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EARTHBOUND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE TRAILER OWNER'S MANUAL
HOW TO USE YOUR ELECTRIC BRAKES PROPERLY
Your trailer brakes are designed to work in synchronization with your tow vehicle brakes. Never use your
tow vehicle or trailer brakes alone to stop the combined load.
Your trailer and tow vehicle will seldom have the right amperage flow to the brake magnets to give you
comfortable, safe braking unless you make proper brake system adjustments. Changing trailer load and
driving conditions as well as uneven alternator and battery output can mean unstable current flow to your
brake magnets. It is therefore imperative that you maintain and adjust your brakes as set forth in this
manual, use a properly modulated brake controller, and perform the synchronization procedure noted below
In addition to the synchronization adjustment detailed below, electric brake controllers provide a
modulation function that varies the current to the electric brakes with the pressure on the brake pedal. It is
important that your brake controller provide approximately 2 volts to the braking system when the brake
pedal is first depressed and gradually increase the voltage to 12 volts as brake pedal pressure is increased. If
the controller "jumps" immediately to a high voltage output, even during a gradual stop, then the electric
brakes will always be fully energized and will result in harsh brakes and potential brake lockup.
Proper synchronization of tow vehicle to trailer braking can only be accomplished by road testing. Brake
"lockup, grabbiness, or harshness" is quite often lack of synchronization between the tow vehicle and the
trailer being towed, too high of a threshold voltage (over 2 volts), or under adjusted brakes.
BRAKE ADJUSTMENT
Brakes should be adjusted (1) after the first miles of operation when the brake shoes and drums have "seated", (2) at
3000-‐mile intervals, (3) or as use and performance requires.
It is recommended that you contact the dealer's service department and schedule an appointment to have the brake
adjustments performed by a trained technician
BRAKE CLEANING, INSPECTION AND LUBRICATION
Your trailer brakes must be inspected and serviced at yearly intervals or more often as use and performance
require. Magnets and shoes must be changed when they become worn or scored thereby preventing
adequate vehicle braking.
It is recommended that you contact the dealer's service department and schedule an appointment to the
brake inspection and repairs completed by a trained technician.
