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^
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
specifi cally for that purpose.
4.3.4 Connect Electrical Cable
Connect the trailer lights to the tow vehicle's
1.
electrical system using trailer electrical cable.
Check all lights for proper operation. Repair or
2.
replace non-working lights before towing trailer.
Check electric brakes for proper operation using
3.
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
Coupling To Tow Vehicle
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 confi 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 qualifi 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.
The trailer will have a small breakaway battery
mounted near the breakaway switch.
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.
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