- 1). Install chains on the forward set of 5th wheel tires. If your trailer has three axles, place chains on the front and rear. If your trailer has two axles, but brakes on the rear axle only, place the chains on the braking axle. This is done by laying the chains out in front of tires and driving slowly over the chains. Loop the chains over the top of each tire and secure the chain ends to each other.
- 2). Reduce the braking power of the 5th wheel's brakes, using your in-cab brake actuator, to the 1 or 2 setting. The goal here is avoid locking up the trailer tires, as sliding tires inhibit control of the trailer, while allowing the tow vehicle to carry 75 percent of the braking burden. As a general rule, use your brakes as little as possible. Use your tow vehicle's engine compression via downshifting gears to help slow your vehicle.
- 3). Shift the tow vehicle into low or 4x4 gears to reduce speed, increase torque and improve traction.
- 4). Release the brakes if the trailer begins to slide, by removing your foot from the brake pedal, until the trailer straightens up behind the tow vehicle once again.
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