HITCHING TRAILER
1.

The vehicle, towing hitch and ball must have a rating equal to or
greater than trailer GVWR.

2.

Model 80LP/85LP will accept 2” trailer hitch balls rated for
8,000/8,500 lbs or more only. Trailer balls larger than 2.00” or
out of round will not fit the coupler or may result in coupler failure.
Balls smaller than 1.97” can cause shock loading and sudden
disconnection. Make certain ball latch is in correct position to retain
the hitch ball. Push latch back until safety latch engages plate below
latch. Insert safety pin into forward hole as a safety lock for the hitch
ball coupler prior to towing. Do not tow trailer if coupler is damaged.

3.

Connect safety cables or chains using crossed pattern under
tongue, or follow trailer manufacturer’s directions. NOTE: The
E-stop cable must have slack to make turns right and left without
activating the brakes.

4.

Connect actuator breakaway cable S-hook to the tow vehicle only.
Do not connect S-hook to the safety cables or chains.

5.

The breakaway system is designed to only operate after the trailer
detaches from the tow vehicle and the safety chains have failed.
The breakaway is not a parking brake. Do not use as such.

!

• 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 THAT CAN
RESULT IN SERIOUS PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.
8.

9.

!

CAUTION

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. Reset coupler on hitch ball.

• When resetting the breakaway system, keep hands and fingers
clear as you reset the mechanism. Hydraulic pressure held in the
system may cause the assembly to snap back suddenly.

Any control devices that restrict operation of the actuator cannot be
used. This includes certain sway control devices. The actuator must
be free to telescope in response to braking action of the tow vehicle.

The actuator is designed for use with Free-Backing trailer brakes.
To block braking action, (in order to back up) with other types of
brakes, use an electric solenoid. The actuator is designed for use
with Free-Backing trailer brakes. To block braking action, (in order
to back up) with other types of brakes including disc brakes, use
an electric solenoid. Place the safety pin in the hole on the side of
the actuator housing to block movement of the actuator for reverse
movement without brakes. DANGER: Failure to remove pin will also
prevent forward braking. Pin must be in the lower, forward hole as a
safety lock for the hitch ball coupler latch when towing at all times.

!

• 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 Dexter parts only.

7.

CAUTION

Tongue weight beyond rating limits will interfere with performance
of actuator, braking system and the tow vehicle.

• 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.

If the E-stop is accidentally applied while unhitching, see the last
page for E-stop release instructions.

Equalizing or weight distributing hitches may be used, allow six to
eight inches free chain length.

!

CAUTION

6.

CAUTION

VEHICLE WIRING - with Free Backing Brake Solenoid

CAUTION

1.

Disconnect trailer hitch and any wiring connectors from the vehicle.

2.

Connect a 14 gauge wire to the backup (reverse) light wire of the
vehicle. This wire should be of sufficient length to attach to the
existing vehicle/trailer wire receptacle. The end of this wire will require
a female end that will match the solenoid male connector wire.

3.

For ease of use, tape or band the end of the reverse light wire to
the vehicle’s trailer electrical connector.

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.

©2019 Dexter Axle Company | www.dexteraxle.com

-2-

059-Z01-08 2019.10| 08172

MAINTENANCE

Bleeding Model 80LP/85LP Actuator

CAUTION

The exterior of the actuator and brakes should always be rinsed with
fresh water after use in corrosive conditions. Before storing trailer,
clean brakes and repack the bearings. Failure to properly maintain
the actuator could cause serious damage, injury or death.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Always check the brake fluid reservoir before using trailer. Make
sure it is at least half full. If not, refill to 3/8” below the top of the
reservoir with DOT 3 brake fluid. Check for leaks and repair as
required. Never reuse brake fluid.

!

CAUTION

Figure 3

DO NOT REUSE BRAKE FLUID. Always use fresh DOT 3 fluid from
a fresh container. Failure to maintain proper levels of fluid in the
reservoir will cause brake failure.
2.

To extend coupler and ball life, coat both with a thin coating of
grease. This will also eliminate squeaking. Wipe clean and renew
film each time trailer is used.

3.

Examine the actuator for bent parts or wear each time the trailer is
used. Replace parts as necessary.

4.

There are no user adjustments on the actuator.

5.

Actuator travel (shown by coupler roller path) over 1” indicates
needing to adjust the brakes, adding fluid to the reservoir, needing
to bleed the brakes or check connections for leaks. Adjust per
instructions found in brake installation manual. In general, back-off
adjusters on drum brakes from locked position, as required. Adjust
Free-Backing brakes by rotating in forward direction only. Failure
to adjust may result in loss of braking. Disc brakes do not require
adjustment, check for pad wear.

6.

b
TDE
MO
D
L
SAE P8000 EL
C
MA LASS
X G IV
800 VW
0 LB
S

1.

a

TDE
M
LP OD
SAE 8000 EL
C
MA LASS
IV
X
800 GVW
0 LB
S

!

1.

Fill the master cylinder with DOT 3 brake Fluid.

2.

To pump bleed the master cylinder, remove the access cover. Insert
a flat tip screwdriver between the brake release lever (Fig.1-a)
and the emergency stop release bracket (Fig.1-b). Hold down the
emergency stop release bracket (Fig. 2). Pump the brake fluid by
pushing/pulling the screwdriver forward and back to bleed the
brakes manually (Fig. 3).

3.

To pressurize the master cylinder brake lines & brakes; follow brake
bleeding instructions for brakes to complete the bleeding process.

Emergency Brake Is Engaged:
Figures 4 and 5 show the top of the actuator/access cover.

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. Low level could indicate a leak in
the brake system.

1.

Figure 4 shows NORMAL POSITION. Be sure that there are no signs
of the red EMERGENCY STOP bracket in view.

2.

Figure 5 shows the EMERGENCY STOP release bracket (red) is
visible, the emergency brake has been engaged.

3.

To Release the Emergency Brake: Press down the emergency
stop release bracket with a screwdriver (Fig. 3-a) until the E-stop
bracket snaps back into the NORMAL POSITION (Fig. 1).

!

CAUTION

DO NOT TOW THE VEHICLE IF YOU SEE “RED” .
Figure 1: Emergency
Stop Disengaged

Figure 2: Emergency
Stop Engaged.
DO NOT TOW
Figure 3
EMERGENCY

FRONT

©2019 Dexter Axle Company | www.dexteraxle.com

-3-

a
8984

STOP
ENGAGED

FRON
T

NORMAL
POSITION

NORM
POSI AL
TION

NORMAL
POSITION

Emergency
Stop Bracket
(in Red)

TDE4

STOP
ENGAGED

EMER
GENC
STOP Y
ENGA
GED

EMERGENCY

FRONT

059-Z01-08 2019.10| 08172