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Properly set adjustments will provide for safe comfortable stops. They will also help ensure
optimum brake and tire life for both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Adjustment and Use of the Brake Controller on the Towing Vehicle
The settings of the tow vehicle controller are determined by the driver. When properly set, the
braking force of the trailer will provide sufficient braking so the brakes of the towing vehicle are
not required to provide any braking force for the trailer. Variations in the controller settings may
be required for different road conditions and for changes in trailer load. It is essential to maintain
sufficient braking on the trailer on wet or slippery road surfaces. More braking with the trailer
will help prevent the possibility of a jack-knife situation or prevent the trailer from swaying or
pushing the towing vehicle. The tow vehicle brake controller also allows for manual activation of
the trailer brakes independently of the tow vehicle, using the controller's manual override
feature.
WARNING:
IT
IS
ESSENTIAL
THAT
EACH
DRIVER
READ
AND
FULLY
UNDERSTAND
THE
TOW
VEHICLE
BRAKE
CONTROLLER
OPERATING
MANUAL
PROVIDED
BY
THE
MANUFACTURER
OF
THE
TOW
VEHICLE
BRAKE
CONTROLLER.
FAILURE
TO
FULLY
UNDERSTAND
THE
USE
AND
OPERATION
OF
THE
TOW
VEHICLE
BRAKE
CONTROLLER
BY
EACH
DRIVER
MAY
CAUSE
LOSS
OF
VEHICLE
CONTROL.
THIS
MAY
RESULT
IN
PHYSICAL
INJURY
AND/OR
PROPERTY
DAMAGE!
Breakaway Protection
In case of an accidental separation of the tow vehicle and trailer, the breakaway switch will set
and lock the trailer brakes for a sufficient length of time to stop the trailer. The switch is activated
when the wire attached to it and the tow vehicle pulls out the small pin in the front of the unit.
This pin should be regularly pulled out, and lubricated with light household oil.
To prevent corrosion within the breakaway switch, pull the switch’s pin straight forward and spray
the inside of the switch through the hole with an electric contact cleaner (such as Spra-Kleen) and
reinsert pin. A drop of light household oil on the groove near the base of the pin will allow the pin
to operate freely. When the trailer is connected to the tow vehicle, the breakaway switch loop
should be attached to the permanent frame of your hitch (photo M-1). When disconnecting the
trailer from the tow vehicle, remove wire loop from the frame.
Do not remove the pin from the switch because this will apply the trailer brakes.
NOTICE: Do not use the breakaway switch as a parking brake.
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