Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
R6 3/30/2017
Page 27
chains, it is possible to keep the tongue of the trailer
from digging into the road pavement, even if the
coupler-to-hitch connection comes apart.
Trailer lighting (and braking) connector:
A
device that connects electrical power from the tow
vehicle to the trailer. Electricity is used to turn on
brake lights, running lights, and turn signals as
required. In addition, if your trailer has a separate
braking system, the electrical connector will also
supply power to the trailer brakes from the tow
vehicle.
Breakaway switch:
If the trailer becomes de-
coupled from the towing vehicle, the breakaway
switch lanyard, attached independently to the tow
vehicle hitch, will pull a pin in the emergency
electrical breakaway switch on the trailer. The
breakaway switch is activated by a separate battery
supply in the trailer such as to energize the trailer
brakes independently of the towing vehicle. It is
important to check the state of charge of the
emergency breakaway battery before each trip.
Simply pull the pin out of the switch by hand and
then try to pull the trailer. If you feel a significant
drag force the brakes are activated. Be sure to re-
insert the pin in the breakaway switch. Also be sure
to allow enough slack in the breakaway brake
lanyard such that the switch will only activate (pin
pulls out) if the coupler connection comes loose.
Jack:
A device on the trailer that is used to raise
and lower the trailer tongue. On larger trailers the
jack is sometimes called the “landing gear.”
^ WARNING
An improperly coupled trailer can result in
death or serious injury.
Do not move the trailer until:
•
The coupler is secured and locked;
•
The safety chains are secured to the
tow vehicle; and
•
The trailer jacks are fully retracted.
•
Do not tow the trailer on the road until:
•
The trailer brakes are checked;
•
The breakaway switch is connected to
the tow vehicle;
•
The load is secured to the trailer; and
•
The trailer lights are connected and
checked.
Couplers
Featherlite Trailers are produced with a variety of
coupler devices. One of the sections below will
pertain to your trailer.
•
Bumper pull (Ball Hitch) Coupler
•
Gooseneck Ball Hitch Coupler
•
Gooseneck Fifth Wheel Coupler
If you need information or assistance with your
coupler, call Featherlite, Inc. at 800-800-1230 or
your dealer.
3.2.1 Trailer with Ball Hitch Coupler
A ball hitch coupler connects to a ball that is
located on or under the rear bumper of the tow
vehicle. This system of coupling a trailer to a tow
vehicle is sometimes referred to as “bumper pull.”
A ball hitch trailer may be fitted with a tongue jack
that can raise and lower the coupler. The tongue
jack is mounted to the A-frame (front, or tongue)
part of the trailer. By rotating the jack handle
clockwise, the jack will extend and raise the tongue
of the trailer. Figure 3-3 shows a trailer with a ball
hitch coupler.
Summary of Contents for Horse Trailer
Page 1: ...OWNER S MANUAL ENCLOSED TRAILERS...
Page 4: ......
