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3.4 REVERSING
All trailers are fitted with auto-reverse
braking systems. Manual reverse catches
are available as optional extras for use in
particularly adverse conditions, e.g. reversing
up a slippery incline, where the slight drag
present in the auto-reverse brakes may
otherwise cause the wheels to lock.
3.5 DETACHING THE
TRAILER AND PARKING
3.5.1 DETACHING THE TRAILER
EXCEPT IN AN EMERGENCY,
YOU SHOULD NEVER
UNHITCH A LADEN TRAILER!
If you have reversed the trailer into a parking
position, pull forward a small amount so that
the trailer brakes come out of auto-reverse
mode, apply the towing vehicle and then the
trailer handbrake.
1. Return to the towing vehicle, release the
(towing vehicle's) handbrake and allow the
towing vehicle to move forward slightly
this allows the compressed draw tube to
re-extend to its normal position, otherwise
uncoupling will be difficult.
2. Re-apply the towing vehicle handbrake
and switch its engine off.
3. Check once again that the trailer
handbrake is fully applied, especially if the
trailer was reversed to its parking position
as there may still be some 'slack' in the
braking system.
4. Detach the trailer's lighting cable from
the towing vehicle's socket and attach
it to the parking socket provided on the
trailer coupling.
5. Release the jockey wheel clamp, lower the
jockey wheel to the ground and securely
tighten the clamp.
6. Disengage the R clip (if fitted) and turn the
jockey wheel operating handle anticlockwise
until it just begins to take the weight of the
drawbar.
7. Release the coupling head as described under
3.1 coupling Instructions, continue turning the
jockey wheel until the coupling head is raised
clear of the ball. (For eye couplings, remove
the pin from the towing jaw following the
towing jaw manufactures instructions.)
8. Finally disconnect the breakaway cable
from its attachment point. Don't forget to
re-fit your tow ball cover to keep the ball
in good condition and protected from the
effects of the weather.
IMPORTANT – Never detach
the breakaway cable before
uncoupling the trailer.
If the trailer is to be parked for a
long period of time it is advisable that
the wheels are chocked and the handbrake
released, this minimises the possibility of brake
linings sticking to the drums.
3.5.2 PARKING THE
TRAILER
Before detaching the trailer from the towing
vehicle, you should choose the area where
the trailer is to remain with care. Ideally the
trailer should be parked on firm level ground to
safeguard against the trailer rolling or sinking
into the ground. Where you have no option
but to park on soft ground, the trailer should
rest on suitable scaffold type boards. Always
apply the handbrake when the trailer is parked
independently of the towing vehicle and chock
the wheels on sloping ground. Release the
handbrake when parked for extended periods.
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