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GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
INOPERABLE BRAKES OR LIGHTS
Be sure that the electric brakes and all of the lights on your trailer are functioning properly before
towing your trailer. Electric brakes and lights on a trailer are controlled via a connection to
the tow vehicle, generally a multi-pin electrical connector. Check the trailer tail lights by turning
on your tow vehicle headlights. Check the trailer brake lights by having someone step on the tow
vehicle brake pedal while you look at trailer lights. Do the same thing to check the turn signal
lights.
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
While towing the trailer at less than 5 mph, manually operate the electric brake controller in the
tow vehicle cab. You should feel the operation of the trailer brakes.
If your trailer has hydraulic “surge” brakes, pull the emergency breakaway brake lanyard to
check the operation of the surge mechanism.
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.
rear a towed trailer. You must provide mirrors that allow you to safely observe approaching
TRAILER MODIFICATIONS
will void all warranty options.
HAZARDS FOR DUMP TRAILERS
not designed for transporting livestock. The major hazards associated with dump trailers are:
• Overloading.
• Improper weight distribution; both side to side and front to back.
• Getting under a raised dump body.
• Not using, or improperly using the body prop.
• Modifying or altering hydraulic components.
• Modifying or altering dump controls.
• Not dumping from a solid and level foundation.
• Not fully opening rear doors when dumping.
• Jerking the trailer, or hydraulics, to loosen the load.
• Trailer contacting or coming near overhead power lines when body is raised.