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21
Brakes and Handbrake - Electric
Features
Your trailer is fitted with electric brakes that require a brake controller that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
1. Manual adjusted to provide the correct braking capability for varying road, off-road and load conditions.
2. They can be modulated to provide more or less braking force, thus easing the brake load on the towing vehicle.
3. There is very little lag time between the moment the tow vehicle’s brakes are actuated and the moment the trailer
brakes are actuated.
4. They can provide some braking independent of the tow vehicle in the event of an emergency.
Operation
When electrical current is fed into the system by the controller, it activates the electromagnets in the brakes. These
electromagnets are energized and are attracted to the rotating surface of the drums which moves the actuating
levers in the direction that the drums are turning thus applying pressure from the brake linings to the drum surface
Handbrake
A correctly adjusted handbrake should raise 1/3 to 1/2 of the allowable range at the handbrake handle. Poorly
adjusted handbrakes are dangerous. Under adjusted they may allow the trailer to roll and over adjusted can cause
brake linings to drag and overheat the brakes while driving.
Parking brakes are mechanically operated by cable means. The cable attachment occurs outside of the brake backing
plate. Cable force applied to the parking lever creates a torque through the pivot pin and cam assembly. Torque
transferred to the parking cam results in a spreading force between the primary and secondary shoes. The shoes in
turn, move towards the drum until contact is made. Friction generated between the drum and lining contact surface
results in parking brake capability.
Use the cable adjuster to give enough tension to be able to set the handbrake lever on the last two notches of the
coupling or handbrake is 1/3 raised when unladen. This needs to be checked again when the trailer or camper is
loaded. If the cable is too tight, the brakes will be applied as the axle moves backward under spring deflection.
Adjuster Cable Type
Pre 2020 Models
To adjust the handbrake cable tension release locknuts A, B and C in the diagram Handbrake Adjuster 1 below. To
tighten the handbrake cable, turn the adjuster wheel D in a clockwise direction. Once adjusted retighten lock nuts
and test. Always ensure that wheels turn freely when handbrake is off. Overtightened cables can cause brakes to
drag and damage the brake linings.
