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 incur-
ring obligations.
Midwest Industries, Inc. |
Ida Grove, IA 51445 |
800.859.3028 |
www.shorelandr.com |
0003513 |
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Table of Contents
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Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires .................. |
8 |
Specifications & General Information |
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UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading System) Info...... |
8-9 |
Matching Your ShoreLand’r® to Load Hauling |
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Torquing Procedure For Mounting Wheels .............. |
9 |
2 |
Rim................................................................................. |
9-10 |
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Load Carrying Capacity ................................................. |
3 |
Brakes............................................................................ |
10 |
Weight Distribution / Tongue Weight.............................. |
3 |
Glossary of Tire Terminology ......................................... |
13-15 |
Tow Vehicles.................................................................. |
3 |
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Trailer Balls and Coupler ............................................... |
4-5 |
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Safety Chains ................................................................ |
5 |
Toubleshooting & Maintenance |
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Proper Winch Post Adjustment...................................... |
6 |
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Bow Eye Safety Chain................................................... |
6 |
Lighting |
10 |
Winch Handles............................................................... |
6 |
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Bow Pulpits and Winch Post Lengths............................ |
6 |
Paint and Its Care.......................................................... |
10 |
Wiring Diagram and Color Code.................................... |
6 |
Repacking Bearings....................................................... |
10-11 |
Tire Information.............................................................. |
6-11 |
Hubs, Bearings, Races & Seals Chart........................... |
11 |
Determining Correct Load Limits ............................. |
6 |
Grease Seals................................................................. |
11 |
Tire Safety................................................................ |
7 |
Recommended Lubricant............................................... |
11 |
Basic Tire Maintenance ........................................... |
7 |
Bearing Repacking ........................................................ |
11 |
Recommended PSI & Maximum Load Capacity...... |
7 |
Bearing Adjustment ....................................................... |
11-12 |
Understanding Tire Pressure & Load Limits ............ |
7 |
Brakes Service & Maintenance...................................... |
12 |
Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure ............................ |
7 |
Backing Up Trailer With Disc Brakes............................. |
12 |
Tire Size................................................................... |
7 |
Reporting Safety Defects............................................... |
12-13 |
Tire Tread................................................................. |
7-8 |
Warranty Information ..................................................... |
13 |
Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment.......................... |
8 |
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Tire Repair ............................................................... |
8 |
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Tire Fundamentals................................................... |
8 |
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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
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
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.
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.
Midwest Industries, Inc. |
Ida Grove, IA 51445 |
800.859.3028 |
www.shorelandr.com |
0003513 |
Page 3 |
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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:
•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.
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.
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
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” |
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 byreversingprocedureinstep#landturning thenut counterclockwise.
B.Check to see that the coupler housing has not been damaged,keepingtheballhitchfromfittingcompletelyintothe 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.
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.
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 |
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
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.
Midwest Industries, Inc. |
Ida Grove, IA 51445 |
800.859.3028 |
www.shorelandr.com |
0003513 |
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