HOW DO I LICENSE MY TRAILER?
Licensing
To license a trailer in most states and provinces requires that you license and title your trailer before you tow it. If you require any further information regarding this issue please call your local licensing office / department of motor vehicles or
Linamar Consumer Products Ltd.
@ 1-866-857-1445
Below is a list of what most states and provinces require;
USA
• Bill of Sale
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Certificate of Origin
This form will need to be filled out and signed on the back by the dealer to transfer ownership of the trailer.
This form is located with the trailer manual packet or with the manager.
Take the above paperwork to a local licensing office (Department of Motor Vehicle branch) where after paying the state fees your trailer will be registered and or titled. At this time you may also be issued a trailer license plate.
Note: Licensing laws will very from state to state; to find out what is required in your state, call your local licensing office or Department of Motor Vehicles. Note: You may be required to register and title your trailer before you can transport it from the dealer’s lot to your home.
Certificate of Origin (C of O) (US Only)
Also called: Vehicle Title, Certificate of Title, Vehicle Ownership, Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (M.S.O.), Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (M.C.O.)
This is the proof of ownership for the trailer. When the trailer is purchased this certificate should be filed out on the back by the dealer and transferred to (you) the buyer. If you sell the trailer you will need to transfer this certificate to the new buyer.
Canada
• Bill of Sale
•
New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS)
This form will need to be filled out and signed by the dealer to transfer ownership of the trailer.
This form is located with the trailer manual packet or with the manager.
Take the above paperwork to a local licensing office or Department of Motor Vehicle where after paying the provincial fees your trailer will be registered and or titled. At this time you may also be issued a trailer license plate.
Note: Licensing laws will very from province to province; to find out what is required in your province call your local licensing office or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Note: You may be required to register and title your trailer before you can transport it from the dealer’s lot to your home.
N.V.I.S. (New Vehicle Information Statement) ((Canada Only)
This is the proof of ownership for the trailer. When the trailer is purchased this certificate should be filed out by the dealer and transferred to (you) the buyer. If you sell the trailer you will need to transfer this certificate to the new buyer.
What is the VIN #?
VIN or Vehicle Identification Number: This is a 17 digit vehicle identification (serial) number specific to the trailer and is found on the front driver side of the trailer frame.
Loading
How do I determine the maximum weight I can tow with my vehicle?
First you will need to check the vehicle’s owner’s manual for any manufacturer’s instructions on towing a trailer. If the vehicles towing weight rating is lower than the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating you are limited to the towing rate on the vehicle. The maximum towing is always the lowest number when looking at the towing weight of the vehicle, trailer and trailer hitch.
EXAMPLE:
How do I calculate the maximum payload for the trailer?
To calculate maximum payload for the trailer use the formulas below;
Maximum Payload = GVWR – Trailer weight
GVWR = Maximum Payload + Trailer weight
GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: This is the total weight including the weight of the trailer and the maximum payload allowed. The manufacturer has predetermined this weight rate.
The trailer weight can be found on the Certificate of Origin (US) or NVIS (Canada) which you should have received when purchasing the trailer.
The trailer’s G.V.W.R. can be found on the Certificate of Origin (US) or NVIS (Canada) and the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the front driver side of the trailer.
Note: To tow the maximum payload the tires must be inflated to the maximum PSI rating stated on the tire.
Note: Any accessories or other items that are attached to the trailer will increase the weight of the trailer. This extra weight must be deducted from the Maximum Payload.
Empty Weight: This is the weight of the empty trailer.
Tow Vehicle: The vehicle that is towing the trailer.
PSI or Pounds per Square Inch: This is the rate stated on the tire that the tires need to be inflated to for full payload capacity.
Lbs.: This is the abbreviation for Pounds.
Kgs.: This is the abbreviation for Kilograms. Note: 1 kg is equal to 2.2 lbs.
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Towing
How is driving different when towing a trailer?
Towing a trailer will change how your vehicle handles, stops and performs. It is a good idea to find an open area where there is little or no traffic so you can get used to towing your trailer.
Here are some important points to remember when towing a trailer:
• Take your time! Be careful!
Check your mirrors to see how the trailer is following behind your vehicle.
• Practice starting and stopping at low speeds to get used to the trailer.
• Speed: Do not exceed the maximum speed limit for that area. Drive the speed limit or find an alternate route where you can drive slower. This may require the use of your emergency flashers.
• Braking with a trailer can take longer because it takes more time and distance to stop the heavier the load. Braking fast can cause the trailer to swerve. Leave yourself extra room in traffic.
• Acceleration takes longer. Passing and merging onto freeways will take more distance and time.
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Turning requires more room; wider turns may be necessary. Use your mirrors to check the trailer in tight areas.
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Parking may require finding an area where you can pull into and out of easily. Try to park at the back of a lot. Always use the vehicle’s emergency brake if parked on a slope and chock (block) the trailers wheels so it will not move.
• Maneuverability with a trailer is more difficult; be very careful when changing lanes and passing. Check your mirrors so you can see what is behind and beside the trailer. High or wide loads will hinder visibility and can cause dangerous blind spots. You may need to lower the height of the load or purchase special towing mirrors (see a local trailer hitch supplier).
How come it is so hard to backup a trailer?
This can be frustrating and difficult if done without practice or when in a hurry.
The following steps will help to make backing up easier.
• Parking Area: Make sure the area behind the trailer and the area you want to park the trailer are clear of obstacles and persons.
• Time: Remember to take your time. Back up slowly.
• Steering: Start by placing your hands at the bottom of the steering wheel. When you start backing up you will see that moving the steering wheel Right (Counter-Clockwise) will move the trailer Right; and moving the steering wheel Left (Clockwise) will move the trailer Left.
• Steering: Do not over steer. Turning the wheel as little as possible; this will keep the trailer in line.
• Try Again: It is easier to pull out and start again than to try to over steer in the other direction to correct the trailer.
• Sharp Turning: Be careful not to turn too tightly. The trailer can turn sharply and may damage the towing vehicle.
REMEMBER take your time, back up slowly, and find a place to practice.
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