nailer Brakes
If
your trailer weighs
more
than 1,000 pounds (450
kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
--
and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes
so
you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.
Driving with a Trailer
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0
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Don’t 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 systems won’t 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 port on the master cylinder that sends
fluid to the rear brakes. But don’t use copper tubing
for this.
If
you do, it will bend and finally break
off.
Use steel brake tubing.
Towing
a
trailer requires
a
certain amount of
experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your 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 you
are
driving
is
now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle
is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.
If
the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets
you
check your
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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