Tow Vehicle; Brakes; Electronic Brake Controller; Proper Electric Brake Use - Airstream (nest) 2019 Owner's Manual

Tow Vehicle

Obviously, adequate power and proper towing equipment/
accessories are very important when considering a new tow
vehicle or the capability of your present one. Towing capability
is not determined solely by the power output of the engine.
Transmission type and set-up (automatics generally do a better
job of controlling engine loads than the average driver using a
manual shift), as well as the gear ratio of the differential are also a
very important.
WARNING
Tow vehicle springs that are too stiff can hinder the
action of the weight equalizing hitch and prevent
the transfer of weight to the front of the vehicle.
NOTE
Only use springs heavy enough to support your
loaded vehicle (not including trailer). Having too
harsh of a spring rate on your tow vehicle will only
shorten the life of the tow vehicle and trailer and
will cause your trips to be less enjoyable.
When buying a new vehicle to tow your trailer, we suggest
including towing options offered by most tow vehicle
manufacturers. These include such things as a heavy-duty
alternator and radiator, heavy-duty springs and shock absorbers,
transmission cooler, heavy-duty fan and flasher unit, etc., for the
make of the vehicle.
CAUTION
Before every trailer outing, inspect the tow vehicle's
hitch for loose bolts or nuts, cracked welds, loose
ball mounts, worn parts, etc.

Brakes

All trailers are equipped with Dexter Nev-R-Adjust brakes. Please
follow all maintenance procedures in the Dexter user's manual
provided in the owner's packet.

Electronic Brake Controller

The trailer brakes are operated by 12-Volt current from your tow
vehicle. To prevent problems and ensure satisfactory braking
action, install an electronic controller in line with the brakes in
your tow vehicle. An electronic controller will synchronize the
trailer brakes with your tow vehicle brakes. It is designed to
apply the trailer brakes with your tow vehicle brakes. Your brake
controller should be adjusted to provide for a slight lead of the
trailer brakes over the tow vehicle brakes.
7-2
NOTE
Study all material provided with your particular
brake control. If you do not understand the
information, have the installer explain the
information to you or call the manufacturer of the
controller.

Proper Electric Brake Use

Proper synchronization of tow vehicle to trailer braking can
only be accomplished by road testing. Brake lock-up, grab, or
harshness is quite often due to lack of synchronization between
the tow vehicle and the trailer being towed, a too-high threshold
voltage (over 2 volts), or under adjusted brakes.
WARNING
Never use only your tow vehicle or trailer brakes
alone to stop the combined load.
WARNING
The braking system should be periodically checked
and serviced by qualified, certified technicians
only. Failure to do so could result in loss of control
of your vehicle or the trailer, causing damage to
property, injury, and/or death.

Breakaway Switch

Nest is equipped with an emergency breakaway switch,
mounted near the coupler at the front-end A-frame. In the event
of an accidental separation of the tow vehicle and the trailer, the
breakaway switch plunger pin will pull out, the switch will set and
the trailer brakes will lock for the time needed to stop the trailer.
When hitching the trailer to the tow vehicle for travel, attach the
wire loop from the breakaway switch to the frame of your tow
vehicle's hitch assembly. When dis- connecting the trailer from
the tow vehicle, remove wire loop from the assembly. Do not
remove the plunger pin from the switch because this will apply
the trailer brakes.
WARNING
Do not use the breakaway switch as a parking
brake. If the battery should go dead, the trailer
parking brake would no longer be applied. Failure
to comply could cause damage to property, injury
and/or death.