Section 3 – Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
R4 3/30/2017
Page 23
controller is not the same as the safety breakaway
brake system that is installed on the trailer.
Side View Mirrors:
The size of the trailer that is
being towed and your state law regulations
determine the size of the mirrors. However, some
states prohibit extended mirrors on a tow vehicle,
except while a trailer is actually being towed. In
this situation, detachable extended mirrors are
necessary. Check with your dealer or the
appropriate state agency for mirror requirements.
Heavy Duty Flasher:
A Heavy Duty Flasher is an
electrical component that may be required when
your trailer turn signal lights are attached to the tow
vehicle flasher circuit.
Electrical Connector:
An Electrical Connector
connects the light and brake systems on the trailer
to the light and brake controls on the towing
vehicle.
Heavy Duty Engine Oil Cooling System:
The
tow vehicle engine works harder when a trailer is
being towed. Depending on the size of the trailer,
you may need to install a separate engine oil cooler.
Inadequate cooling may result in sudden engine
failure. Ask the tow vehicle dealer if it is necessary
to install a heavy duty cooling system.
Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler:
The
automatic transmission of a towing vehicle handles
more power when a trailer is being towed.
Inadequate cooling will shorten transmission life,
and may result in sudden transmission failure. Ask
the tow vehicle dealer if it is necessary to install a
separate oil cooler for the automatic transmission.
Fire Extinguisher:
It is sensible to have a fire
extinguisher in the tow vehicle.
Emergency Flares and Emergency Triangle
Reflectors:
It is wise to carry these warning
devices even if you are not towing a trailer. It is
particularly important to have these when towing a
trailer because the hazard flashers of your towing
vehicle will not operate for as long a period of time
when the battery is running both the trailer lights
and tow vehicle lights.
3.2 C
OUPLING AND
U
NCOUPLING THE
T
RAILER
A secure coupling (or fastening) of the trailer to the
tow vehicle is essential. A loss of coupling may
result in death or serious injury. Therefore, you
must understand and follow all of the instructions
for coupling.
The following parts are involved in making a secure
coupling between the trailer and tow vehicle:
Coupling:
That part of the trailer connecting
mechanism by which the connection is actually
made to the trailer hitch. This does not include any
structural member, extension of the trailer frame, or
brake controller. (per SAE J684)
Hitch:
That part of the connecting mechanism
including the ball support platform and ball and
those components that extend and are attached to
the towing vehicle, including bumpers intended to
serve as hitches. (per SAE J684)
Safety Chains:
Chains are permanently attached to
the trailer such that if the coupler connection comes
loose, the safety chains can keep the trailer attached
to the tow vehicle. With properly rigged safety
chains, it is possible to keep the tongue of the trailer
from digging into the road pavement, even if the
coupler-to-hitch connection comes apart.
Trailer Lighting (and braking) Connector:
A
device that connects electrical power from the tow
vehicle to the trailer. Electricity is used to turn on
brake lights, running lights, and turn signals as
required. In addition, if your trailer has a separate
braking system, the electrical connector will also
supply power to the trailer brakes from the tow
vehicle.
Breakaway Switch:
If the trailer becomes de-
coupled from the towing vehicle, the breakaway
switch lanyard, attached independently to the tow
vehicle hitch, will pull a pin in the emergency
electrical breakaway switch on the trailer. The
breakaway switch is activated by a separate battery
supply in the trailer such as to energize the trailer
brakes independently of the towing vehicle. It is
important to check the state of charge of the
emergency breakaway battery before each trip.
Simply pull the pin out of the switch by hand and
then try to pull the trailer. If you feel a significant
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