COUPLING TO THE TOW VEHICLE
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
when the battery is running both the trailer lights and tow vehicle lights.
4.2 COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING THE TRAILER
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.
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.
Safety chains: Chains 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 uncoupled from the tow 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.
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cant drag force the brakes are activated. Be sure to re-insert the pin in the breakaway switch.
Also be sure to allow enough slack in the breakaway brake lanyard such that the switch will only
Parking Brake.
Jack: A device on the trailer that is used to raise and lower the trailer tongue.
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WARNING
An improperly coupled trailer can result in death or serious injury.
Do not move the trailer until:
• The coupler is secured and locked to hitch; • The safety chains are secured to the tow
vehicle; and • The trailer jack(s) are fully retracted. Do not tow the trailer on the road
until: • Tires and wheels are checked; • The trailer brakes are checked; • The breakaway
lanyard is connected to the tow vehicle; • The load is secured to the trailer; and • The
trailer lights are connected and checked.