Re: [A/S] Brakes adn Hitches

[Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The comment about brakes and sway refer to a time honored technique for 
over coming a sway condition.

The technique was once part of the information passed on from the ole 
timer or dealer when introducing a new trailerist to towing.

The technique involves applying the manual override feature of the brake 
controller to activate only the trailers brakes. This will stop the 
trailer from swaying almost immediately. In some cases where sway is 
anticipated one could have their hand at the ready to get it as it starts.

If the driver simply applies brakes using the tow vehicle brake it will 
exaggerate the problem and often results in complete loss of control.

The challenge to the driver is to remember the correct course of action 
in an near panic situation. The normal brake check one should do when 
starting out on a tow to ensure everything is working serves to refresh 
your memory on how to get to the brake controller in a hurry.


The old recommendation included where to mount the controller and 
practicing applying it. The brake controller should be mounted to the 
side of the steering column based on whether the driver is right or left 
handed.

The need for quick access was the reason Hayes-Lemmerz introduce the 
remote manual override several years ago.

Charlie