KAERCHER TRK-2500 Pressure Washer Trailers Instruction Manual
- June 9, 2024
- kaercher
Table of Contents
- Model and Serial Numbers
- Introduction
- Important Trailer Safety Information
- Referencing the Utility Trailer in this Manual
- Tire Safety
- Basic Tire Maintenance
- Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits
- Never Tow the Trailer Before Checking:
- Tow Vehicles
- Trailer Ball & Couplers
- Before Towing:
- Variable Height Bracket:
- Bolting Instructions:
- Hitch Coupler Troubleshooting
- Coupler & Ball Engagement
- Safety Chains
- Load-Carrying Capacity
- Proper Weight Distribution & Tongue Weight
- Tongue Weight
- Machine Safety
- Reporting Safety Defects
- Checklist – Before Your First Trip
- What to Check and How to Check
- Maintenance
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
TRAILER
Operator’s Manual
MODEL: TRK-2500 1.103-819.0
To locate your local Kärcher Commercial Pressure Washer Dealer nearest you, visit www.karchercommercial.com
8.917-526.0 – B 04/27/22
Model and Serial Numbers
Model Number __
Serial Number __
Date of Purchase ____
The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the machine.
You should record both serial number and date of purchase and keep in a safe
place for future reference.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Pressure Washer. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without incurring any obligation.
Owner/User Responsibility:
The owner and/or user must have an understanding of the manufacturer’s
operating instructions and warnings before using this pressure washer. Warning
information should be emphasized and understood. If the operator is not fluent
in English, the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings shall be read to and
discussed with the operator in the operator’s native language by the
purchaser/owner, making sure that the operator comprehends its contents. Owner
and/or user must study and maintain for future reference the manufacturers’
instructions.
Save These Instructions
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the machine and should
remain with it if machine is resold. When ordering parts, please specify model
and serial number. Use only identical replacement parts.This machine is to be
used only by trained operators.
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 may 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.
WARNING: This Owner’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.
Important Trailer Safety Information
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.
Tire Safety
The most common cause of trailer tire failure is underinflation. Therefore, it
is important that you always maintain the specified air pressure as indicated
by the tire manufacturer on the tire’s side-walls. This information can also
be found on the tire label or the air pressure molded on the tire side-wall.
The most important things you can do to maintaining proper tire pressure are
observe all tire and trailer maximum carrying capacities, avoid road hazards,
and inspect the tires for cuts, slashes and other irregularities. These
practices, along with other care and maintenance, can improve handling, help
protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents, improve fuel
economy, and increase the life of your tires.
Make tire safety a regular part of your trailer maintenance routine. The time you spend is minimal compared to the amount of time, inconvenience, and potential safety hazards that can occur from a flat tire or failure.
Basic Tire Maintenance
Properly maintained tires improve the load-carrying capability of your trailer. You can help avoid flat tires and tire failures by maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and trailer capacity limits, avoiding road hazards, and inspecting your tires regularly.
Identifying Your Recommended Tire Pressure and Maximum Load Carrying
Capacity for Your Trailer
Both the tire placard and the VIN label are permanently attached on top of
the frame of your trailer and have the required information printed on them.
They also list the maximum load that can be placed on the trailer without
exceeding the load limits of the tires or the trailers other components. These
labels indicate the manufacturer’s information including:
- Recommended tire size.
- Recommended tire inflation pressure.
- The maximum weight the trailer is designed to carry.
- Gross vehicle weight rating of the trailer.
- Gross axle weight rating of the trailer.
Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits
Tire inflation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it with
the load-carrying capacity and affects the overall performance of the trailer.
The tire inflation pressure is a number that indicates the amount of air
pressure that is inside the tire. It is measured in pounds per square inch
(PSI). The tire must be inflated to the air pressure as designated on the
labels. Also listed on the labels is the air pressure in kilo Pascals (kPa),
which is a metric measurement. Tire manufacturers determine the air pressure
to maximize the amount of weight the tires can safely carry. The proper tire
pressure for your trailer tires is referred to as the “recommended cold
inflation pressure.” It is difficult to obtain the recommended tire pressure
if your tires are not cold when the reading is taken because the air will
expand when it is warmed by towing down the road, thus increasing the air
pressure inside. If air is added to a tire that is low the air pressure should
never exceed the recommended pressure.
It is important to check your trailer’s tire pressure at least once a month
for the following reasons:
Most tires will naturally lose air over time.
Tires can lose air suddenly if driven over an object that punctures or cuts
the tire. Sometimes a sharp blow from a pothole or curb can knock the tire
loose from the rim causing immediate deflation.
Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
Locate the recommended tire pressure on the trailer’s tire information
placard or owner’s manual.
Record the tire pressure of all tires. If the tire pressure is too high in any
of the tires, slowly release air by gently pressing on the tire valve stem
with the edge of your tire gauge until you get the correct pressure.
If the tire pressure is too low, note the difference between the measured tire
pressure and the correct tire pressure. These “missing” pounds of pressure are
what you will need to add.
Add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that is under inflated.
Check all tires to make sure they have the same air pressure.
If you have been towing your trailer and think that a tire is under inflated, fill it to the recommended cold inflation pressure indicated on your trailer’s tire label placard or the VIN label. You can also check the sidewall of the tire for a correct tire inflation pressure. Your tire will have a slightly lower air pressure because the tire is warm when you are inflating it, but it will be much better than to continue to tow it with the under inflation it may have had. Once the trailer has been parked long enough to allow the tires to cool down, recheck the tire pressure and add additional air to return the tire pressure to the recommended level.
Tire Size
To maintain the trailer’s carrying capacity and safety, purchase only the
same size tires as what were originally supplied on the trailer.
Safety Tips
Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other object in road.
Do not run over curbs and try not to strike the curb when parking.
For a free brochure visit: www.nhtsa.dot.gov
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 the 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.
-
Tire pressure and tire condition
-
Wheel lugs*
-
Bearing lube and tightness
-
Hitch · Safety chains
-
12V running lights
-
Distribution and security
-
Caster up in travel position
-
Check lug nuts for tightness before initial trip, at 10 miles, 25 miles and 50 miles. Recheck every 3 months or 3000 miles.
NOTE: Checking all of the above steps before every trip is key for safety.
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.
WARNING: Loads place on the trailer must be securely tied to the trailer. 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 any additional equipment that may be required.
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.
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.
It is also important that the lighting system in the tow vehicle has
sufficient capacity 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 Ball & 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.
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” |
IV | 8,000# GVWR | 2 5/16″ |
Before Towing:
Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness. Replace bent,
broken, or worn hardware. Tighten hardware to 90-96 ft. lbs. Use only the
hardware provided with the Trailer. If replacement hardware is needed, order
replacement kit 8.924356.0.
Make sure that the trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing
vehicle and trailer according to SAE J684. See Safety Chain information in
your manual.
Make sure that all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
Warning: Failure to follow all installation instructions could result in
coupler failure.
Variable Height Bracket:
Coupler operation must not be impaired in any way. Do not use if coupler operation is impaired.
Bolting Instructions:
Align holes in coupler and mounting bracket. NOTE: Coupler must be secured to mounting bracket using two sets of holes in the mounting bracket. Insert two (2) 5/8″x4.5″, grade 5 bolts through desired mounting bracket holes and coupler. For each bolt, Place one (1) washer at the bolt head side and another at the bolt thread side before assembling the nuts. Tighten lock nuts to 90-96 ft. lbs. After installation, ensure coupler operation is not impaired in any way. Do not use if coupler operation is impaired. The hardware provided with the trailer has a self-lubricating coating which is taken into account for the tightening torque above, and is lower than standard hardware and also is more consistent with re-torque specifications to first-torque than standard hardware. Order replacements with the 8.924-356.0 replacement kit, or consult your hardware vendor for applicable, higher, torques for the application.
Maintenance
Keep ball pocket and mechanism clean. The following procedures should be
performed at least annually: Check set screw torque Grease ball pocket Oil
pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil Inspect retaining pin and replace if
necessary
Operation
To Couple:
-
Block trailer wheels.
-
Align hitch ball beneath coupler.
-
Open coupler locking lever. While holding locking lever open, lower the coupler over the hitch ball until ball is fully seated into the ball pocket.
-
If locking lever is pinned open, remove pin. Move locking lever to the closed position. Check that the latch is engaged by lifting up on back of locking lever. Also, check that the hitch ball is fully seated and ball clamp is below the ball. If the ball is not seated with lever in the closed position and latch engaged, DO NOT TOW.
Repeat the above steps. -
OPTIONAL: Place a 5/16″ pin or lock in hole shown
To Uncouple:
- Block trailer wheels.
- Open locking lever. While holding locking lever fully open, raise trailer off of hitch ball.
NOTE: A 5/16″ diameter pin can be used to hold the locking lever open.
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:
-
Latch does not grasp ball securely:
• Check the ball size. Make sure the ball and coupler are the same size. -
Latch does not snap into full latch position:
• Check adjustment. Latch mechanism may be too tight.
