FEATHERLITE TRAILERS Horse Trailer, Owner'S Manual

Page: 37 / 78

Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
R6 3/30/2017 Page 31
^ WARNING
Incorrect 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.
Chains must:
•
Fasten to frame of tow vehicle, not to
hitch or ball.
•
Cross underneath hitch and coupler
with minimum slack to permit turning
and to hold tongue up, if the trailer
comes loose.
3.2.1.f Attach and Test the Breakaway Brake
System
If the coupler or hitch fails, a properly connected
and working breakaway brake system will apply
electric brakes on the trailer. The safety chains will
keep the tow vehicle attached and as the brakes are
applied at the trailer’s axles, the trailer/tow vehicle
combination will come to a controlled stop.
The breakaway brake system includes a controller,
battery, and a switch with a pullpin, and lanyard.
Read and follow the instructions here as well as the
instructions that have been prepared by the
breakaway brake manufacturer.
The breakaway brake system may be fitted with a
“charging” capability that draws power from the
tow vehicle. If the electrical system on your tow
vehicle does not provide power to the breakaway
brake battery, you must periodically charge the
battery to keep the breakaway brake system in
working order.
Breakaway Brake Connection – figure 3-8
•
Visually inspect the breakaway system for
broken or missing parts. Repair or replace
worn, damaged or missing parts before towing
trailer.
•
Connect the pullpin lanyard to the tow vehicle
so that the pullpin will be pulled out before all
of the slack in the safety chains is taken up (see
Breakaway Brake Connection figure 3-8). Do
not connect the pullpin lanyard to a safety
chain or to the hitch ball or hitch ball assembly.
This would keep the breakaway brake system
from operating when it is needed.
•
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 system 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 coupler or ball hitch
fails.
Test the function of the breakaway brake
system before towing the trailer. Do not
tow the trailer if the breakaway brake
system is not working; have it serviced or
repaired.
Connect the breakaway lanyard to the tow
vehicle -
NOT to the safety chain; and
NOT to the hitch, ball 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.
^ WARNING
Failure to replace the pullpin can result in
ineffective brakes, leading to loss of
control, serious injury or death.