46
Attach and Test the Breakaway System
If the coupler fails, a properly connected and working
breakaway system will apply electric brakes on the
trailer.
The breakaway system includes a brake controller,
battery and a breakaway switch with a pullpin and
lanyard. Read and follow the instructions here as well
as the instructions that have been prepared by the
brake controller manufacturer.
• Visuallyinspectthebreakawaysystemfor
broken parts.
• Connectthepullpinlanyardtothetowvehicle.
• Totestthebreakawaybattery,removethe
pullpin from the switch and attempt to pull the
trailer forward. You should feel the trailer resist-
ing being towed, but the wheels will not neces-
sarily be locked. If the brakes do not function,
do not tow the trailer until brakes, or battery, are
repaired.
• Immediatelyreplacethepullpin.Thebreakaway
brake system battery discharges rapidly when
the pullpin is removed.
WARNING
An ineffective breakaway brake system can
result in a runaway trailer, if the fifth wheel
hitch fails, leading to death or serious injury.
Test the function of the breakaway brake
system before towing the trailer. Do not tow
the trailer if the breakaway brake system is
notworking;haveitservicedorrepaired.
Connect the breakaway lanyard to the tow
vehicle.
Do not tow the trailer with the breakaway brake
system ON because the brake will overheat which
can result in permanent brake failure.
WARNING
Failure to replace the pullpin can result in
ineffective brakes, leading to loss of control,
serious injury or death.
If you do not use your trailer for three or more
months, or during winter months:
• Storethebatteryindoors;and
• Chargethebatteryeverythreemonths.
Replace the trailer battery at intervals recommended
by the battery manufacturer.
Connect the Electrical Cable
• Connectthetrailerlightstothetowvehicle’s
electrical system using the electrical connector.
Check all lights for proper operation:
• ClearanceandRunningLights(Turnontow
vehicle headlights).
• BrakeLights(SteponTowvehiclebrakepedal).
• BackupLights(PlaceTowvehicleinreverse).
• TurnSignals(Operatetowvehicledirectional
signal lever).
Check brakes for proper operation: While towing the
trailer at less than 5 m.p.h., manually operate the
electric brake controller in the tow vehicle cab. You
should feel the operation of the trailer brakes.
WARNING
Failure to connect the tow vehicle lighting
and braking to the trailer will result in
inoperable lights and brakes, and can lead to
collision.
Check that all the trailer lights and brakes
work before each tow.