SECTION 3 –
RECOMMENDATIONS
3-12
BRAKE SYSTEM
COMPONENTS
Tow Vehicle Battery
The primary power source for the trailer
braking system is the tow vehicle battery. The
connection is made at the positive post of the
battery or at the tow vehicle starter solenoid
battery terminal.
Brake Controller
Electric trailer brakes are automatically
applied by the brake controller, which is usually
mounted within easy reach of the driver. Connect
an electric brake controller to the brakes with 12
gauge, stranded wire. Some controllers are
connected to the tow vehicle’s hydraulic brake
system, and are actuated when tow vehicle brakes
are applied. Other information about brake
controllers:
•
Most experienced drivers prefer the trailer
brakes to be set to engage slightly before the
tow vehicle brakes.
•
During rainy weather or slippery road
conditions, if the tow vehicle brakes first, the
trailer will have a tendency to push the tow
vehicle or possibly “jackknife”.
•
Lag time can be adjusted by turning the brake
controller knob. The new setting will be
retained until a new adjustment is made.
•
Brake controllers usually have a manual
feature, allowing the trailer brakes to be
applied independently of the tow vehicle
brakes.
•
Consult instructions supplied with the
controller for further information.
Connector Plug
The 7-pin connector on the trailer hitch
transfers 12-volt DC electrical power from the
tow vehicle battery to the trailer brakes, exterior
lighting system, and battery. After hitch
connections have been made, the 7-pin connector
must be longer than the extended safety chains.
Extended connector life:
•
Keep the plug clean, tight and protected from
the elements.
•
Inspect the plug carefully every time you hitch
up.
•
Always connect a 10 gauge, stranded,
insulated copper “charge line” from the
alternator on the tow vehicle to the trailer’s
12-volt connector. The “charge line” will keep
the trailer battery charged while traveling.
•
A 30-amp circuit protector should be installed
near the alternator connection.
Breakaway Switch
This device is a vital component of the
trailer’s braking system. The breakaway switch is
located on the trailer tongue. The basic concept
of a breakaway switch is:
1. A steel cable (lanyard) is fastened to the
switch, which should connect to the frame of
the tow vehicle.
WARNING
DO NOT INSTALL A FUSE IN THE
CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE TOW
VEHICLE BATTERY AND AN
ELECTRIC OR ELECTRONIC BRAKE
CONTROLLER. A BLOWN FUSE
WOULD CAUSE THE CONTROLLER
TO CEASE FUNCTIONING, CAUSING
TRAILER BRAKING LOSS WITH NO
ADVANCE WARNING. CIRCUIT
PROTECTION SHOULD BE
INSTALLED PER THE BRAKE
CONTROLLER MANUFACTURER’S
INSTRUCTIONS.
