On the Road - continued
the braking effort from the brake controller, the greater the breaking force applied to the
trailer brakes. The trailer brakes are also actuated by the breakaway switch in case the tow vehicle and
trailer become uncoupled. To insure brakes are in good working order, brake shoes and drums should annually
be checked for wear.
- Grounding - The electrical circuit that operates your trailer brakes can be reliably completed only by proper
grounding back to the tow vehicle. A poor ground circuit from the brakes to the tow vehicle battery can hurt
braking performance as much as a poor primary circuit from the battery to the brakes. Do not rely on the hitch
ball/coupler or fifth wheel hitch mechanism for a good ground. Run a separate ground wire from the cord
receptacle to the tow vehicle negative battery post, or to the tow vehicle frame. The ground conductor must be
the same wire size as the charge line (10 gauge minimum)
BRAKING TIPS
- Before moving your trailer, inspect all external braking system components. Inspect all wiring connections.
Test the breakaway switch as outlined above.
- Never use the trailer brakes alone for extended periods. They are designed to stop the trailer, not the tow
vehicle. This action places excessive loads on the brakes, causing overheating, fading, and premature wear.
- Never use the tow vehicle brakes alone. The added weight of the trailer will more than double the load on
the tow vehicle brakes, causing overheating, fading, and premature wear. Driving control can also be affected,
due to the force of the trailer pushing against the tow vehicle. On slippery road surfaces this can result in
jackknifing.
- Always use the automatic brake controller. This synchronized braking system allows you to drive in the
manner recommended by experts: both hands on the steering wheel. The brake controller is properly adjusted
when the trailer brakes slightly "lead" the tow vehicle brakes. This will help keep the vehicles aligned for a
safe, straight stop.
- Downgrades and curves require reduced speeds. A downgrade will require lower transmission gears and
slower speeds to keep the brakes from overheating.
- Rain or slippery conditions require reduced speeds. Whenever in doubt, reduce your vehicle speed to
ensure predictable, safe operation.
TRAILER LOADING
A trailer chassis (suspension, wheels, tires, axles, frame and tongue) is designed to carry a certain maximum
load. This load consists of the empty trailer itself, plus weight added in the form of water, food, clothing, and
anything else that may be stored in or attached to the trailer. The maximum load for which the trailer is
designed is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and is the total of the weight on the axles and
the weight on the trailer tongue or fifth-wheel king pin. Another critical weight factor is the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). This is the maximum weight a specific axle is designed to carry. Again, the rating
represents the empty vehicle's axle weight plus the maximum added load. On trailers with more than one axle,
the weight is divided between each axle and each has its own GAWR. The total of all axle loads plus the
tongue weight must not exceed the GVWR. The tires equipped with your trailer are designed to carry the
loads specified. Tires need to be of sufficient capacity to carry the load. Always maintain required tire
pressure by checking frequently. Never replace or mix tires with a lower capacity specification. In addition to
knowing the overall weight that can be safely loaded in or attached to the trailer, you must know how to
distribute this weight so that correct amounts of weight are placed on the axles and tongue. Proper weight
distribution for a tandem axle conventional trailer should have between 9% to 15% of the loaded trailer weight
on the tongue. Single axle trailers should have at least 10% to 15% on the tongue. Depending on your tow
vehicle, the preferred weight on the tongue for conventional trailers is 11% to 12%. Fifth-wheel king pin weights
should be 15% to 25% of the loaded fifth-wheel weight. Proper weight distribution is required for towing
stability and will assure that the trailer is not rear, front, or side heavy. A light tongue weight or heavy weights
placed at the rear end of the trailer may cause sway. On the other hand, too much weight on the tongue can
overload the tow vehicle and cause poor tow vehicle braking, poor steering, poor cornering, and can damage
the trailer frame.
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Summary of Contents for 2013 Creek Side
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