29
to a safety chain, gooseneck ball or its support. This
would keep the breakaway brake system from operating
when it is needed.
Contact the hitch manufacturer or installer if you are
not certain of the hitch provisions for the breakaway
brake connection.
4.3.1.7 t
eSt
e
lectrIc
B
rakeS
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 confirm 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
qualified brake specialist.
Use this procedure each time you tow the trailer to
check brake system operation.
4.3.1.8 t
eSt
e
lectrIc
B
reakaway
B
rakeS
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.
Hydraulic tilt trailers may use the hoist battery to
provide power to the breakaway brakes. If your trailer
is not setup this way, there will be 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.
^
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.
^
WARNING
An ineffective breakaway brake system can
result in a runaway trailer, leading to death
or serious injury if the receiver 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
Coupling To Tow Vehicle
Summary of Contents for Gooseneck Series
Page 13: ... 13 2 2 17 Safety Warning Labels On Your Trailer Safety ...
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