Brakes and Breakaway Systems Give us your thoughts
22 PCMS Operations, Safety & Maintenance V3.0 Ver-Mac 2018
Proper synchronization of trailer brakes with tow vehicle brakes is
essential to safety and overall handling. Allow for additional
distance in braking and stopping of the tow vehicle.
In a breakaway situation the safety chains may prevent the trailer
from breaking away completely from the tow vehicle. The trailer
will not stop of its own accord.
Be sure you stay within the weight ratings of both your PCMS
trailer and tow vehicle.
7.5 Breakaway System
This component is an option on Ver-Mac PCMS. Please check that your PCMS
has this component before proceeding.
Avoid accidental activation of breakaway mechanism.
Do not coil breakaway cable around coupler or safety chains.
All PCMS trailers with an electric braking system or a hydraulic breaking system have a
breakaway cable connecting the trailer to the tow vehicle. If separation occurs the
breakaway cable pulls tight and automatically applies the trailer brakes according to
the trailer breaking system.
On trailers with a hydraulic breaking system the breakaway cable serves to activate the
actuator to apply the trailer brakes.
The breakaway cable attached to the tow vehicle is normally shorter than the
safety chains but must never be taut.
Always connect breakaway cable to towing vehicle
Make sure breakaway cable has a direct free pull
You can test the breakaway system by pulling the breakaway cable. Your trailer brakes
should immediately activate and lock up the wheels.
To disengage the breakaway system, replace the breakaway cable in the switch.
7.5.1 Replacement Breakaway Cable
Replacement breakaway cable must be slack enough to prevent
accidental activation of the breakaway mechanism.
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