Jockey Wheel, Safety Chains and Breakaway System – Basic Operation

Jockey Wheel, Safety Chains and Breakaway System – Basic Operation

Before towing, make sure the van is correctly connected to the vehicle and that the jockey wheel, safety chains and breakaway system are all secured properly.

Jockey Wheel

The jockey wheel is used to raise and lower the drawbar when connecting or disconnecting the van.

  1. Use the jockey wheel to raise or lower the coupling as needed when hitching or unhitching.
  2. Once the van is connected and locked onto the hitch, wind the jockey wheel fully up.
  3. Secure the jockey wheel in the travel position before driving away.

Important: Never tow the van with the jockey wheel left down or loose.

Connecting the Safety Chains

  1. Attach the safety chains to the rated chain attachment points on the tow vehicle.
  2. If your van has two chains, cross them underneath the drawbar before attaching them.
  3. Make sure the chains are secure and not twisted.
  4. Check the chains are not dragging on the ground and still allow enough movement for turning.

Crossing the chains helps support the drawbar and can help stop it dropping to the ground if the coupling ever became disconnected.

Connecting the Breakaway System

The breakaway system is a safety device that will apply the van’s brakes if the van ever becomes separated from the tow vehicle while driving.

  1. Locate the breakaway cable attached to the switch pin on the van.
  2. Attach the cable to a secure anchor point on the tow vehicle.
  3. Make sure the cable is connected separately from the safety chains.
  4. Check that the cable can pull the pin free if needed and is not wrapped around the chains or drawbar.
  5. Make sure the breakaway pin is fully inserted before towing.

Important: Do not attach the breakaway cable to the safety chains.

Before Driving Away

  • Check the hitch is fully locked.
  • Check the jockey wheel is fully raised and secured.
  • Check the safety chains are correctly attached.
  • Check the breakaway cable is attached properly.
  • Make sure nothing is dragging on the ground.

When Disconnecting

  1. Park the van safely and apply the handbrake.
  2. Remove the breakaway cable from the tow vehicle.
  3. Remove the safety chains.
  4. Lower the jockey wheel to support the drawbar before uncoupling the van.

Helpful Tip

A quick final walk-around before driving away can save a lot of trouble. Always check the hitch, jockey wheel, chains and breakaway cable every time you tow.


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