FEATHERLITE TRAILERS Horse Trailer, Owner'S Manual

Page: 47 / 78

Section 3 - Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
R6 3/30/2017 Page 41
and lowering the fifth wheel coupler. Because we
use several drop leg jack mechanisms, the general
instructions below may vary slightly from the jack
manufacturer’s instructions. If the trailer jack on
your trailer does not resemble the jack shown in the
figures, follow the jack instructions provided by the
jack manufacturer.
•
Rotate the jack handle counter-clockwise. This
will slowly retract the jack and transfer the
weight of the trailer tongue to the towing
vehicle. When the drop leg base is no longer
resting on the ground, the towing vehicle hitch
is holding all of the weight of the trailer tongue.
Continue retracting the jack to its fully retracted
position.
•
Return the drop legs to their upper positions.
The drop legs are held in the lowered position
with a plunger pin. Rotating the plunger pin
while pulling it outward about ¾ inch will
cause it to come out of the engagement with the
drop leg and the leg will rapidly raise. See
figure 3-21.
•
Raise the tailgate.
•
Pick up the trailer wheel blocks.
Drop Leg Jack Mechanism – Figure 3-21
^ CAUTION
The drop legs are heavily spring loaded in
the lowered position. They will rapidly
return to the upper position when
released and can inflict serious bruises,
scrapes or pinching.
Keep your feet, shins and hands well
clear of the drop legs and drop leg bases
when releasing the drop legs.
3.2.3.e Attach and Test the Breakaway Brake
System
If the coupler fails, a properly connected and
working breakaway brake system will apply electric
brakes on the trailer. See figure 3-22.
The breakaway brake system includes a breakaway
brake 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 controller manufacturer.
Breakaway Brake Connection – Figure 3-22
The breakaway brake system may be fitted with a
charging facility 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.
•
Visually inspect the breakaway brake system
for broken parts.
•
Connect the pullpin lanyard to the tow vehicle
(see “Breakaway Brake Connection” figure 3-
22). Do
not connect to kingpin or its support.
•
To test the breakaway 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.