Periodic Maintenance and Checks | 23
4 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND CHECKS
WARNING
Ensure that your trailer brakes are installed and are operating correctly:
•
Improperly installed and/or faulty trailer brakes can cause erratic vehicle or trailer
behaviour with the potential to cause a road accident.
For this reason, it is of utmost
importance that your trailer braking system be installed/maintained by a qualified installer.
•
Always check brakes at low speed each time a trailer is attached to your vehicle.
•
Immediately After Installation (to be done by a qualified Auto‑Electrician),
test the
installation/vehicle wiring. Testing your vehicle wiring is best done by connecting a test light
(max. 21 W filament globe) to the brake output, pushing the manual override and having
someone check that the test lamp lights up.
BEFORE EACH TRIP
It is important to ensure that your system is operating correctly before you set out. The following
should be checked, along with standard mechanical maintenance, each time you attach your trailer:
• Correct brake light operation on both your vehicle and trailer.
• Correct operation and setting of the electric brake controller.
• Correct operation of your trailer brakes.
• Check that your breakaway system is operating correctly and that the breakaway battery is
healthy (if applicable).
• Ensure that the tow hitch, and safety chains and weight distribution systems are setup correctly.
PERIODICALLY
It is important to have a qualified technician check the function of your trailer system on a periodic
basis to ensure that everything is operating correctly. REDARC recommend that you visit a qualified
technician before the beginning of each holiday season to ensure that any towing aids or systems
are working correctly.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Please consider these points whilst towing a trailer:
• Ensure that your vehicle is capable of towing the trailer.
• Ensure that you adjust your driving style to allow more time to change lanes and brake.
• Always remember that your electric brake controller is designed to supplement your vehicle
brakes; do NOT use the Tow‑Pro
®
Elite manual override in place of your vehicle foot brake.
• REDARC recommend professional towing training before attempting to tow a trailer.
