Section 8 – Inspection, Service & Maintenance
R6 3/30/2017
Page 62
Air Pressure-Operated Hydraulic
Air/hydraulic braking systems are typically used
when the tow vehicle has a diesel engine. The tow
vehicle has an air compressor that routes the air to
an air/hydraulic mechanism, which sends brake
fluid to the wheel cylinders.
The air pressure gauge in your tow vehicle indicates
the current air pressure. See your tow vehicle
manual for the proper air pressure.
Electrical-Operated Hydraulic
Electric/hydraulic braking systems, which are
mounted on the trailer, use a small electrically-
driven pump to generate hydraulic pressure, which
operates the brake cylinders. Like electrical brakes,
an electric/hydraulic braking system is operated by
an electrical signal from the tow vehicle.
8.2.6 Trailer Brakes (Axles Rated 8000 lbs
and Below with Hydraulic Brakes
and ALL Axles with Air Brakes)
8.2.6.a Initial Inspection
^ WARNING
Brakes that are out of adjustment can
result in death or serious injury.
Brakes must be adjusted at the intervals
specified.
The brake shoes must be adjusted after the first 200
miles of use, and each 3,000 miles thereafter.
Most axles are
not
fitted with a brake mechanism
that will adjust the brakes. Brakes must be adjusted
manually. It is critical that the brakes be adjusted at
the specified intervals. Brakes that are out of
adjustment can cause a collision, which may result
in death or serious injury.
8.2.6.b Periodic Inspection
Properly functioning brake shoes and drums are
essential to ensure safety. You must have your
dealer inspect these components at least once per
year, or each 12,000 miles.
8.2.6.c Manually Adjusting Brake Shoes
Most braking systems require periodic adjustment.
Read your axle and brake manual to see how to
adjust your brakes. If you do not have this manual,
call Featherlite, Inc. at 800-800-1230 or your dealer
for assistance.
The following steps apply to adjust most manually
adjustable brakes. If you are unsure or do not
understand how to adjust your brakes, have the
brakes adjusted by your dealer. Properly adjusted
brakes are critical for safety.
•
Jack up the trailer and secure it on adequate
capacity jack stands.
•
Be sure the wheel and brake drum rotate freely.
•
Remove the adjusting-hole cover from the
adjusting slot on the bottom of the brake
backing plate.
•
With a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool,
rotate the starwheel of the adjuster assembly to
expand the brake shoes. Adjust the brake shoes
out until the pressure of the linings against the
drum makes the wheel very difficult to turn.
•
Note: Your trailer maybe equipped with drop
spindle axles. See axle manual for your axle
type. You will need a modified adjusting tool
for adjusting the brakes in these axles. With
drop spindle axles, a modified adjusting tool
with about an 80 degree angle should be used.
•
Rotate the starwheel in the opposite direction
until the wheel turns freely with a slight drag.
•
Replace the adjusting-hole cover.
•
Repeat the above procedure on all brakes.
•
Lower the trailer to the ground.
8.2.6.d Brakes, Hydraulic (Vacuum, Air or
Electric Operated)
If your trailer has hydraulically-operated brakes,
they function the same way the hydraulic brakes do
on your tow vehicle. The hydraulic braking system
must be inspected by a dealer, at least as often as
the brakes on the tow vehicle, but no less than once
per year. This inspection includes an assessment of
the condition and proper operation of the wheel
cylinders, brake shoes, brake drums and hubs.
You must check the fluid level in the master
cylinder reservoir at least every three months. If
you tow your trailer an average of 1,000 miles per
month in a hot and dry environment, you must
check the brake fluid level once a month. The
brake fluid reservoir is located on the tongue of the
trailer or near the gooseneck. Fill with DOT 4
brake fluid.
Summary of Contents for Horse Trailer
Page 1: ...OWNER S MANUAL ENCLOSED TRAILERS...
Page 4: ......
