Multiquip Trailers - Manual (Page 22)

page 22 — trailer • owner's manual — rev. #4 (11/08/13)
„ Lower the trailer so that its entire tongue weight is held
by the hitch, and continue retracting the jack to its fully
retracted position.
attaching safety Chains
Visually inspect the safety chains and hooks for wear or
damage. Replace worn or damaged safety chains and
hooks before towing.
„ Attach the safety chains so that they:
• cross underneath the coupler (see Figure 10).
• loop around a frame member of the tow vehicle or to
holes provided in the hitch system (but, do not attach
them to an interchangeable part of the hitch assembly).
• have enough slack to permit tight turns, but not be
close to the road surface, so if the trailer uncouples, the
safety chains can hold the tongue up above the road.
Figure 10. Safety Chain Attachment
TRAILER
TONGUE
SAFETY CHAIN
MASTER LINK
TOW
VEHICLE
PINTLE
HOOK
PINTLE
EYE
SAFETY
CHAIN
TRAILER
TONGUE
SAFETY CHAIN
MASTER LINK
TOW
VEHICLE
BALL COUPLER
PINTLE COUPLER
CROSS BOTH
SAFETY CHAINS
IMPORTANT!
coupling to the tow vehicle
Breakaway Brake system
If the coupler or hitch fails, a properly connected and
working breakaway brake system will apply the hydraulic
and/or electric brakes on the trailer (Figure 11). The safety
chains will keep the tow vehicle attached and as the brakes
are applied at the trailer’s axles, the trailer/tow vehicle
combination will come to a controlled stop.
Figure 11. Breakway Brake Systems
warning
Improper attachment of the safety chains can result
in loss of control of the trailer and tow vehicle, leading
to death or serious injury, if the trailer uncouples from
the tow vehicle.
• Fasten chains to frame of tow vehicle. Do not fasten
chains to any part of the hitch unless the hitch has
holes or loops specifically for that purpose.
• Cross chains underneath hitch and coupler with
enough slack to permit turning and to hold tongue
up, if the trailer comes loose.
Breakaway Lever
Connect Cable
to Tow Vehicle
HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR
Connect Cable
to Tow Vehicle
Breakaway Switch
ELECTRIC ACTUATOR