13
What to Check And How To Check
Breakaway Switch &
D.O.T. Wet Cell Battery
After hitching to the tow vehicle, pull the safety pin on
the breakaway switch. Check to see if system is opera-
tional. Push safety pin back in to its original position.
Check battery fluid level every 60-90 days. Remove
cover. There are two fill caps. Refill with distilled water
only.
Breakaway Switch
Mounted on an A-Frame
Attach breakaway switch cable securely in a straight
line to the tow vehicle. Locate attachments so little
“slack” is left in the cable, but enough slack to allow for
turning without disengaging the pin. The cable will
activate brakes the instant a trailer becomes disen-
gaged. Brake adjustment is critical to stopping a disen-
gaged trailer.
Check Breakaway System
& Brakes Before Each Trip
1.
Disconnect 12V plug from tow vehicle.
2.
Pull breakaway pin.
3.
While pin is pulled, move tow vehicle forward.
Brake should be on and wheels locked.
4.
Replace pin and secure to tow vehicle. Do not loop
over hitch ball.
5.
Plug 12V connector into tow vehicle receptacle.
6.
Test brakes with brake controller.
NOTE: When disconnecting trailer from tow vehicle,
make sure to replace safety pin.
Brakes
Your trailer is equipped with one of several brake type
options.
Complete service and repair information for each
available type brake is found in the Axle Break Service
Manual that is furnished with your trailer,
NOTE: It is important to strictly adhere to the axle break
instructions for brake service and repair. In this way, you
are protecting the validity of all applicable warranties
.
Burnishing the Brakes
Brakes on a new trailer may tend to “grab” or pulsate. This
is normal. To correct the situation, pull the trailer with the
trailer brake control slightly engaged a short distance
(about 1000 ft or until trailer does not grab or pull to one
side anymore). This action smooths down the brake
bands
.
NOTE: Do not lock up the wheels.
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your trailer has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying
Karcher.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of trailers, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer or
Karcher.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-
9153) or write to:
NHTSA
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety
from the http://www.
sa
ferc
a
r.gov
Karcher Trailer Operator’s Manual 9.800-199.0 - E
Breakaway Battery
(Two fill caps
underneath cover)
Power Cable
Breakaway
Pin
Cable to Vehicle
Breakaway Battery on A-Frame
