VanBelkumHelp VB4-MST Security Trailer

Lower and pack up

Setup in reverse, with the same care. The trailer is only safe to tow with the mast fully down and pinned, the panels in and locked, and the outriggers up.

1. Lower the mast

Two line drawings: the winch with rope wound neatly, and the mast locking pin being pulled
A: rope stays orderly on the drum as the mast comes down. B: the locking pin comes out first.
  1. Check the mast ropes and pulleys, and the electrical cord, the same way you did before raising.
  2. Pull the safety locking pin out (B).
  3. Hold the mast DOWN button and lower the mast all the way to its resting height. Watch that the rope winds onto the drum neatly (A). With a hand-crank winch, crank counter-clockwise.

Do not lower the mast if the cord’s insulation is cut or worn. Bare wire touching the mast or frame can energize the trailer and cause electrocution.

2. Retract the panels

Three line drawings: the panel lock pin, one rack pushed in, both racks in
A: release the lock pin. B: push the rack in until the pin snaps. C: both sides in.
  1. Return the tilt to the travel position and pin it.
  2. Release the lock pin (A), push the rack all the way in until the pin snaps back (B), and repeat on the other side (C).

3. Shut down

  1. In the cabinet, turn off the load breakers, then Solar, then Battery.
  2. Lock the cabinet.

For a short move between sites you can leave the Solar and Battery breakers on so the cameras stay live; lower the mast and retract the panels regardless.

4. Hitch and go

  1. Wind the four outrigger jacks up, pull each locking pin, slide the arms in, and pin them.
  2. Back the tow vehicle up, lower the drawbar onto the 2-inch ball with the jockey wheel, and latch the coupler.
  3. Cross the safety chains and clip the breakaway cable to the vehicle.
  4. Wind the jockey wheel fully up, pull its pin, swing it to horizontal, and pin it.
  5. Plug in the 7-pin trailer connector and route it clear of the drawbar. Check turn signals and brake lights.
  6. Remove the chocks and release the hand brake.
  7. Walk around once: mast pinned down, panels locked in, outriggers up, doors locked, nothing loose.
Trailers stored indoors with masts lowered and panels retracted
Travel and storage position: mast down, panels in, outriggers up.

Storing it

  • Store with the mast down, panels in, and the cabinet locked.
  • For storage longer than a few weeks, turn the Battery breaker off.
  • Park where the panels get some sun if you can; the bank stays topped up with Solar and Battery on.