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Featherlite knows the most important thing that goes into each and every trailer is what you, our customer, put in it. That is why the features of all Featherlite trailers are engineered with the customer and the cargo in mind.
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Featherlite, Inc. MODEL E NCLOSED RAILERS ^ WARNING This User’s Manual contains safety information and instructions for your trailer. You must read this manual before loading or towing your trailer. You must follow all safety precautions and instructions. Featherlite, Inc. 800-800-1230 Phone 563-547-6100 Facsimile...
1.2.14 Hazards From Modifying Your Trailer .... 6 3.2.2.d Prepare Ball Receiver and Gooseneck Ball ..35 1.2.15 Hazards to Horses (Horse Trailer) ....7 3.2.2.e Couple the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle ... 35 1.2.16 Hazards to Livestock (Livestock Trailer) ... 7 3.2.2.f...
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Table of Contents NCLOSED RAILERS ....52 YNCHRONIZING THE RAKE YSTEMS ............52 RESSURE ^ WARNING ACCESSORIES............53 ASOLINE IESEL POWERED LECTRIC This User’s Manual contains safety ............53 ENERATORS information and instructions for your ...........53 CCESSORY ATTERY trailer............54 HORE OWER LP G ...........54 You must read this manual before loading YSTEM...
AFETY NFORMATION ^ CAUTION 1.1 S AFETY LERT YMBOLS AND IGNAL ORDS CAUTION – Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in minor or moderate This manual provides instructions for the operation injury if the warning is ignored. and care of Featherlite Horse, Livestock and Enclosed Trailers.
Section 1 – Safety Information • ^ DANGER When encountering trailer sway, take your foot off the accelerator, and steer as little as possible in order to stay on the road. Use small “trim- Use of an under-rated hitch, ball or tow like”...
Section 1 – Safety Information ^ WARNING Uncoupling may result in death or serious injury to you and to others. Incorrect rigging of the safety chains can ^ WARNING result in loss of control of the trailer and tow vehicle, leading to death or serious injury, if the trailer uncouples from the tow Coupler and hitch selection and condition vehicle.
Section 1 – Safety Information Matching Trailer and Hitch 1.2.8 ^ WARNING ^ DANGER Metal creep between the wheel rim and lug Use of an under-rated hitch, ball or tow nuts (bolts) will cause rim to loosen. vehicle can result in loss of control leading Death or injury can occur if wheel comes to death or serious injury.
Section 1 – Safety Information ^ WARNING ^ WARNING An overloaded trailer can result in failure or An improperly distributed load can result in in loss of control of the trailer, leading to loss of control of the trailer, and can lead to death or serious injury.
Section 1 – Safety Information certain items, such as people, containers of Check the trailer taillights by turning on your tow hazardous substances or containers of flammable vehicle headlights. Check the trailer brake lights by substances. A trailer not designed with living having someone step on the tow vehicle brake pedal quarters should only be used for transportation of its while you look at trailer lights.
Hauling a horse in a livestock trailer may result in its serious injury or death. The layout of a horse trailer is designed to safely Do not carry a horse in a livestock trailer. contain your horse. The trailer is equipped with Use a trailer designed to carry horses.
Section 1 – Safety Information ^ WARNING Carbon Monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause death. Be certain exhaust from a running generator does not accumulate in or around your trailer, by Risk of fire. situations such as: Connect only to source of correct voltage. •...
Section 1 – Safety Information ^ WARNING Stop the rig a few times from speeds no greater than 10 m.p.h. If your trailer is equipped with brakes, try using different combinations of trailer/electric Risk of fire or explosion brake and tow vehicle brake. Note the effect that If LP gas is detected (by smell or by the LP the trailer brakes have when they are the only gas detector):...
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Section 1 – Safety Information • brakes alone will tend to straighten out the Shift your automatic transmission into a lower combination, especially when going downhill. gear for city driving. • • Make regular stops, about once each hour. Use lower gears for climbing and descending Confirm that grades.
Section 1 – Safety Information 1.2.23 Safety Warning Labels on Your Trailer Warning Labels and Locations – Gooseneck Trailer – Figure 1-2 Warning Labels and Locations – Bumper Pull Trailer – Figure 1-3 ^ WARNING To protect you and others against death or serious injury, all of the labels shown above must be on the trailer and must be legible.
