Breakaway Device; Axles & Leaf Springs - Winnebago Towables User Manual

8. The breakaway device is connected to the
trailer battery and will operate independently
to apply the trailer brakes should the trailer
become disconnected from the tow vehicle.
9. Apply trailer brakes only and proceed very
slowly to confirm proper engagement of the
hitch and brake operation.
10. Test all exterior lights on the trailer.
Fifth Wheels
1. Open the hitch locking device in the truck.
2. Lower the tailgate of the truck.
NOTE: If not required, the rear tailgate can be
removed to simplify coupling and
uncoupling.
3. Back the truck to engage the kingpin in the
hitch latch plate. It is important the pin box
and hitch latch plate are as level as possible.
4. Latch plates will engage the kingpin
automatically on some hitches, but the handle
grip must be pushed to the locked position
(see manufacturer's instructions for full
details). On other hitches, the lever will be
used to engage the kingpin (manually) and to
lock it in position.
5. Visually check that the hitch is locked to the
small diameter portion of the kingpin.
6. Raise the tailgate of the truck.
7. Raise the front jacks of the fifth wheel trailer.
8. Plug the electrical connector cord into the
receptacle on the truck.
9. Attach the safety cable for the breakaway
device to part of the truck hitch. Keep the
cable in a straight line with the switch on the
trailer as much as possible and allow enough
slack for turns.
10. Apply trailer brakes only and proceed very
slowly to confirm proper engagement of the
hitch.
11. Test operation of all exterior lights on the
trailer.
RECOMMENDATIONS

BREAKAWAY DEVICE

Should your trailer become completely
disconnected while being towed, the breakaway
device is designed to actuate the trailer brakes
and bring it to a stop, preventing a runaway
trailer. The switch has a pull pin linked to the tow
vehicle with a steel cable; the cable pulls the pin
free. This causes two contacts in the device to go
together, immediately closing the circuit between
the trailer battery and the trailer brakes.
CAUTION
Never tow a trailer without the trailer
battery being hooked up and fully
charged. Attach the breakaway
lanyard cable so it is longer than the
safety chain. When connected to the
vehicle, the pull on the pin is in a
straight line with the cable. Do not
hook the cable over the trailer ball.
Break Away Device
AXLES & LEAF SPRINGS
Our travel trailers and fifth wheels axles are
suspended on heavy-duty, double-eye leaf
springs designed to absorb sharp jolts from the
road, reduce jolts from being transmitted to the
trailer and maintain tire contact with the road.
Spring shackle mounts are welded to the frame of
the trailers. Check the shackle bolts periodically
SECTION 3 –
3-5