Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance
R6 3/30/2017
Page 61
8.2.5.a Periodic Inspection
Properly functioning brake shoes and drums are
essential to ensure safety. You must have your
dealer inspect these components at least once per
year, or each 12,000 miles.
8.2.5.b Brakes, Electric
Two different types of electric brakes may be
present on the trailer: an emergency electric
breakaway system, which acts only if the trailer
comes loose from the hitch and the breakaway pin
is pulled. The other brake is an electric braking
system that acts whenever the brakes of the tow
vehicle are applied.
Tow Vehicle Operated Electric Brakes
The electric brakes that operate in conjunction with
the tow vehicle brakes must be “synchronized” so
that braking is properly distributed to the tow
vehicle brakes and the trailer brakes. For proper
operation and synchronization, read and follow the
axle/brake and the brake controller manufacturers’
instructions.
Breakaway Battery
This battery supplies the power to operate the trailer
brakes if the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle.
Be sure to check, maintain and replace the battery
according to the battery manufacturer’ instructions.
Breakaway Switch
This switch causes the breakaway battery to operate
the electric brakes if the trailer uncouples from the
tow vehicle.
The lanyard for the pull pin is connected to the tow
vehicle, and the switch is connected to the trailer.
To check for proper functioning of the switch,
battery and brakes, you must pull the pin from the
switch and confirm that the brakes apply to each
wheel. You can do this by trying to pull the trailer
with the tow vehicle, after pulling the pin. The
trailer brakes may not lock, but you will notice that
a greater force is needed to pull the trailer.
^ WARNING
If electric breakaway brakes do not operate
when trailer is uncoupled from the tow
vehicle, death or serious injury can occur.
Check emergency breakaway brake system
BEFORE each tow.
Magnets for Electric Brakes
To make certain an electrically-operated braking
system will function properly, you must have your
dealer inspect the magnets at least once a year, or
each 12,000 miles. See the brake manual for wear
and current inspection instructions.
8.2.5.c Brakes, Hydraulic (Vacuum, Air or
Electric Operated)
If your trailer has hydraulically-operated brakes,
they function the same way the hydraulic brakes do
on your tow vehicle. The hydraulic braking system
must be inspected by a dealer, at least as often as
the brakes on the tow vehicle, but no less than once
per year. This inspection includes an assessment of
the condition and proper operation of the wheel
cylinders, brake shoes, brake drums and hubs.
You must check the fluid level in the master
cylinder reservoir at least every three months. If
you tow your trailer an average of 1,000 miles per
month in a hot and dry environment, you must
check the brake fluid level once a month. The
brake fluid reservoir is located on the tongue of the
trailer or near the gooseneck. Fill with DOT 4
brake fluid.
Vacuum-Operated Hydraulic
When towing a trailer, the vacuum gauge, which is
located inside the cab of the tow vehicle, must
indicate 18 In. Hg. (inches of mercury) or more at
all times.
^ WARNING
Vacuum gauge in tow vehicle must be at or
above 18 In. Hg. If not, brakes may be
rendered inoperable and unsafe. Low
vacuum will cause damage to the brake
system.
Summary of Contents for Horse Trailer
Page 1: ...OWNER S MANUAL ENCLOSED TRAILERS...
Page 4: ......
