Jayco Eagle Fifth Wheels 2023 Breakaway Switch User Manual
Breakaway Switch
Caution
NEVER use the breakaway switch and trailer brake system as a parking brake. Doing so would create a high amp draw on the battery and converter. This can cause damage to wiring, connectors and the breakaway switch.
Your RV may be equipped with a breakaway switch. The breakaway switch is a crucial part of the RV braking system. Located on the travel trailer A-frame, or beside the fifth wheel pinbox, this switch will apply the RV brakes if the trailer becomes detached from the tow vehicle. Attach the breakaway switch lanyard to a permanent part of the tow vehicle when hitching your RV. On a travel trailer, do not attach it to the hitch ball or similar removable parts. If the RV becomes detached from the tow vehicle, the pull pin will be pulled from the switch. This automatically causes the switch to “close” and activates the RV brakes.
Hydraulic Brakes (if so equipped)
Your RV may be equipped with hydraulic surge brakes that operate automatically as the tow vehicle’s brakes are applied. When speed is decreased and brakes are applied, the weight of the trailer moving forward creates a reaction, which causes the brake fluid inside the wheel cylinder to activate the brake shoes against the drum. As a result of this design, backing the RV uphill may activate the surge brake system making it difficult to continue in reverse. To aid in backing up the RV:
- Prior to backing up a slope or through soft ground, pull the recreation vehicle forward slightly to assure that the actuator socket is in the forward position.
- Move the lever on the side of the actuator downward from the “towing position” along the curved slot in the actuator frame to the “backup position.” The slot has a notch at the bottom of its travel. Push the lever down to engage the locking notch.
- The RV will now back up. This lever will slide into the correct position when pulling forward.
It is extremely important to keep the master cylinder full at all times. An empty cylinder invites moisture.
Disc Brakes (if so equipped)
If your RV is equipped with disc brakes, see the manufacturer’s owner’s manual for detailed safety and maintenance information.
Towing Behind Your RV
Warning
If you do not have a Jayco factory-installed hitch receiver, towing items behind your Jayco RV, or overloading the rear, will void the warranty and may result in: damage to the RV or add-on items, towing difficulties, property damage and/or personal injury.
NOTE:
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A JAYCO FACTORY-INSTALLED HITCH RECEIVER, DO NOT TOW ANYTHING BEHIND YOUR RV. THE RV FRAME AND BUMPER ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR TOWING.
NOTE:
A hitch equipped for trailer towing will have tabs to hang the safety chains and there will be a bracket for the trailer wiring plug. There should also be a label on the hitch stating the maximum towing capacity.
Factory Installed Hitch Receiver (if so equipped)
Warning
- If you do not have a Jayco factory-installed hitch receiver, towing items behind your Jayco RV, overloading the rear, or failure to adhere to the specified weight capacities will void the warranty and may result in: damage to the RV or add-on items, towing difficulties, property damage and/or personal injury.
- The hitch receiver installed on your RV is a weight-carrying hitch only. Do not use weight distribution bars or equipment when towing. Using weight distribution bars or equipment with the hitch receiver will void the warranty and may cause damage that could lead to adverse trailer combination towing and handling, loss of control or an accident resulting.
NOTE:
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A JAYCO FACTORY-INSTALLED HITCH RECEIVER, DO NOT TOW ANYTHING BEHIND YOUR RV. THE RV FRAME AND BUMPER ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR TOWING.
Additional Towing – Multiple Trailer Combinations (if so equipped)
If your RV (applies to limited fifth wheel models only) is equipped with a factory-installed hitch receiver, you have the ability to tow an additional boat or another watercraft trailer behind your RV.
The hitch receiver may be used as a weight-carrying hitch to tow a boat or other watercraft trailer. Do not use a bar longer than 10 inches (254 mm). The maximum length of the drawbar is from the center of the fastening pin to the center of the ball. The maximum trailer tow rating of the fifth wheel hitch is 3,000 lbs. (1361 kg.) with a maximum tongue weight of 300 lbs. (136 kg.). The receiver may be also used for attaching a cargo basket/carrier for other items. Ensure the cargo carrier is properly attached to the hitch receiver and all cargo is properly secured in place. The cargo weight carrying capacity includes the weight of the cargo carrier. The maximum total weight when used to carry cargo is 300 lbs. (136 kg.)..
The trailer being towed by your RV must be properly equipped with brakes. Contact your tow vehicle dealer or manufacturer for assistance in determining whether a separate braking system is recommended and what the limits are for towing multiple trailer combinations. Check the state or province where your tow vehicle and RV are registered as well as any state or province where travel is planned in the U.S. and/or Canada for brake requirements and regulations.
These labels have been placed on the hitch receiver and on the rear bumper of your RV. Be sure to read, understand and follow the information on them.
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Reference Links
View Full User Guide: Jayco Eagle Fifth Wheels 2023 User Manual
Download Manuals: https://www.jayco.com/manuals