Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 800.859.3028 www.shorelandr.com 0003513
Page 4
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 plac-
ing 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 prop-
erly 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 equip-
ment 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 in-
crease the total weight of your trailer package to where it now
exceeds the maximum load carrying capacity of the trailer.
It is very important that you know and understand the towing capa-
bilities 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 transmis-
sion coolers, engine oil coolers, proper rear end ratios, air shocks,
over-size tires, and also heavy duty radiators. Many can be pur-
chased with the optional trailer package that includes some or all of
the above mentioned items.
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 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 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”
TRAILER BALLS & COUPLERS
WARNING: Failure to properly engage the hitch ball in the
coupler ball socket and securely lock the coupler latch mech-
anism can cause the trailer to become detached from the
tow vehicle while traveling, which may cause serious injury
or property damage.
To adjust your Class II and Class III coupler to your trailer ball, re-
move 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, counterclock-
wise 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. Re-
place 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,
