OPERATION ( TOWING )
CAUTION: Ball capacity must be greater than or equal to the
trailer GVWR. Do not use a worn hitch ball, it is unsafe and must be replaced.
NOTE: Take care not to damage actuator when backing up towing
vehicle for hook-up.
1. Position actuator ball socket above 2" ball.
2. Hold release handle in open position (Figure 10).
3. Lower trailer tongue until ball rests in ball-socket.
4. Close release handle.
CAUTION: The release handle will close freely with finger
pressure when ball is properly inserted into ball socket. If the release handle does not
close freely, do not tow the trailer. Do not force release handle into closed position.
5. To make sure that the actuator is securely latched onto the ball, extend the trailer
tongue jack to the ground and lift the car and trailer combination 2" to 4". If
the ball does not disengage, the actuator is securely attached.
6. Insert padlock or bolt through lock hole for theft protection.
7. Connect breakaway cable solidly to bumper or frame of tow vehicle as near to center as
possible. The cable must hang clear of trailer tongue and be long enough to permit short
radius turns without pulling breakaway cable forward.
8. Make sure breakaway cable is in released position with indicator bead touching or
resting against cable spring stop (Figure 11).
CAUTION: Do not use breakaway cable as a parking brake.
NOTE: Check location of breakaway cable periodically during
each trip. Indicator should rest against spring stop. Accidental application will cause
brakes to drag and heat up, causing failure.
9. Cross safety chains under tongue and securely attach to bumper or frame of tow vehicle.
CAUTION: Safety chains must be used.
10. Retract jack fully. Remove and store caster, if applicable.
11.Check for proper car-trailer hook-up: the tow vehicle and trailer should be level
with a positive tongue load. For further information, consult a dealer or Atwood Service
Department.
12. The back-up lever knob must be positioned in the "Towing Position" (Figure
13).
13. If actuator is used with equalizing hitch, be sure hanger chains hang between
straight down and forward up to 34". Do not use less than 6-1/2" hanger chain
length. For optimum brake performance, hang chains forward 340 (Figure 12).
14. Do not use the Atwood brake actuator with a sway controller, unless prior Atwood
Engineering approval of the sway control system has been received.
15. You are now ready to tow your trailer.
CAUTION: Avoid sharp turns. This could bend, create extreme
stress or fracture either the actuator or trailer tongue.
BACKING UP
1. Follow step 1 through 15 for Towing.
2. Before backing up a slope or through soft ground, pull trailer forward slightly to
assure that the actuator socket is in the fully forward position.
3. Move the lever knob on the side of the actuator downward from the "Towing
Position" along the curved slot in the actuator frame to the "Back-up
Position" (Figure 13). The slot has a notch at the bottom of its travel. Push the
lever knob down to engage the locking notch.
4. Back trailer up.
CAUTION: Avoid sharp turns. This could bend,create extreme
stress or fracture either the actuator or trailer tongue.
5. If trailer is to be uncoupled from tow vehicle after backing with the lever knob
engaged, block all trailer wheels and pull forward slightly to take strain off of the
actuator. Uncouple the actuator by lifting the release handle and raising the trailer
tongue. Make sure the lever knob is in the "Towing Position" when uncoupling
from the trailer.
CAUTION : Before towing trailer, always ensure the lever knob
has disengaged and is in the "Towing Position".
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