Operating Guide

31
^ WARNING
Improper rigging of the safety chains can
result in loss of control of the trailer and
tow vehicle, leading to death or serious
injury, if the trailer uncouples from the tow
vehicle.
Cross chains underneath hitch and coupler
with enough slack to permit turning and to
hold tongue up, if the trailer comes loose.
Fasten chains to frame of tow vehicle.
Do not fasten chains to any part of the
hitch unless the hitch has holes or loops
specically for that purpose.
4.3.4 connect electrIcal caBle
1. Connect the trailer lights to the tow vehicle’s
electrical system using trailer electrical cable.
2. Check all lights for proper operation. Repair or
replace non-working lights before towing trailer.
3. Check electric brakes for proper operation using
brake controller mounted in the cab.
^ WARNING
Improper electrical connection between
the tow vehicle and the trailer will result in
inoperable lights and electric brakes, and
can lead to collision.
Before each tow:
• Check that the electric brakes work by
operating the brake controller inside the
tow vehicle.
• Check that all lights and turn signals
work.
4.3.5 attach Breakaway Brake lanyard
If the coupler or hitch fails, a properly connected and
working breakaway brake system will apply the trailer
brakes. The safety chains will keep the tow vehicle
attached and as the trailer brakes are applied, the
trailer/tow vehicle combination will come to a controlled
stop.
Connect the lanyard to the tow vehicle so that the
hydraulic actuator will engage or the electric brake
pullpin will be pulled out before all of the slack in the
safety chains is taken up. Do not connect the lanyard
to a safety chain, hitch ball or hitch ball assembly.
This would keep the breakaway brake system from
operating when it is needed.
4.3.5.1 teSt electrIc BrakeS
If your trailer has electric brakes, your tow vehicle will
have an electric brake controller that sends power to
the trailer brakes. Before towing the trailer on the road,
you must operate the brake controller while trying
to pull the trailer in order to conrm that the electric
brakes operate.
While towing the trailer at less than 5 mph, manually
operate the electric brake controller in the tow vehicle.
You should feel the operation of the trailer brakes. If
the trailer brakes are not functioning, the brake system
MUST be evaluated to determine the cause of the
problem and corrective action MUST be taken before
the trailer is used. Take the unit to your dealer or a
qualied brake specialist.
Use this procedure each time you tow the trailer to
check brake system operation.
4.3.5.2 teSt electrIc Breakaway BrakeS
The breakaway brake system includes a battery, a
switch with a pullpin and lanyard, and a breakaway
brake controller. Read and follow the instructions here
as well as the instructions that have been prepared by
the breakaway brake manufacturer. If you do not have
these instructions, contact your dealer for assistance.
Hydraulic tilt trailers may use the hoist battery to
provide power to the breakaway brakes. If your trailer
is not setup this way, there will be a small breakaway
battery mounted near the breakaway switch.
Most trailers are setup to charge the battery from
Coupling To Tow Vehicle