Operating Guide
33
Most trailers are setup to charge the battery from
the tow vehicle. If the electrical system on your tow
vehicle does not provide power to the battery, you
must periodically charge the battery with a commercial
battery charger to keep the battery charged.
^ CAUTION
Extreme cold weather can degrade battery
performance and cause brakes to not
operate properly.
Check battery charge level before towing.
Do not tow trailer if the battery requires recharging. A
discharged brake battery will not activate the brakes if
the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle. The battery
must be fully charged before towing trailer.
^ WARNING
Most trailers use the hoist battery to
provide power to the breakaway brakes.
A depleted hoist battery will not allow
breakaway brakes to function if needed.
Hoist battery must be charged before
towing trailer.
To test the breakaway brake battery, remove the pullpin
from the switch and attempt to pull the trailer forward.
You should feel the trailer resisting being towed, but
the wheels will not necessarily be locked. If the brakes
do not function, do not tow the trailer until brakes, or
battery, are repaired.
Immediately replace the pullpin. The breakaway
brake battery discharges rapidly when the pullpin is
removed.
^ WARNING
An ineffective breakaway brake system can
result in a runaway trailer, leading to death
or serious injury if the coupler fails.
Test the function of the breakaway brake
system before towing trailer. Do not tow
trailer if breakaway brake system is not
working; have it serviced or repaired.
Connect breakaway lanyard to the tow
vehicle, NOT to the safety chain, ball,
pintle, hitch, or support.
Do not tow the trailer with the breakaway brake system
ON because the brakes will overheat which can result
in permanent brake failure.
^ WARNING
Failure to replace the pullpin can result
in ineffective brakes, leading to loss of
control, serious injury or death.
If you do not use your trailer for three or more months,
or during winter months:
• Store the battery indoors; and
• Charge the battery every three months.
Replace the breakaway brake battery according to the
intervals specied by battery manufacturer.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle