Coupling To The Tow Vehicle
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! WARNING
Incorrect rigging of the safety chains can result in loss of control
of the trailer and tow vehicle, leading to death or serious injury, if
the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle.
Chains must:
Fasten to frame of tow vehicle, not to hitch or ball.
Cross underneath hitch and coupler with minimum slack to
permit turning and to hold tongue up, if the trailer comes loose.
CONNECT THE ELECTRICAL CABLE – BUMPER PULL TRAILERS
Connect the trailer lights to the tow vehicle's electrical system using trailer
electrical cable.
Check all lights for proper operation. Repair or replace non-working lights
before towing trailer.
Check electric brakes for proper operation using brake controller mounted in
the cab.
! WARNING
Improper electrical connection between the tow vehicle and the
trailer will result in inoperable lights and electric brakes, and can
lead to collision.
Before each tow:
Check that all lights and turn signals work.
Check that the electric brakes work by operating the brake
controller inside the tow vehicle.
ATTACH BREAKAWAY BRAKE LANYARD – BUMPER PULL TRAILERS
If the coupler or hitch fails, a properly connected and working breakaway brake
system will apply the brakes on the trailer. The safety chains will keep the tow
vehicle attached and as the brakes are applied at the trailer’s axles, the trailer/tow
vehicle combination will come to a controlled stop.
Connect the lanyard to the tow vehicle so that the hydraulic actuator will
engage or the electric brake pullpin will be pulled out before all of the slack in
the safety chains is taken up. Do not connect the lanyard to a safety chain,
hitch ball or hitch ball assembly. This would keep the breakaway brake system
from operating when it is needed.