Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
4.4.1.1 Test Electric Brakes
If your trailer has electric brakes, your tow vehicle will have an electric brake
controller that sends power to the trailer brakes. Before towing the trailer on the
road, you must operate the brake controller while trying to pull the trailer in order to
confirm that the electric brakes operate. While towing the trailer at less than 5 mph,
manually operate the electric brake controller in the tow vehicle. You should feel
the operation of the trailer brakes. If the trailer brakes are not functioning, the brake
system MUST be evaluated to determine the cause of the problem and corrective
action MUST be taken before the trailer is used. Please consult your dealer.
Use this procedure each time you tow your trailer to check your surge brake
system operation.
4.4.1.2 Test Electric Breakaway Brakes
The breakaway brake system includes a battery, a switch with a pullpin and
lanyard, and a breakaway brake controller. Read and follow the instructions here
as well as the instructions that have been prepared by the breakaway brake
manufacturer. If you do not have these instructions, contact your dealer for
assistance.
The breakaway brake system battery will trickle charge from the tow vehicle. Dump
trailers and trailers with 12 volt hydraulic pumps will use the hydraulic pump battery
for the breakaway brakes and will not be equipped with the battery charger shown
in figure below. If the electrical system on your tow vehicle does not provide power
to the battery, you must periodically charge the battery with a commercial battery
charger to keep the battery charged. Dump trailers and trailers with 12 volt
hydraulic pumps have an on-board battery maintainer/charger. See the
Accessories section.
The “Charging” lamp (1) will be illuminated when the battery is receiving a charge
from the tow vehicle. Press the “Test” button (2) to test the battery level of charge.
Do not tow trailer if the battery requires recharging. A discharged breakaway brake
battery will not activate the brakes if the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle. The
battery must be fully charged before towing trailer.
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Breakaway Brake Battery Charger