may cause serious injury
or property damage.
Trailer couplers shall be permanently marked with (A) Coupler
manufacturer name, initials, or trademark, (B) Part, style or model
number, (C) SAE coupler designation and gross trailer weight, (D)
Ball diameter for which rating (GVWR) shall not exceed the gross
trailer weight marked on the trailer coupler.
The hitch balls have the rated load they are capable of towing
stamped into the top of the ball.
Make sure the ball that you use to tow your trailer has the
same capacity rating as the coupler.
Do not use a different size ball than the size the coupler is
designed to use.
Class Coupler Ball Diameter
II 3,500# GVWR 2”
III 5,000# GVWR 2”
This trailer is equipped to meet all applicable federal safety
standards in effect the day of manufacture. Check local and
state requirements regarding brakes and any additional equipment that may be required.
Check regulations on maximum trailer width in the states you
plan to tow your trailer.
The addition of optional equipment to your trailer may increase the total weight of your trailer package to where it now
exceeds the maximum load carrying capacity of the trailer.
TOW VEHICLES
WARNING: Serious injury or property damage can result if
the total weight of your loaded trailer exceeds the capacity of
the hitch and/or your tow vehicle.
It is very important that you know and understand the towing capabilities of your tow vehicle. This is especially true with the braking
abilities of the tow vehicle. You should check with your authorized
dealer to see what the capabilities are for the total towing load and
the maximum allowable tongue weight for the vehicle you plan on
using for towing. Several options are available for these cars or
pickups which will help your towing ability. They include transmission coolers, engine oil coolers, proper rear end ratios, air shocks,
over-size tires, and also heavy duty radiators. Many can be purchased with the optional trailer package that includes some or all of
the above mentioned items.
To adjust your Class II and Class III coupler to your trailer ball, remove the coupler from the ball. Reach under the coupler and raise
the channel lock up so the nut can be turned. Turn the adjusting nut
clockwise to tighten the ball clamp grip on the ball, counterclockwise to loosen ball clamp grip on the ball. Once the nut has been
adjusted make sure the channel lock has positioned back down
around the flat surfaces of the nut so it is locked from turning. Replace the hitch back on the ball and latch. Repeat this process until
the ball clamp latches securely around the ball.
HITCH COUPLER TROUBLESHOOTING
If the coupler becomes damaged it must be repaired or replaced
before towing. When the coupler is placed on the ball, the latch
should close firmly. Keep the latch mechanism lightly oiled and
clean. Items to check for are as follows:
1. Latch does not grasp ball securely:
A. Check the ball size. Make sure the ball and coupler are
the same size.
B. Unlatch the mechanism and reach under the ball clamp.
Raise the retainer clip that keeps the nut from turning,
Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 800.859.3028 www.shorelandr.com 0003513
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then turn the adjustment nut clockwise to tighten
the grip on the ball. Make sure the nut returns to its proper
position in the retainer clip, then latch the hitch on the ball.
If it is still loose repeat the process until the grasp on the
ball is right.
2. Latch does not snap into full latch position:
A. Check adjustment. Latch mechanism may be to tight.
Loosen by reversing procedure in step #l and turning the nut
counterclockwise.
B. Check to see that the coupler housing has not been
damaged, keeping the ball hitch from fitting completely into the
housing as designed.
3. Keep the tongue blocked up when not in use so the coupler
and mechanism are not in the ground being exposed to dirt
and moisture.
4. Apply a small amount of an automotive grease to the ball
before hitching coupler to prevent wear of the two parts during
towing.
WARNING: Failure to properly attach safety chains between
the trailer and tow vehicle can result in a run away trailer.
WARNING: Before trailering to avoid accidents...
Hitch only to ball size marked on coupling.
•
Ball clamp must capture ball and lever or handwheel
•
is fully clamped.
Cross safety chains under coupling.
•
Allow only enough slack for turns.
•
Bottom View Shown
5. Make sure the latch safety pin is in position before towing.
COUPLER & BALL ENGAGEMENT
If the coupler and towing ball resist attempts to make engagement,
do not force latch assembly. Instead, check the ball diameter to
verify that it conforms to Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
specifications. Standard two-inch diameter ball should be within
the limits of 2.000-inches to 1.970-inches. Balls larger than 2.000inches will not readily fit the coupler. A two-piece coupler ball is not
recommended.
If the coupler becomes damaged it must be repaired or replaced
before towing. When the coupler is placed on the ball, the latch
should close firmly. Keep the latch mechanism lightly oiled and
clean.
Improper engagement of the coupler and ball can cause damage if
the vehicles separate in transit: thus, caution must be exercised to
insure a secure hook-up. Lower the coupler onto the ball with the
coupler latch in the vertical position. Continue to lower the trailer
tongue until the jack clears the ground, then flip the coupler latch
to its locked (horizontal) position. At this point visually observe that
the ball is fully engaged in the ball hitch. An even better check to
make sure the two are fully engaged is to raise the tongue of the
trailer again using the jack. Raise until the ball hitch connection
starts to raise the rear of the tow vehicle. If the connection was not
properly made, the ball and socket will separate as the tongue of
the trailer is raised.
The safety chains on your trailer are an added insurance that it
will not become detached from the tow vehicle. ShoreLand’r®
provides all safety chains with an added clasp to keep them
from becoming accidentally detached from the tow vehicle.
Your trailer hitch on the tow vehicle should have two attaching holes or rings for attaching the safety chains, preferably one
on each side of the ball hitch. Crisscross the chains under the
tongue, the chain on the left side of the trailer tongue attached
to the right side of the ball hitch, the chain on the right side of
the trailer tongue attached to the left side of the ball hitch.
This prevents the trailer tongue from dropping to the road should
the coupler or ball hitch fail. The chains should be rigged as tight as
possible with just enough slack to allow tight turns to be made. This
can be accomplished by twisting the chain hook in a clockwise or
counterclockwise direction thus twisting the link spacing and making the chain shorter. Also by keeping your chains as short as possible you prevent them from dragging on the road and wearing the
chain links.
If for any reason you find it necessary to replace a safety chain, use
only original equipment.
SAFETY CHAINS
Listed in the chart below are the different class sizes of safety chains
and the rated load each chain must be capable of withstanding.
TRAILER TRAILER WEIGHT MINIMUM BRAKING
CLASS GVWR IN LBS. STRENGTH IN LBS.
I to 2,000 2,000
II 2,000 to 3,500 3,500
III 3,500 to 5,000 5,000
Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 800.859.3028 www.shorelandr.com 0003513
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