• Check to see that the coupler housing has not been damaged, keeping the ball hitch from fitting completely into the housing as designed. -
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.
-
Apply a small amount of an automotive grease to the ball before hitching coupler to prevent wear of the two parts during towing.
-
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 2.000- inches 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. Your trailer is equipped with safety chains that meet the requirements of D.O.T Regulation 393.70.
TRAILER CLASS| TRAILER WEIGHT
GVWR IN LBS.| MINIMUM BRAKING
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
IV| 5,000 to 7,000| 7,600
WARNING: Failure to properly attach safety chains between the trailer and
tow vehicle can result in a runaway trailer.
WARNING: To avoid accidents, before trailering:
- Hitch only to ball size marked on coupling.
- Ball clamp must capture ball and lever or hand wheel is fully clamped.
- Cross safety chains under coupling.
- Allow only enough slack for turns.
The safety chains on your trailer are an added insurance that it will not
become detached from the tow vehicle. All safety chains are provided 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.
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. The GVWR and the carrying capacity of the trailer
are based on the tire size installed on the trailer.
The GVWR is the maximum carrying capacity of the trailer with its respective
tires. 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 tire size 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 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.
WARNING: Fishtailing caused from improper tongue weight on the tow
vehicle hitch ball can cause loss of control of the tow vehicle and resulting
serious injury or property damage.
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 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.
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 is 10%-15% 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.
Example: The total weight of the trailer with load is 2500 pounds. The
tongue weight should not be less than 250 pounds (10%).
Too light of tongue weight can cause the trailer to “fishtail” (sway Weight
Rating) as you travel down the highway. This creates excessive strains on the
tow vehicle, hitch and on the trailer itself. It can very easily lead to an
accident.
To adjust for too light of a 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
10% -15% 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.
Machine Safety
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY PRIOR TO USE.
Warning: To reduce the risk of injury, read operating instructions carefully before using.
- Read the owner’s manual thoroughly. Failure to follow instructions could cause malfunction of the unit and result in death, serious bodily injury and/or property damage.
- Know how to stop the machine and bleed pressure quickly. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls.
- Stay alert-watch what you are doing.
- Do not operate this machine when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications or drugs.
Follow the maintenance instructions specified in the manual.
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which 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 the
trailer manufacturer.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your local dealer.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-4249153) or
write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
Checklist – Before Your First Trip
-
Tire Pressure and Tire Condition
-
Wheel Lugs*
-
Bearing Lube and Tightness
-
Burnish Brakes (See page 6)
-
Brakes/Brake Controllers
-
Breakaway Battery Charge
-
Hitch
-
Safety Chains
-
12V Running Lights
-
Distribution and Security
-
All Jacks “Up” in Travel Position
-
Check lug nuts for tightness before initial trip, at 10 miles, 25 miles and 50 miles. Recheck every 3 months or 3000 miles.
Your local Dealer, in all probability, checked each of these points before you took delivery. However, these are key things you should recheck before taking your trailer on the road for the first time.
What to Check and How to Check
Tire Pressure
Proper air pressure for your tires is printed on the sidewall. Check pressure while tires are cold. Do not raise or lower pressure to meet load. Pressure other than recommended pressure will lead to excessive tire wear or tire failure. Balancing recommended. Preferred balancing method is to center off of stud holes, since 13″ through 16.5″ wheels are not hub piloted.
Wheels
Check wheels for hole elongation or “out of round”. This condition can be caused by lug nuts not being tight or being too tight. Trailer wheels can be damaged by chuck holes or curb jumping. You may not be aware of the road shock to the wheels without periodic checks. Replace any wheel that is bent. Replace any wheel if you see elongation of the bolt holes.
Wheel Lugs
Wheel lug nuts must be tightened with a torque wrench. Refer to the chart below for proper torque
-
Start all bolts or nuts by hand to prevent cross threading.
-
Tighten bolts or nuts following sequence at right.
-
The tightening of the fasteners should be done in stages. Following the recommended sequence, tighten fasteners per wheel torque chart below.
-
Wheel nuts/bolts should be torqued before first road use and after each wheel removal. Check and re-torque after the first 10 miles, 25 miles and again at 50 miles. Check periodically thereafter.
Wheel Torque Requirements
TORQUE SEQUENCE
WHEEL SIZE| 1st Stage| 2nd Stage| 3rd
Stage
---|---|---|---
15″| 20 – 25| 50 – 60| 90 – 120
Ball Coupler Hitches
Coupler assembly includes a latch lever and latch lever safety pin or hitch pin. Be sure the latch lever is locked and the pin properly secured before moving your trailer. The pin can be engaged fully only if ball is properly seated in the coupler.
