•
The trailer jacks are not fully retracted.
Do not tow the trailer on the road until:
•
The trailer breakaway system is operational
The breakaway switch must be connected and verified. If equipped with electric brakes, your trailer will be equipped with a
breakaway system that can apply the brakes on your trailer if it becomes detached from the tow vehicle for any reason. The
breakaway system, including the battery, must be in good condition and properly rigged to be effective. An inoperative break-
away can result in a runaway trailer. The breakaway cable must be attached to the towing vehicle and not to any part of the
hitch. Before towing the trailer, test the system. If the system is not working, do not tow the trailer. Have it serviced or repaired.
•
Tires and wheels are checked
Failure to maintain proper tire condition and pressure can lead to loss of control.
Just as with your tow vehicle tires, the trailer tires and wheels are important safety items. It is essential to inspect them before
each tow.
If a tire is found to include defects such as a bald spot, bulge, cut, cracks or is showing any cords, replace before towing. Have
the tires inspected by qualified persons. Check inflation pressure on all tires prior to towing.
Failure to keep lug nuts tightened properly may cause the wheels to be seated to the hub improperly. Before each tow, check to
make sure they are properly torqued. The proper torque for lug nuts is listed in this manual and available from the manufacturer.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts, use a crisscross star pattern.
Lug nuts are also prone to loosen after first being assembled. When driving a new trailer (or after wheels have be remounted,)
check to make sure they are tight after the first 10, 25, and 50 miles of use and before each tow thereafter.
•
The trailer lights and brakes are connected and checked
Be sure the trailer brakes and all the lights on your trailer are functioning properly before towing your trailer. Brakes and lights
on a trailer are controlled via a connection to the tow vehicle.
Electric Brakes
Check the trailer brake lights by having someone operate the brake and turn signals on the tow vehicle while you visu-
ally verify it is functioning. If your trailer has electric brakes, your tow vehicle will have an electric brake controller that is required
to be installed at the driver's position that sends power to the brakes. To check the condition of the electrical brake system, pull
the breakaway pin and check for the illumination of the green
LED
indicator light. When fully lit, the battery is charged and the
system wiring is correct. To test this system, operate the brake controller while trying to pull the trailer at a speed of less than
5mph to verify they are operating and you can feel them engage.
If your trailer has hydraulic, or “surge” brakes, pull the emergency breakaway lanyard to check the operation of the emergency
brake system.
Straight Air Brake Systems
Air systems include spring applied brakes as standard equipment. There is no breakaway cable; connecting the emer-
gency and service glad hands is all that is required. The spring brakes are shipped in a mechanically retracted position for re-
ceiving and handling purposes. They must be activated prior to use. Loosen the nut on the threaded rod located on the back
side of the spring brake canister. Rotate the threaded rod one quarter turn, remove the threaded rod and insert it in the storage
pipe provided on the brake actuator casting. Insert the rubber plug provided into the center spring brake canister hole.
ABS Information
If your trailer is equipped with and anti-lock braking system. Anti-lock brakes greatly enhance trailer stability while
braking. Because a sliding wheel always leads, a brake lockup situation under manual braking can cause loss of control as the
trailer slides sideways. Anti-lock brakes provide the electronic and physical control to prevent wheel lockup and the ensuing con-
trol problems. Although Anti-lock brakes may not necessarily help you stop over shorter distances, it will help keep you in control
while eliminating excessive tire wear and
flat spotting.
Operation & Maintenance Manual
Model 1570-B Puller
09/2010
Page 3
