On the Road - continued
7-CIRCUIT RECEPTACLE
Clearance & tail lights
Stop & LH turn
Ground
Yellow / Backup (Reverse) lights - (If equipped)
Brake System Connector Plug
Certain models may be equipped with backup (reverse) lights which will be connected to the Auxiliary
(Yellow - 7) position of the Brake System Connector Plug. Keep the plug clean, tight, and protected from the
elements. Inspect it carefully every time you hitch up. Be certain that your installation includes a "charge line"
from the alternator on the tow vehicle to terminal number four on wire should be 10 gauge stranded copper with
insulation rated for under hood temperatures. A 30-amp circuit protector should be installed near the alternator
connection. This circuit will keep the trailer battery charged as you travel. See Electrical Systems chapter.
- Trailer Battery - The trailer battery provides power to activate the brakes in case of an emergency where
the trailer becomes unhitched during towing. NOTE: The battery is not supplied by the trailer manufacturer.
- Breakaway Switch - The breakaway switch is located on the trailer tongue or pin box. This important
safety item is required in most states. It has a steel cable (lanyard) fastened to it which will reach to the frame
of the tow vehicle. This device is one of the most vital components on your trailer's braking system. It auto-
matically applies the trailer brakes if the tow vehicle and trailer become uncoupled while in motion. The break-
away switch operates when a pull pin linked by the cable to the tow vehicle is separated from the switch.
When the switch closes, power for brake application is transferred from the onboard trailer battery. The steel
lanyard must be anchored to the tow vehicle when the trailer is hitched up. Secure this cable loop to the
permanent frame of the tow vehicle, or a part of the hitch that is non-removable. Do not fasten the breakaway
switch lanyard to the hitch ball or any other removable part of the hitch. Remove the pull pin every three
months and lubricate it with light oil. Before reinserting the pin, spray the inside of the switch with an electrical
contact cleaner to prevent corrosion.
Test the breakaway switch operation before each trip as follows:
1) Hitch the trailer to the tow vehicle.
2) Pull out the breakaway switch actuating pin.
3) Test brakes by attempting to drive away. The breakaway switch is functioning properly if the trailer brakes
are activated.
4) If the brakes are not activated, check that the trailer battery is connected and fully charged, and the trailer
brakes are properly adjusted.
5) Obtain service repair if the trailer brakes do not operate after making these checks.
6) Reinsert the breakaway switch actuating pin before towing the trailer.
Do not tow a trailer with a malfunctioning breakaway switch, or a dead or missing
battery.
Do not leave the pull pin out of the breakaway switch for more than a few minutes, or
the battery will be drained. Do not use the breakaway switch for a parking brake.
- Trailer Brakes - Your trailer brakes are actuated by electrical energy from the brake controller. The greater
16
WARNING
Battery Charge
Stop & RH turn
Brakes
WARNING
Summary of Contents for 2013 Creek Side
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