- Dethmers Manufacturing Company Automobile Accessories User Manual

Page 9
DURING OPERATION
• Always follow state and local regulations regarding auxiliary lighting when towing. Be
sure to check with local law enforcement agencies for your own particular regulations.
Only safety cables (not elastic or nylon/plastic tow straps) should be used to retain
connection between towing unit and towed vehicle in event of separation.
• Do not load towed vehicle with cargo. Towed vehicles exceeding weight limits will
overload tow bar and may cause serious injury and damage.
• Beware of bystanders, PARTICULARLY CHILDREN! Always look around to make sure
it is safe to start engine of towing unit and moving towed vehicle. This is particularly important
with higher noise levels, as you may not hear people shouting.
• NO PASSENGERS ALLOWED- Do not carry passengers anywhere on or in towed vehicle.
• When halting operation, even periodically, set towing unit’s parking brake, shut off engine,
and remove ignition key.
• Be extra careful on inclines.
• MANEUVER TOWING UNIT AT SAFE SPEEDS.
• Avoid overhead wires or other obstacles. Contact with overhead lines could cause serious
injury or death.
• Avoid loose gravel, rocks, and holes; they can be dangerous for unit operation or movement.
• Allow for unit length when making turns.
• Do not work under raised components or attachments unless securely positioned and
blocked.
• Keep all bystanders and pets clear of work area.
• Operate towing unit from operators seat only.
• As a precaution, recheck hardware on tow bar every 200 miles, and correct all
problems. Follow maintenance safety procedures.
FOLLOWING OPERATION
• Following operation, or when unhooking, stop towing vehicle, set parking brake, shut off
engine and remove ignition key.
• Store tow bar in area away from human activity.
• Do not permit children to play on or around stored tow bar.
• Make sure parked vehicle is on hard, level surface.
• Wheel chocks may be needed to prevent vehicle from rolling.
HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORT OPERATIONS
• Adopt safe driving practices:
- Always drive at safe speed relative to local conditions and ensure that your speed is low
enough for an emergency stop.