Tie Down 85E Actuator - Manual (Page 3)

to bleed the brakes and check connections for leaks. Adjust per instructions found in brake installation manual. In general, back-off the
adjusters on drum brakes from locked position, as required. Adjust Free-Backing brakes by rotating wheel in forward direction only. Failure to
adjust may result in loss of braking. Disc brakes do not require adjustment, check for pad wear periodically.
7. While towing, if the actuator appears to be knocking against the hitch ball while starting or stopping, check brake fluid reservoir
and fill if below 3/8” full from the top. Dampening shock absorber requires sufficient brake fluid in order to retard movement of
coupler against hitch ball during towing.
WARNING - DISC BRAKE USE
Actuator models designed for disc brakes do not have a “check valve” installed. Check valves are required for use with drum brakes.
DO NOT use aNy acTuaTOr DesigNeD fOr Drum brakes ON a Trailer wiTh Disc brakes iNsTalleD.
WARNING
Actuator and brakes should always be flushed with fresh water after using trailer in corrosive conditions. This includes salt water, fertilizers
and other corrosive materials. Before storing trailer remove brakes and clean thoroughly. It is also wise to repack the bearings at the same
time. Failure to properly and adequately maintain the actuator could cause serious damage, injury or death.
WARNING
The breakaway system is not designed to operate if the trailer does not separate completely from the tow vehicle, or if the tongue goes under
the rear of the tow vehicle.
WARNING
In the event that the breakaway system is used, check all system components (cable, S-hooks, etc.) for proper working order. Replace any
damaged parts with genuine Tie Down parts only.
WARNING
When re-setting the break away system keep hands and fingers clear as you re-set the mechanism, hydraulic pressure held in the system
may cause the assembly to snap back suddenly.
WARNING
AVOID sharp turns, which can cause the actuator to bind or jackknife against the tow vehicle or cause a bend in the tongue. Either can
damage the actuator causing brake failure. AVOID towing trailer across large bumps or dips that may over stress the connection between the
trailer and tow vehicle, as this could result in damage to the actuator.
WARNING
DO NOT REUSE BRAKE FLUID. Always use fresh DOT 3 brake fluid from a fresh container. Failure to maintain proper levels of fluid in the
reservoir will cause brake failure.
WARNING
Failure to install the hitch pin before towing can result in accidental opening of the coupler hitch latch which can lead to the trailer coming off
of the hitch ball causing serious damage, injury or death. If pin will not fit into the front lower hole, the coupler is not attached properly.
Re-set coupler on hitch ball.
WARNING
A minimum of 5% tongue weight and a maximum 10% tongue weight of the trailer GVWR must be positioned over the hitch ball. The Trailer
tongue should be parallel to the ground. Too much weight can cause premature brake actuation and loss of control of the towing vehicle.
To little tongue weight can cause the trailer to fishtail, resulting in loss of control of the tow vehicle and trailer (total trailer weight GVWR
includes weight of the trailer plus load).
WARNING
A loose fit between the coupler and hitch ball can cause the actuator and hitch ball to separate, causing serious damage, injury or death.
Check coupler every time prior to towing and at each stop on long trips. Always make certain that coupler latch safety pin is securely
installed into coupler latch.
WARNING
Brake laws sometimes are minimum standards and you may wish to add additional brakes to your trailer. Read your tow vehicles
owner’s manual on towing capacity and other towing recommendations before installing brakes or this actuator.
WARNING
NEVER ALLOW THE COUPLER LATCH SAFETY PIN TO REMAIN IN THE REVERSE LOCKOUT POSITION HOLE. AFTER
REVERSE MANEUVERING, ALWAYS INSERT COUPLER LATCH SAFETY PIN BACK INTO COUPLER LATCH. FAILURE
TO REMOVE SAFETY PIN FROM REVERSE LOCK OUT POSITION HOLE WILL PREVENT FORWARD MOVEMENT
BREAKING WHICH CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.