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6�3 BRAKING SYSTEMS
Trailer Brakes are part of the
Highway
or
ATV
option for the LT30 and
Highway
option for the LT60. Brakes
help to control the trailer and its load.
Important Notice
Laws regarding towing and trailers vary across regions, make sure you are in full compliance with the law
in your area regarding trailer brakes, coupler requirements, safety chains, trailer width requirements, trailer
lights, etc.
Contact your government motor vehicle department for more information. In addition, check with your vehicle
dealer or vehicle’s owner’s manual to make sure you have the proper towing vehicle and hitch attachments
for the load you’ll be pulling.
6�3�1� LT30 HYDRAULIC (SURGE) BRAKES
ATV & Highway Option
Surge trailer brakes are mechanically driven with an hydraulic brake cylinder actuator and is independent of
the tow vehicle. An electrical connection is required only to operate the brake and signal lights. They come
on automatically when you apply the brakes in the tow vehicle. As the tow vehicle slows down, the trailer
momentum keeps it moving forward. This moves the brake actuator and applies the trailer brakes. This
‘surge’ action is where the surge brakes get their name.
LT30 surge brakes feature "free" backing brakes to allow backing without the brakes applying. Free backing
brakes have a primary shoe on a pivot which allows normal braking in the forward direction, but allows the
primary shoe to rotate away from the drum surface when backing.
When approaching a long downhill grade, DO NOT shift into lower gears. This can make the trailer brakes
come on the whole time you are going downhill and may cause your trailer brakes to fail. DO NOT ride the
brake pedal going downhill. When you need to slow down, press the brake pedal and slow down at least 5
mph below the speed limit. Then let completely off the brake pedal and let the brakes cool before you press
the brake pedal again.
DO NOT use
weight-distributing hitches with surge-braked trailers. Overloading or improper installation of
weight-distributing hitches may not let hydraulic surge brake actuators work and the tow vehicle and trailer
may take longer to stop.
Before normal use, your trailer brakes should be burnished-in by applying the brakes 20-30 times with
approximately a 20 mph (32 km/h) decrease in speed, e.g. 65 km/h. to 33 km/h. (40 mph to 20 mph) Allow
ample time for brakes to cool between application. This allows the brake shoes to seat in to the drum surfaces.
The LT30 surge brake system features a brake lockout at the tongue assembly. Flip the lockout latch over,
keeps the surge mechanism from operating during transport. This feature is handy when travelling off road
over rough terrain, preventing brakes from activating during bumping and jarring. Be sure to unlock the
brakes when transporting normally.
6�3�2� LT60 ELECTRIC BRAKES
Unlocked
Locked
