Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefrobrts
I have heard that once that gets used it needs some sort of maintenance to reset?
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No, just put the pin back in and it should be fine. It's just a simple electrical switch that throws 12 volts at the brakes. Obviously if they activated because you were at highway speeds and things came apart, then you'll want to check everything a bit more closely. But a low-speed activation shouldn't cause issues. To be on the safe side, you can have a shop check the brakes, but you'll need to put the pin in to move the trailer anyway.
After hooking up, I always take a minute and confirm that the chains are crossed and untwisted; the breakaway is connected; the lifter bars are on the correct link, the chains are untwisted, and the bracket pins are in; the hitch pin is in and locked; the power is connected; etc. Before leaving home for a trip, I also check all the lights by using the marker lights and 4-way flashers.
I've seen people in other threads talking about how they can hook up in 10 minutes with their chosen brand of hitch, but here's my mantra: It's not a [expletive deleted] race. Take time and be safe. The minute or two investment you make checking your work will pay off in spades if you find a mistake.
I got lucky and learned this lesson with no injury to me or vehicle. When I had the B190, I once forgot to put the pin in the tow dolly that holds the tray level while traveling. I got out of the campground and the dolly's ramps started scraping as I accelerated. I had to walk at least half a mile each way to retrieve the pin I'd left sitting in the middle of the campground road - all because I was rushing since I was blocking the campground road while loading the car on the dolly (there wasn't anywhere else to do it at that campground).
Bill and Janice, We're lovin' it! (Airstreaming) 
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