Section 1 – Safety Information 1.2.24 Reporting Safety Defects If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that 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 us.
AFETY NFORMATION • This portion of the User’s Manual contains tire Determining compatibility of tire and safety information as required by 49 CFR 575.6. vehicle load capabilities. • Adverse safety consequences Section 2.1 contains “Trailer Tire Information” overloading on handling and stopping on tires.
Section 2 - Tire Safety Information High speed towing in hot conditions degrades For trailers with living quarters installed, the weight trailer tires significantly. As heat builds up during of water and propane also need to be considered. driving, the tire’s internal structure starts to The weight of fully filled propane containers is breakdown, compromising the strength of the tire.
Section 2 - Tire Safety Information 2.2.1 Trailers 10,000 Pounds GVWR or 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and Less passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds. 4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage capacity. For example, if the “XXX”...
Section 2 - Tire Safety Information Cold inflation pressure Innerliner The pressure in the tire before you drive. The layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the inflating medium within the Cord tire. The strands forming the plies in the tire. Innerliner separation Cord separation The parting of the innerliner from cord material in...
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Section 2 - Tire Safety Information Non-pneumatic spare tire assembly Ply separation A non-pneumatic tire assembly intended for A parting of rubber compound between adjacent temporary use in place of one of the pneumatic tires plies. and rims that are fitted to a passenger car in compliance with the requirements of this standard.
Section 2 - Tire Safety Information Section width Weather side The linear distance between the exteriors of the The surface area of the rim not covered by the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations inflated tire. due to labeling, decoration, or protective bands. Wheel center member Sidewall In the case of a non-pneumatic tire assembly...
Section 2 - Tire Safety Information • (kPa), which is the metric measure used Basic tire maintenance • internationally.) Uniform Tire Quality Grading System • Manufacturers of passenger vehicles and light Fundamental characteristics of tires • trucks determine this number based on the vehicle's Tire safety tips.
Section 2 - Tire Safety Information on the tire valve stem with the edge of your tire you can see the top of Lincoln's head, you are ready gauge until you get to the correct pressure. for new tires. • Step 4: If the tire pressure is too low, note the 2.5.8 Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment...
Section 2 - Tire Safety Information represent the week and year the tire was built. For The "P" indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles. example, the numbers 3197 means the 31st week of 1997. The other numbers are marketing codes Next number used at the manufacturer's discretion.
Section 2 - Tire Safety Information Tires designated for trailers only have other markings besides those found on the sidewalls of Tires for light trucks have other markings besides passenger tires. those found on the sidewalls of passenger tires. An "ST" is an indication the tire is for trailer use The "LT"...
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Section 2 - Tire Safety Information • Do not run over curbs or other foreign objects in the roadway, and try not to strike the curb when parking. Tire Safety Checklist • Check tire pressure regularly (at least once a month), including the spare.
OUPLING TO THE EHICLE This manual provides instructions for the operation 3.1 U SE AN DEQUATE EHICLE AND and care of Featherlite Horse, Livestock, and ITCH Enclosed Trailers. The instructions in the manual must be followed to ensure safety of persons, horses If the tow vehicle or hitch is not properly selected and livestock, and satisfactory life of the trailer.
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle PSIC: The “pounds per square inch-cold” is the tire pressure (Kilopascals / Pounds per Square Inch) measured when Cold. VIN: The Vehicle Identification Number. VEHICLE TYPE: Trailer plus the model number of the trailer. Certification Statement: “This trailer meets all the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in effect on the date of manufacture shown above.”...
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle Overall Carrying and Towing Capacity of being towed. Depending on the size of the trailer, you may need to install a separate engine oil cooler. Vehicle: Vehicle manufacturers will provide you with the maximum towing capacities of their Inadequate cooling may result in sudden engine various models, as well as the GCWR.
Couplers brakes independently of the towing vehicle. It is important to check the state of charge of the Featherlite Trailers are produced with a variety of emergency breakaway battery before each trip. coupler devices. One of the sections below will Simply pull the pin out of the switch by hand and pertain to your trailer.
