Nathan Trailers Tips

Servicing

To get the most from your trailer it will require regular servicing with the first service at 500 km (or 2 months). Thereafter servicing is required at 5000 km intervals depending on the type of trailer and the terrain in which it is being used. Service checks should include:

1)	General condition of chassis and body.
2)	Bearings need adjustment and grease.
3)	Coupling bolts (ensure tension) - check coupling fit to tow ball.
4)	Tyres condition and pressure.
5)	Lights - operation and condition.
6)	Tighten U-bolts on springs/axles.
7)	Adjust brakes and check for fatigue.
8)	Safety chain - check for fatigue/damage.
9)	Tension wheel nuts.
10)	Check electrical plug for damage and corrosion.

Towing

One of the key steps in towing safely, is to ensure you load your trailer correctly. The goal is to maintain a balanced load. Placing a load to far back in the trailer will cause the trailer to sway side to side. Placing a load to far forward may cause loss of steering effectiveness. Correct loading of your trailer is achieved by not exceeding the GVM specification and ensuring the load and trailer sit almost level with a 5 degree tilt forward.

1)	Reduce speed for curves, wet roads and downhill grades.
2)	Beware of crosswinds and wind wash from passing vehicles.
3)	Never exceed trailer load limit (trailers have 0% overload tolerance).
4)	Load 60% of load weight forward of the trailer axle.
5)	Check that your load is secure and balanced at all times.
6)	Drive at a safe speed and allow a larger gap when following traffic to account for the extra weight of the trailer.