FEATHERLITE TRAILERS Horse Trailer, Owner'S Manual

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Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance
R6 3/30/2017 Page 63
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.
Air Pressure-Operated Hydraulic
Air/hydraulic braking systems are typically used
when the tow vehicle has a diesel engine. The tow
vehicle has an air compressor that routes the air to
an air/hydraulic mechanism, which sends brake
fluid to the wheel cylinders.
The air pressure gauge in your tow vehicle indicates
the current air pressure. See your tow vehicle
manual for the proper air pressure.
Electrical-Operated Hydraulic
Electric/hydraulic braking systems, which are
mounted on the trailer, use a small electrically-
driven pump to generate hydraulic pressure, which
operates the brake cylinders. Like electrical brakes,
an electric/hydraulic braking system is operated by
an electrical signal from the tow vehicle.
8.2.7 Trailer Connection to Tow Vehicle
8.2.7.a Coupler and Ball
The coupler on the trailer connects to the ball
attached to the hitch on the tow vehicle. The
coupler, ball and hitch transfer the towing forces
between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Before
each tow, coat the ball with a thin layer of
automotive bearing grease to reduce wear and
ensure proper operation; and check the locking
device that secures the coupler to the ball for proper
operation.
If you see or feel evidence of wear, such as flat
spots, deformations, pitting or corrosion, on the ball
or coupler, immediately have your dealer inspect
them to determine the proper action to prevent
possible failure of the ball and coupler system. All
bent or broken coupler parts must be replaced
before towing the trailer.
The coupler handle lever must be able to rotate
freely and automatically snap into the latched
position. Oil the pivot points, sliding surfaces, and
spring ends with SAE 30W motor oil. Keep the
ball pocket and latch mechanism clean. Dirt or
contamination can prevent proper operation of the
latching mechanism.
When replacing a ball, the load rating must match
or exceed the GVWR of the trailer.
8.2.7.b Gooseneck
The gooseneck receiver on the trailer connects to a
hitch-mounted ball on the towing vehicle. The
receiver, ball and hitch transfer the towing forces
between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Before
each tow, coat the ball with a thin layer of
automotive bearing grease to reduce wear and
ensure proper operation; and check the locking
device that secures the receiver to the ball for
proper operation.
If you see or can feel evidence of wear, such as flat
spots, pitting or corrosion, on the ball or receiver,
immediately have your dealer inspect them to
determine the proper action to prevent possible
failure of the ball and receiver system.
When replacing a ball, the load rating must match
or exceed the GVWR of the trailer.
8.2.7.c Fifth Wheel Kingpin
Before each tow, inspect the fifth wheel and
kingpin for wear, and coat the contact surface of the
fifth wheel plate with water-resistant Lithium-base
grease. If you see evidence of wear on the fifth
wheel or kingpin, immediately have your dealer
inspect them to determine the proper action to
prevent failure of the fifth wheel and kingpin
system.
8.2.8 Landing Leg or Jack
If a grease fitting is present, you must use a grease
gun to lubricate the jack mechanism. Grease the
gears in the top of hand-cranked jacks once a year,
by removing the top of the jack and pumping or
hand packing grease into the gears.