Breakaway Switch; Hydraulic (Option); Backing Your Trailer (Hydraulic); Breakaway Protection - Jayco Eagle Owner's Manual

Breakaway Switch

The breakaway switch is one of the most important parts of your trailer electric brake
system. The very instant a breakaway occurs, the pull pin which is linked to the tow car,
is pulled from the swith. The two contacts automatically close to complete the eletrical
circuit and apply the trailer brakes. This system will apply the brakes of the trailers if it
breaks away from the tow vehicle. A 12-volt battery is required to power the breakaway
switch.
WARNING: NEVER use the breakaway switch and trailer brake system as a
parking brake. Usage in this way would place undo strain on the battery and
converter, potentially causing damage to the wiring, connectors, and breakaway
switch.
Breakaway Switch Schematics

Hydraulic (Option)

Your folding camping trailer may be equipped with hydraulic surge brakes. These brakes
operate automatically as the brakes of the tow vehicle are applied. When the tow vehicle
operator begins to decrease speed and applies the brakes, the weight of the moving
camping trailer pushes forward and the coupler moves downward. This downward
motion moves the plunger, which pushes the piston and rubber cup inside the master
cylinder. Brake fluid presses inside the wheel cylinder and activates the brake shoes
against the brake drum.

Backing Your Trailer (Hydraulic)

As designed, the weight of a camper pushing forward will
activate the surge brake system. When backing a camper up
a hill, the weight of the camper may activate brakes, making
it difficult to continue to reverse.
1. Prior to backing up a slope or through soft ground,
pull trailer forward slightly to assure that the actuator
socket is in the forward position.
2. Move the lever knob on the side of the actuator downward from the "Towing
Position" along the curved slot in the actuator frame to the "Back-up Position." The
slot has a notch at the bottom of its travel. Push the lever down to engage the
locking notch.
3. Back trailer up. This latch will slide into the correct position when pulling forward.
NOTE: It is extremely important to keep the master cylinder full at all times. An
empty cylinder invites moisture.
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Breakaway Protection

The hydraulic brake system is equipped with a breakaway cable. When towing, this cable
should be attached loosely to a frame member of the tow vehicle leaving enough
clearance so that the trailer can turn freely without actuating the breakaway protection.
Should the trailer separate from the tow vehicle, the breakaway cable will actuate the
master cylinder, locking the brakes. This will stop the trailer in the shortest possible
distance.
CAUTION: Breakaway protection should be fully released during vehicle opera-
tion. Check before towing. Do not use breakaway protection as a parking brake.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

A fire extinguisher is installed near the entrance door in the RV coach. Be familiar with
its location and operating instructions as printed on the extinguisher. It's too late to
become familiar with an extinguisher when an emergency is at hand.
The fire extinguisher is a dry chemical, non-refillable extinguisher. Do not test this
extinguisher. Doing so will cause loss of pressure making the extinguisher unusable. The
extinguisher must be discarded and replaced by a new one if any use has occurred.

SOFT SHADES

Soft shades are located at each window and can be opened and closed by pressing the
small buttons on each side of the black locks and drawing drape up or down to the
desired position.
WARNING: Keep soft shades in the upper most position while cooking on
the range top to prevent fire hazards.
WARNING: Never leave small children in the camper unattended. Children
can become entangled in the soft shade cords.
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