Tires
Before mounting tires onto wheels make certain that the rim size and contour
is approved for the tire as shown in the Tire and Rim Association Yearbook or
the tire manufacturer’s catalog. Also make sure the tire will carry the rated
load. If the load is not equal on all tires due to trailer weight
distribution, use the tire rated for the heaviest wheel position.
NOTE: The capacity rating molded into the sidewall of the tire is not
always the proper rating for the tire if used in a trailer application. Use
the following guideline:
- LT and ST tires: use the capacity rating molded into the tire.
- Passenger Car Tires: Use the capacity rating molded into the tire sidewall divided by 1.10.
Use tire mounting procedures as outlined by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association or the tire manufacturers.
NOTE: Tire wear should be checked frequently because once a wear pattern becomes firmly established in a tire it is difficult to stop, even if the underlying cause is corrected.
WEAR PATTERN | CAUSE | ACTIONACTION |
---|---|---|
Center Wear | Over Inflation | Adjust pressure to particular load per |
tire catalog.
| Edge Wear| Under Inflation| Adjust pressure to particular load per
tire catalog.
| Side Wear| Loss of camber or overloading| Make sure load doesn’t
exceed axle rating. Align at alignment shop.
| Toe Wear| Incorrect toe-in| Align at alignment shop.
| Cupping| Out of balance| Check bearing adjustment and balance tires.
| Flat Spots| Wheel lockup & tire skidding| Avoid sudden stops when
possible and adjust brakes.
Maintenance
Breakaway Switch & D.O.T. Wet Cell Battery
After hitching to the tow vehicle, pull the safety pin on the breakaway
switch. Check to see if system is operational. Push safety pin back in to its
original position.
Check battery fluid level every 60-90 days. Remove cover. There are two fill
caps. Refill with distilled water only.
Breakaway Switch Mounted on an A- Frame
Attach breakaway switch cable securely in a straight line to the tow vehicle. Locate attachments so little “slack” is left in the cable, but enough slack to allow for turning without disengaging the pin. The cable will activate brakes the instant a trailer becomes disengaged. Brake adjustment is critical to stopping a disengaged trailer.
Check Breakaway System & Brakes Before Each Trip
- Disconnect 12V plug from tow vehicle.
- Pull breakaway pin.
- While pin is pulled, move tow vehicle forward. Brake should be on and wheels locked.
- Replace pin and secure to tow vehicle. Do not loop over hitch ball.
- Plug 12V connector into tow vehicle receptacle.
- Test brakes with brake controller.
NOTE: When disconnecting trailer from tow vehicle, make sure to replace safety pin.
Brakes
Your trailer is equipped with electric brakes.
Complete service and repair information for the electric brakes is found in
the Axle Break Service Manual that is furnished with your trailer,
Note: It is important to strictly adhere to the axle break instructions
for brake service and repair. In this way, you are protecting the validity of
all applicable warranties.
Burnishing the Brakes
Brakes on a new trailer may tend to “grab” or pulsate. This is normal. To
correct the situation, pull the trailer with the trailer brake control
slightly engaged a short distance (about 1000 ft or until trailer does not
grab or pull to one side anymore). This action smooths down the brake bands.
NOTE: Do not lock up the wheels.
Brake Adjustment
Brakes should be adjusted (1) after the first 200 miles of operation after the brake shoes and drums have “seated”, (2) at 3000 mile intervals and (3) as use and performance require. The brakes should be adjusted in the following manner:
-
Jack up trailer and secure on adequate capacity jack stands. Check that wheel and drum rotate freely.
-
Remove adjusting hole cover from adjusting slot on bottom of brake backing plate.
-
With screwdriver or standard adjusting tool, rotate the starwheel of the adjuster assembly to expand the brake shoes. Adjust the brake shoes out until the pressure of the linings against the drum makes the wheel very difficult to turn.
NOTE: With drop spindle axles, a modified adjusting tool with about an 80 degree angle should be used. -
Then rotate starwheel in opposite direction until wheel turns freely with slight lining drag.
-
Replace the adjusting hole cover and lower wheel to ground.
-
Repeat above procedure on all brakes.
CAUTION: Never crawl under your trailer unless it is resting on properly
placed jack stands.
Do not lift or place supports on any part of the suspension system.
Brake Cleaning & Inspection
Your trailer brakes must be inspected and serviced at yearly intervals or more
often as use and performance require. Magnets and shoes must be changed when
they become worn or scored thereby preventing inadequate vehicle braking.
Clean the backing plate, magnet arm, magnet and brake shoes. Make certain that
all the parts removed are replaced in the same brake and drum assembly.
Inspect the magnet arm for any loose or worn parts. Check shoe return springs,
hold down springs and adjuster springs for stretch or deformation and replace
if required.
CAUTION: Asbestos Dust Hazard. Since some brake shoe friction materials contain asbestos, certain precautions need to be taken when servicing brakes:
- Avoid creating or breathing dust.
- Avoid machining, filing or grinding the brake linings.
- Do not use compressed air or dry brushing for cleaning. (Dust can be removed with a damp brush).
Trailer Storage
Preparation
If your trailer is to be stored for an extended period of time or over the
winter, it is important that the trailer be prepared properly.
-
Remove the emergency breakaway battery and store inside, out of the weather. Charge the battery at least every 90 days.
-
Jack up the trailer and place jack stands under trailer frame so that the weight will be off the tires.
Never jack up or place jack stands on the axle tube or on the equalizers. -
Lubricate mechanical moving parts that are exposed to weather, such as the hitch and suspension parts.
NOTE: On oil lubricated hubs the upper part of the roller bearings are not immersed in oil and are subject to potential corrosion. For maximum bearing life it is recommended that you revolve your wheels periodically (every 2-3 weeks) during periods of prolonged storage.
After Prolonged Storage — Inspection Procedures Before removing trailer from jack stands:
-
Remove all wheels and hubs or brake drums. Note which spindle and brake that the drum was removed from so that it can be reinstalled in the same location.
-
Inspect suspension for wear.
-
Check tightness of hanger bolt, shackle bolt and U-bolt nuts per recommended torque values.
-
Check brake linings, brake drums and armature faces for excessive wear or scoring.
-
Check brake magnets with an ohmmeter. The magnets should check 3.2 ohms. If shorted or worn excessively, replace.
-
Lubricate all brake moving parts using a high temperature brake lubricant. (LUBRIPLATE or equivalent).
CAUTION: Do not get grease or oil on brake linings or magnet face. -
Remove any rust from braking surface and armature surface of drums with fine emery paper or crocus cloth. Protect bearings from contamination while so doing.
-
Inspect oil or grease seals for wear or nicks.
Replace if necessary. -
Lubricate hub bearings. Refer to procedure in manual.
-
Reinstall hubs and adjust bearing per instructions in manual.
Preventative Maintenance
This trailer was produced with the best available materials and quality craftsmanship. However, you as the owner, have certain responsibilities for the correct care of the equipment. Attention to regular preventative maintenance procedures will assist in preserving the performance of your equipment.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Tire Air Pressure| Inflate to proper pressure indicated on sidewall| Every
Trip
Wheel Lugs, Bolts & Nuts| Tighten to proper torque specifications| Every 3000
mi or 3 mos.*
Wheel| Check for damage and or out-of-round| Every 6000 mi or 6 mos.
Coupler Ball| Check for sufficient lube.
Check lock mechanism.
Check for unusual wear.| Every trip
Safety Chains at Hitch Ball| Check for abrasion, distortion and general
integrity of links.| Every trip
Coupler| Check for proper fastening & hitch pin in position and secure.| Every
trip
Brakes| Check for proper adjustment & operation| Every trip
Breakaway Switch| Test switch operation and connections| Every trip
Breakaway Battery| Pull switch pin, check charge indicator light| Every trip
Load Distribution| Check load distribution & security| Every trip
Leveling Jacks| Check fastenings. Lube.| Every trip
Welds| Check all weld beads for cracks or separations| Every 6000 mi. or 6
mos.
Hinges| Grease zerks with a Lithium complex grease| Every 3000 mi. or 3 mos.
Tie Down Devices| Check for fracturing, distortion and improper anchoring.|
Every 3000 mi., or 3 mos.
Electrical: Lights & Signals| Check to make sure all are working properly.
Replace burned out bulbs.| Every trip
• Check lug nuts for tightness before initial trip, at 10 miles, 25 miles and
50 miles. Recheck at least every 3 months or 3000 miles
Axles, Hubs and Brakes
Maintenance for axles, hubs and brakes is extremely important for protecting
the longevity of your trailer. It is extremely important for your personal
safety and the protection of others. Follow the maintenance schedule exactly
as described.
Please, never shortcut axle, hub and brake service and maintenance.
Karcher TRK 2500 Operator’s Manual 8.917-526.0 – B
www.karchercommercial.com
8.917-526.0 • Printed in U.S.A. or Mexico
References
- Cleaning Equipment for Home & Industrial Applications | Kärcher
- Safer Car Vehicle Safety, Ratings and Recalls | NHTSA
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