Test Surge Brakes (If Equipped) - Integrity Enclosed Trailer Owner's Manual

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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.
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.
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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.
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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
•
Coupling To Tow Vehicle
Charge the battery every three months.
•
Replace the breakaway brake battery according to
the intervals specifi ed by battery manufacturer.

4.3.5.3 Test Surge Brakes (If Equipped)

Hydraulic surge actuator systems provide automatic
and smooth trailer braking without special application
by the tow vehicle driver. While this is extremely
convenient it can sometimes be diffi cult to determine
if the surge setup is functioning properly. The
following steps provide a quick fi eld-test to confi rm
that the trailer brake system is operational.
The fi eld-test procedure indicates only if
the trailer brake system is functional, but
DOES NOT provide information on how
effi ciently it will operate.
Regular inspection, maintenance,
and adjustment of all brake system
components (including the surge actuator,
tubing, hoses, brake clusters, drums, and
associated hardware/support structure)
are still required to ensure maximum brake
performance and smooth, even brake
operation.
Move the trailer to fl at, level ground, pulling
FORWARD several feet before parking. This
forward motion will ensure trailers equipped with
free-backing brakes are in their normal operating
mode. Disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle
and jack up the trailer's tongue until it is horizontal.
Hook the trailer's safety chains (NOT the actuator's
breakaway cable) together to form a loop, which is
centered below the actuator's coupler. Place wheel
chock blocks two feet behind the trailer to prevent a
runaway trailer.
Place a sturdy board, such as a 2 inch by 4 inch
piece of lumber, into the chain loop below the coupler.
The board should be 4 feet or longer so it will extend
several feet above the actuator. Keep the end of the
board a few inches off the ground, and position it to
press against the front end of the actuator's coupler.
Press the board towards the rear of the trailer.
Keep pressing the top of the board to stroke the
actuator and its internal master cylinder. If the trailer
brake system is operational, the brakes will apply and
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WARNING