Owner's Guide

Getting Started

Pre-Trip Checklist

Run through this checklist before every haul. Takes 10 minutes and keeps you road-legal and safe. Print it or bookmark this page for quick reference.

✓

Hitch & Coupler

Verify coupler is fully locked onto ball. Safety chains crossed under the tongue and secured to vehicle. Break-away cable connected.

✓

Lighting & Electrical

Test all running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and clearance lights with vehicle connected. Check 7-pin connector for corrosion.

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Tire Pressure & Condition

Inflate to recommended PSI (see placard on trailer frame). Inspect sidewalls for cracking, bubbling, or wear. Check lug nut torque (100–110 ft-lbs).

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Brake System

Test electric brakes with brake controller. Verify brake magnets engage on all axles. Check brake fluid level if equipped with hydraulic surge brakes.

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Tie-Downs & Load Securement

Use minimum 4 tie-down points per vehicle. Ratchet straps at 45° angle. Verify combined WLL (Working Load Limit) exceeds vehicle weight × 1.5.

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Load Distribution

60% of load weight forward of the trailer axle centerline. Nose weight should be 10–15% of total trailer weight on the hitch ball.

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Wheel Bearings

Grab each wheel and attempt to wiggle — no play indicates healthy bearings. Check for heat immediately after first 10 miles of each trip.

Armagedon — pre-trip inspection checklist

Step-by-Step Guides

Video Tutorials

Hands-on guides for the most important operations. Filmed at our Yuma facility with our production team.

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Beginner

8:24

Tutorial 01

Hitching & Unhitching Safely

Proper technique for coupling and decoupling your SG Trailer. Includes safety chain routing, electrical connection, and tongue weight verification.

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Beginner

11:05

Tutorial 02

Load Securement & Tie-Down Technique

FMCSA-compliant load securement for single and multi-car loads. Correct tie-down angles, ratchet strap operation, and axle strap positioning.

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Intermediate

22:30

Tutorial 03

Wheel Bearing Inspection & Repack

Annual bearing maintenance procedure. Tools required, grease specifications, adjustment torque specs, and signs of bearing failure to watch for.

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Intermediate

14:18

Tutorial 04

Electric Brake Adjustment & Testing

How to set brake controller gain, verify brake magnet operation, adjust shoes, and diagnose common electrical brake issues on all SG models.

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Beginner

6:45

Tutorial 05

Trailer Lighting Troubleshooting

Diagnosing and fixing common lighting issues: dead bulbs, ground faults, corroded connectors, and blown fuses. Covers 4-pin and 7-pin configurations.

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Advanced

28:12

Tutorial 06

Deck Board Replacement

Full deck board replacement walkthrough for SG Trailer models. Wood species specifications, fastener torque, board layout patterns, and finish recommendations.

Critical Information

Safety Guidelines

Read and understand all safety guidelines before operating your SG Trailer. Non-compliance may void warranty and result in serious injury.

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Towing Vehicle Requirements

Never exceed your tow vehicle's rated towing capacity
Hitch ball must match coupler size exactly (1-7/8", 2", or 2-5/16")
Weight distribution hitch required when tongue weight exceeds 500 lbs
Sway control recommended for trailers over 5,000 lbs GVW
Trailer brakes required on axles over 3,000 lbs in most states

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Weight & Loading Limits

Never exceed the GVWR stamped on the VIN plate
Distribute load evenly side-to-side — max 5% variance
Individual tire load must not exceed tire load index rating
Overloading voids manufacturer warranty
Check state laws — GVWR determines registration class

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Legal & Licensing Requirements

Trailers over 10,000 lbs GVWR may require CDL in some states
Registration and license plate required in all 50 states
Commercial use (for hire) requires USDOT number in most cases
Safety chains required by law in all states
Brake-away battery must be functional and charged

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Operating Best Practices

Reduce speed to 55 mph maximum when towing
Add 40% more stopping distance vs. normal driving
Avoid sudden lane changes — check mirrors every 5–7 seconds
Stop and inspect after first 50 miles of any trip
Re-torque lug nuts after first 50 miles: 100–110 ft-lbs

Preventive Care

Maintenance Schedule

Follow this schedule to protect your investment and keep your warranty valid. All SG Trailers come with a 2-year structural warranty.

Task	Interval	Description	Service
Pre-trip inspection	Every Use	Hitch, lights, tires, load securement, brakes, safety chains	DIY
Lug nut torque check	Every 50 mi	Re-torque to 100–110 ft-lbs after first use and any tire change. Check monthly thereafter	DIY
Tire pressure & condition	Monthly	Inflate to recommended PSI. Inspect for sidewall cracking, uneven wear, and embedded objects	DIY
Brake adjustment	Every 6 Months	Adjust brake shoes, check magnets for wear, verify brake controller calibration	DIY
Lubrication service	Every 6 Months	Grease coupler, safety chain hooks, jack screw, and all pivot points. Apply corrosion inhibitor to hitch receiver	DIY
Wheel bearing repack	Annually / 12,000 mi	Remove hubs, clean and inspect bearings, repack with marine-grade grease, inspect seals	Authorized Service
Brake system inspection	Annually	Full drum brake inspection — shoes, springs, adjusters, drums. Measure drum diameter, replace worn components	Authorized Service
Electrical system check	Annually	Inspect all wiring harnesses for chafing, corrosion, and secure routing. Test all lights, connectors, and brake controller interface	DIY
Structural inspection	Annually	Inspect all welds, frame members, cross members, and mounting points for cracks, corrosion, and deformation	Authorized Service
Deck boards	Every 2–3 Years	Inspect for cracking, rot, and loose fasteners. Treat with penetrating wood sealer. Replace boards showing structural compromise	DIY
Axle alignment check	Every 2 Years	Verify axle alignment is within spec to prevent abnormal tire wear and instability. Requires specialized equipment	Authorized Service

Documentation

Owner's Downloads

Official documentation for your SG Trailer. Download and keep these on hand — digitally or printed in your glovebox.

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PDF · 4.2 MB · All Models

Complete Owner's Manual

Full operator manual covering all SG Trailer models. Safety, operation, specifications, and maintenance for Apolo, Anubis, Armagedon, and Apocalypse.

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PDF · 0.8 MB · Printable

Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Printable pre-trip checklist formatted for your glovebox. 3-hole punch ready. Available in English and Spanish.

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PDF · 1.4 MB · Technical

Maintenance Record Log

Track all service intervals, repair records, and part replacements. Required for warranty claims and resale documentation.

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PDF · 0.6 MB · Legal

Warranty Terms & Registration

Full warranty terms, coverage details, claim procedures, and product registration form for your SG Trailer purchase.

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Pre-Trip Checklist

Video Tutorials

Safety Guidelines

Maintenance Schedule

Owner's Downloads

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