Axles and Components
SAFETY NOTICE
Providing safe dependable operation of your axle(s) and related components is important. This manual provides
basic procedures for service and repair using established industry standards. There are many variations in procedures
to repair and maintain the axle and its related parts; however, it is not possible to provide you with all the detail for
various service procedures. Refer to your trailer manufacturer’s owner’s manual for any specific warnings and
procedures that may relate to the safety and maintenance of your trailer. If these procedures are not clear to you or if
you are unsure you should contact a trailer repair facility who has a trained axle repair technician for advice or
repair.
New Axle Setup and Adjustments
Wheels
Re-torque wheel nut torque requirements on new trailers
at 50 miles. See page 16 for torque rates.
Brakes
Adjust at 3,000 miles.
Tire Pressure
See tire manufacturers recommendations.
Brake Controller Settings
Refer to Brake Controller manufacturers
recommendations
BRAKES
Your trailer electric brakes are actuated by an electric magnet which is modified by an electrical impulse from the
brake controller. The trailer brakes will apply smoothly and slightly ahead of the truck brakes if all the brake
components are installed and connected properly. The brakes are activated with the electrical impulse from the
controller to the magnets which, when in contact with the armature plate will apply the pressure to the primary shoe
and will engage the secondary shoe much like hydraulic brakes on a passenger vehicle. As brake pressure (applied
by the driver) is increased the electrical flow to the magnets increases the pressure between the brakes and drums to
meet the braking requirements of the driver.
Electric brakes have been used on a variety of trailers for many years and offer many benefits to the driver. Please
refer to the brake controller information provided by the installer of your towing vehicle for procedure and operation
of the controller.
DOUBLE CHECK!
•
Make sure your controller is installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
•
Make sure that the proper brake controller adjustments have been made to correctly engage the tow vehicle
brakes and the trailer brakes to work together to providing safe and comfortable braking.
•
Make sure that the brakes have been properly seated by applying the brakes repeatedly and lightly for about
20 to 25 times at a low speed (under 25 miles per hour) to begin the “seating in” of the brake to the brake
drum components. Do this in a safe and low traffic area for everyone’s safety.
Gravity Tender V1.0
47
