Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain them
properly.
• If your vehicle has antilock brakes, do not try to tap
into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both
brake systems will not work well, or at all.
• Even if your vehicle does not have antilock
brakes, do not tap into your vehicle’s brake system
if the trailer’s brake system will use more than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s
master cylinder. If it does, both braking systems
will not work well. You could even lose your brakes.
• Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure? If not, the trailer brake
system must not be used with your vehicle.
• If everything checks out this far, then make the
brake fluid tap at the upper rear master cylinder
port. But do not use copper tubing for this. If you do,
it will bend and break off. Use steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, get to know the rig.
Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking
with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in
mind that the vehicle is now a good deal longer and not
nearly as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires, and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check the
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
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