FEATHERLITE TRAILERS Horse Trailer, Owner'S Manual

Page: 43 / 78

Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
R6 3/30/2017 Page 37
the trailer to keep the breakaway brake system in
working order.
•
Visually inspect the breakaway brake system
for broken parts.
•
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 3-16).
Do
not connect the pullpin lanyard to a safety
chain, safety chain receiver, or to the 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.
•
To test the breakaway brake battery, pull out
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 or inoperative breakaway
brake system can result in a runaway trailer
leading to death or serious injury if the
coupler or hitch fails.
Connect the breakaway lanyard to the tow
vehicle; and NOT to the safety chain, safety
chain receiver, gooseneck ball or
gooseneck ball support.
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.
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.
If you do not use your trailer for three or more
months, or during winter months:
•
Store the battery indoors; and
•
Charge the battery every three months.
Replace the breakaway brake battery according to
the intervals specified by the battery manufacturer.
3.2.2.h Connect the Electrical Cables
Connect the trailer lights to the tow vehicle's
electrical system using the electrical connectors.
•
Check all lights for proper operation:
•
Clearance and Running Lights (Turn on
tow vehicle headlights).
•
Brake Lights (Step on tow vehicle brake
pedal).
•
Turn Signals (Operate tow vehicle
directional signal lever).
•
Check electric brakes for proper operation
using the controller mounted in the cab.
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 m.p.h., manually
operate the electric brake controller in the tow
vehicle cab. You should feel the operation of the
trailer brakes.
^ WARNING
Failure to connect the tow vehicle lighting
and braking to the trailer will result in
inoperable lights and brakes, and can lead
to collision.
Check that all the trailer lights and brakes
work before each tow.