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle and couplers are marked with their size and rating. ^ WARNING Coupler-to-hitch mismatch can result in uncoupling, leading to death or serious injury. Make sure the hitch and ball are rated for the trailer coupling.
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle 3.2.1.b Prepare the Coupler and Hitch 3.2.1.c Couple the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle (Cequent Coupler) • Lubricate the hitch ball and the inside of the • Using the jack, lower the trailer tongue until the coupler with a thin layer of automotive bearing coupler fully engages the hitch ball.
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle 3.2.1.e Rig the Safety Chains Latched Position – Figure 3-6 • There is no need to insert a pin into the hole (A). With the handle down it is securely locked. This hole is used for security only. •...
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle ^ WARNING • Visually inspect the breakaway system for broken or missing parts. Repair or replace Incorrect rigging of the safety chains can worn, damaged or missing parts before towing result in loss of control of the trailer and tow vehicle, leading to death or serious trailer.
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle • If you do not use your trailer for three or more Disconnect the electrical connector. • months, or during winter months: Disconnect the breakaway brake switch lanyard. • • Store the battery indoors; and Disconnect the safety chains from the tow •...
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle GREATER THAN THE TRAILER Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE GOOSENECK BALL BE OF THE SAME SIZE AS THE GOOSENECK BALL RECEIVER. IF THE GOOSENECK BALL IS TOO SMALL, IS UNDERRATED, IS LOOSE OR IS WORN, THE TRAILER CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE TOW VEHICLE, RESULTING IN DEATH OR...
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle Drop-Leg Jack Arrangement – Figure 3-13 3.2.2.c Before Coupling the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle • Be sure the size and rating of the gooseneck ball match the size and rating of the receiver. Gooseneck balls and receivers are marked with their size and ratings.
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle • • Wipe the inside and outside of the receiver Move the spring-loaded lock plate locking pin clean and inspect it visually for cracks; and feel to the CLOSED position. Be sure the locking the inside of the receiver for worn spots and pin is holding the lock plate.
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle ^ WARNING Improper rigging of the safety chains can result in loss of control of the trailer and tow vehicle, leading to death or serious injury, if the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle.
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle ^ WARNING the trailer to keep the breakaway brake system in working order. Failure to replace the pullpin can result in • Visually inspect the breakaway brake system ineffective brakes, leading to loss of control, serious injury or death.
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle • 3.2.2.i Uncoupling the Gooseneck Trailer If your trailer has two drop leg jacks, lower with Drop-Leg Jack them both to the same level, following the above instructions. Follow these steps to uncouple your gooseneck hitch trailer from the tow vehicle: NOTICE •...
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle ^ WARNING A fifth wheel coupler includes a flat load-bearing plate with a slot, and a mechanism inside the slot that “grips” the kingpin. A worn, bent, cracked or corroded kingpin can fail while towing, and may result in Featherlite has selected a fifth wheel coupler that is death or serious suitable for the size and weight of the trailer.
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle performing the three checks illustrated in the “Fifth Wheel Checks” figure 3-20. • Attempt to pull forward as an initial test of the closing of the fifth wheel locks. King Pin Height Adjustment – Figure 3-19 3.2.3.c Prepare the Fifth Wheel Coupler •...
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle 3.2.3.e Attach and Test the Breakaway Brake and lowering the fifth wheel coupler. Because we System use several drop leg jack mechanisms, the general instructions below may vary slightly from the jack If the coupler fails, a properly connected and manufacturer’s instructions.
Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle ^ WARNING ^ WARNING An ineffective breakaway brake system can Failure to connect the tow vehicle lighting result in a runaway trailer, if the fifth wheel and braking to the trailer will result in hitch fails, leading to death or serious inoperable lights and brakes, and can lead injury.
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Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle • If your trailer has two drop leg jacks, lower them both to the same level, following the preceding instructions. NOTICE If the drop legs are not set at the same level, one of the drop leg jacks can be overloaded and can be damaged.
OADING THE RAILER ^ WARNING Improper trailer loading causes many accidents and deaths. To safely load a trailer, you must consider: An overloaded trailer can result in failure or • Overall load weight; in loss of control of the trailer, leading to •...
