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TOWING
Breakaway Protection
The breakaway system is required to supply power to the ActiBrake system in the
event the trailer becomes uncoupled from the towing vehicle.
Failure to maintain adequate charge in the breakaway battery will result in the
breakaway system not functioning properly. This may result in physical injury and/or
property damage in the event of a breakaway! The breakaway battery is the trailer
batteries. The breakaway switch is wired direct to the batteries.
In THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL SEPARATION of the tow vehicle and trailer,
the BREAKAWAY SWITCH will set and lock the trailer brakes for a sufficient length
of time to stop the trailer. The switch is activated when the wire attached to it and to
the tow vehicle pulls out the small pin in the front of the unit. THIS PIN SHOULD BE
PULLED OUT, LUBRICATED WITH LIGHT HOUSEHOLD OIL AND REPLACED EVERY
90 DAYS.
To prevent corrosion within the breakaway switch, pull the switch’s pin straight forward
and spray the inside of the switch through the hole with an electric contact cleaner
(such as Spra- Kleen) and reinsert the pin. A drop of light household oil on the groove
near the base of the pin will allow the pin to operate freely. WHEN THE TRAILER IS
CONNECTED TO THE TOW CAR, THE BREAKAWAY SWITCH LOOP SHOULD BE
ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT FRAME OF YOUR HITCH. When disconnecting
trailer from tow vehicle remove wire loop from the frame. DO NOT REMOVE THE PIN
FROM THE SWITCH FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME BECAUSE THIS WILL
APPLY THE TRAILER BRAKES AND POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE BRAKE MAGNETS
AND RUN THE BATTERY DOWN.
General Operation
Coupling
When coupling the trailer to the towing vehicle, always ensure the two vehicles
are properly coupled, including the safety chains and breakaway switch cable, in
accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions and trailer manufacturer’s
instructions. All coupling devices and procedures must conform to State and Federal
regulations.
Trailer Connector - Vehicle Connector
After properly coupling the trailer to the towing vehicle, plug-in the trailer connector
to the mating connector of the towing vehicle. There are two checks to ensure proper
connection has been made.
(The first time the ActiBrake is connected to a brake controller, it is necessary to engage
the manual over-ride lever of the brake controller for a period of up to 5 seconds.
During this time, Actibrake’s active synchronization system syncs-up with your brake
controller. ActiBrake stores this information in its memory so the synchronization is
necessary only at initial set-up AND whenever the trailer gets disconnected and re-
connected to the tow vehicle.)
The first check is visual, as many tow vehicle brake controllers have an indicator light.
This light will illuminate green if the electrical connection is correct. If the light does
not illuminate, there is a problem with the connection. SEE your tow vehicle brake
controller manual for complete details on verification of wiring continuity.
The second check requires using the manual override lever on the tow vehicle controller.
Position a second person near the ActiBrake. With the ignition switch turn on, keeping
the vehicle in Park (or not in gear with the parking brake engaged) and stationary,
move the manual override lever of the brake controller. The person near the ActiBrake