Tow Vehicle Requirements
In short, you should have a Tow hitch (class 1 or 2 is fine) that has a 2" Ball. The standard electrical connection is a flat 4 pin connector. Read on for more info… :-)
Details
Before embarking on an adventure with your All Good Equipment Co. trailer, it is essential to ensure your tow vehicle is well-maintained and properly equipped for towing. Since maintenance needs and recommendations can vary between vehicles, we advise consulting your specific vehicle owner’s manual for any related queries. Nevertheless, the following specifications of the All Good Teardrop Trailer should guide your tow vehicle requirements:
You should have a Tow hitch (class 1 or 2 is fine) that has a 2" Ball.
You should have a standard electrical connection with a flat 4-pin connector. (If you've opted for optional trailer brakes, you'll need a round 7-pin connector, and a trailer brake controller installed in your vehicle.)
The following are the trailer specs that will help you determine your hitch needs:
Dry Weight: 1080 lbs (plus any options)
Tongue Weight: 125 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 1800 lbs
When selecting a tow vehicle, don’t forget to consider the weights of your additional gear and options as well as the tow capacity of individual vehicles.
Hooking up your All Good Equipment trailer
Using the tongue jack, raise the tow coupler on the front of the camper high enough to clear the tow ball, position the coupler over the ball.
Lift the coupler’s tab handle upward.
Lower the tongue-jack so the coupler fits onto the ball.
After the coupler is seated, push the tab handle back down (this will engage a locking mechanism to hold the coupler on the ball).
Lock by inserting a pin through the tab handle. (Use a padlock instead of pin for extra security).
Attach the safety chains to the tow vehicle at the hitch assembly.
Attach the 4 pin connector and check the trailer lights for proper operation.
Loading & Weight Distribution
Proper loading and load distribution are crucial for safe towing. When packing your trailer, attempt to evenly distribute the cargo from side to side, attempt to center added load over the axle, and ensure that the total weight does not exceed the following limits:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum permissible weight of the trailer when fully loaded, including water, accessories, gear, add-ons, etc.
Maximum load rating of tires: The maximum weight each tire can safely support.
Your tow vehicle’s towing capacity.
Safety Chains
Safety chains are crucial for ensuring safe towing. To be effective, safety chains must adhere to the following guidelines:
Condition & Connection: They must be in good condition and properly connected to the tow vehicle.
Attachment Point: Chains should be fastened to the frame of the tow vehicle and not to the ball or hitch.
Crossing and Twisting: Chains must cross each other under the hitch and be twisted to minimize slack, allowing for turns.
Strength Requirement: Chains should be strong enough to support the tongue of the trailer off the ground in case the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle.
Safety chains are essential on bumper-pull trailers to maintain control of the trailer if it becomes detached from the tow vehicle. Incorrect attachment of safety chains can lead to extensive damage to both the trailer and tow vehicle, as well as serious injury or fatality.