Section 4 – Loading The Trailer tongue. That is, the example trailer would have If a tongue weight scale is not available from your 2,400 to 3,000 pounds on its tongue. dealer, call Featherlite, Inc. at 800-800-1230 for assistance. Tongue Weight as a Percentage of Loaded ^ WARNING Trailer Weight Type of Hitch...
Section 4 – Loading The Trailer ^ WARNING 4.2 L OADING ARGO NCLOSED RAILER Couple the trailer to the tow vehicle before loading. Damaged or loose “D”-rings can break, The tongue of a bumper pull trailer can rise during allowing cargo to become loose inside the loading, before the cargo is properly distributed.
Remove or secure loose objects, (i.e. butt bars, The cargo-carrying portion of a horse trailer is saddles, tack and equipment) so that items will not designed only for carrying horses. Do not transport move during towing.
7. Tie the horse to the trailer interior by fastening the quick connect or tying the lead rope to the 4.3.2 Loading the Horse Trailer tie ring, or other facility provided on the trailer wall for attachment of the lead rope. A rule of...
Section 4 – Loading The Trailer ^ WARNING contact with the feed door while closing. Pull on the feed door handle (1) to verify the door is properly latched. See figure 4-1. Always secure the door latch after closing. Place a linchpin in the catch. If the door opens, your cargo may be ejected onto the road, resulting in death or serious injury to the animals or other...
Section 4 – Loading The Trailer ^ WARNING objects, such as bolts, broken parts of trailer interior, etc. A protruding object can injure your livestock. Always secure the door latch after closing. Place a linchpin in the catch. Tighten any loose or protruding bolts in the walls. If the door opens, your cargo may be ejected onto the road, resulting in death or Remove or secure loose objects, so no items will...
HECKING THE RAILER EFORE AND URING • Cargo properly loaded, balanced and tied 5.1 P HECKLIST down” (see the “Loading The Trailer” section Before towing, double-check all of these items: of this manual). • Tongue weight and weight distribution set-up. •...
REAKING IN A RAILER 6.1 R 10, 25 6.3 S ETIGHTEN UTS AT IRST YNCHRONIZING THE RAKE YSTEMS & 50 M ILES Trailer brakes designed work synchronization with the brakes on the tow vehicle. Wheel lugs can shift and settle quickly after being first assembled, and must be checked after the first When the tow vehicle and trailer braking systems 10, 25 and 50 miles of driving.
CCESSORIES • This section provides some basic information for Being trapped between adjacent trailers, the safe operation of several accessories. For many vehicles or buildings; or • accessories, such as generators and LP appliances, Being trapped between or in a snow bank or the manufacturer of the accessory has also provided other materials that can redirect fumes.
Section 7 - Accessories 7.3 S 7.4 LP G HORE OWER YSTEM Shore power is the delivery of electrical power from LP gas systems are installed to operate a variety of another source to a power inlet on your trailer. To appliances, such as stoves, refrigerators, heating connect your trailer to this source, you must have a units and electrical generators.
Section 7 - Accessories NOTICE Keep the shutoff valve on your LP gas tank closed at all times, except when you are operating an LP gas appliance. Before opening the LP shutoff Use Butane only when the temperature is valve, turn off all LP gas appliances. If an above freezing (32 degrees F).
Section 7 - Accessories solid “prop rods” to hold a vending door in the open position. ^ WARNING Gas springs lose their lifting capability with age and cold weather; and can cause the door to fall, resulting in injury. Always hold the door open until the prop rods are in place.
& M NSPECTION ERVICE AINTENANCE 8.1 I & M NSPECTION ERVICE AINTENANCE UMMARY HARTS You must inspect, maintain and service your trailer regularly to insure safe and reliable operation. If you cannot or are unsure how to perform the items listed here, have your dealer do them. Note: In addition to this manual, also check the relevant component manufacturer's manual.
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Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance Featherlite Trailer Inspection and Service Intervals Manual Item Service Required Service Interval Section Before Every Every Every Reference Each 3 Mo’s 6 Mo’s Year • Lights and Signals Check for proper operation. Verify connection is clean 8.2.8 and tight.
Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance 8.2 I the aluminum flooring and other structural parts of NSPECTION ERVICE the trailer. NSTRUCTIONS Remove the rubber mats from the floor of the Axle Bolts, Frame, Suspension, & 8.2.1 trailer, and wash them, at least every three Structure months.
Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance ^ WARNING ^ WARNING Broken or damaged fasteners or welds can A spring and cable counterbalance can cause injury or damage to trailer and inflict serious injury if it breaks, or if contents. incorrectly adjusted.
Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance ^ WARNING 8.2.5.a Periodic Inspection Properly functioning brake shoes and drums are If electric breakaway brakes do not operate essential to ensure safety. You must have your when trailer is uncoupled from the tow dealer inspect these components at least once per vehicle, death or serious injury can occur.
Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance Air Pressure-Operated Hydraulic call Featherlite, Inc. at 800-800-1230 or your dealer for assistance. Air/hydraulic braking systems are typically used The following steps apply to adjust most manually when the tow vehicle has a diesel engine. The tow adjustable brakes.
Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance Vacuum-Operated Hydraulic possible failure of the ball and coupler system. All bent or broken coupler parts must be replaced When towing a trailer, the vacuum gauge, which is before towing the trailer. located inside the cab of the tow vehicle, must indicate 18 In.
Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance 8.2.9 Lights and Signals latches and striker plates as necessary to ensure the feed doors close and fit securely. Before each tow, check the trailer taillights, stoplights, turn signals and any clearance lights for 8.2.12 Tires proper operation.
Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance To install the liners: Disassemble, inspect and re-pack the wheel 1. Install stud extenders (5) 180 degrees apart and bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles, tighten to 30 lb. ft. of torque. whichever occurs first.
Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance • checking wheel end play and clearance. See figure Put a new cotter pin through the spindle nut 8-6. and axle. • Check the adjustments. Both the hub and the spindle nut should be able to move freely (the spindle nut motion will be limited by the cotter pin).
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Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance torque wrench to accurately indicate the torque steps that follow and the axle manufacturer’s that you are applying to the lug nut. information. Use a calibrated torque wrench to • tighten the lug nuts. Over-tightening may result in Keep a record of the date and approximate breaking the studs or permanently deforming the mileage when you check the lug nut torque.
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Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance Lug Nut Sequence of Tightening – Figure 8-7 Lug Nut Torque Stud size 1st stage 2nd Stage 3rd Stage 1/2 Inch 35 lb ft 65 lb ft 100 lb ft 9/16 Inch 45 lb ft 90 lb ft 130 lb ft 5/8 Inch...
ECHNICAL EFERENCE 9.1 T RAILER IGHTING LECTRICAL ONNECTION The electrical wiring on your Featherlite trailer has been designed and built in accordance with all the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards that were in effect when the trailer was produced. The figure below illustrates the wiring code that has been adopted for several types of electrical lighting connectors.
Section 9 – Technical Reference 9.2 H ITCH YSTEMS The various components of trailer fastening systems may be referred to in terms of “Class” depending on their load rating. The rating of hitch systems on tow vehicles also considers whether the hitch only carries the tongue weight (for example, a ball hitch, which is also referred to as a Weight Carrying Hitch), or if it distributes the tongue weight to all of the tow vehicle wheels (also referred to as a Weight Distributing Hitch).
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Featherlite Apparel GREAT LOOKS! GREAT FEEL! GREAT PRICE! Call Toll Free: 800-800-1230 | Shop Online: www.featherlitewear.com Apparel availability subject to change Repair Parts & Accessories LOCAL DEALERS! LOCAL SALES! LOCAL SERVICE! Repair Parts can be obtained from the Featherlite dealer serving your area. Call your local dealer for parts & accessories for your trailer or contact our corporate office and ask for Dealer Information.
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toll free 800.800.1230 | fax 563.547.6100 | email salesinfo@fthr.com web www.fthr.com | address Hwy. 63 & 9, PO Box 320, Cresco, IA 52136 PROUD MEMBER FEATHERLITE MANUFACTURES: Horse Trailers Livestock Trailers Open Car Haulers Custom Interiors Concession Trailers Motorcycle Trailers Snowmobile Trailers Enclosed Car Haulers Living Quarters Trailers...
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