24
Brakes – Electrical
Electric brakes on your recreational vehicle are designed to work in
conjunction with the hydraulic brakes on your tow vehicle. This means
to have the best brake performance on both systems, the trailer and the
tow vehicle must perform and operate together. Any attempt to use either
brake system alone will cause accelerated wear and damage.
A brake control must be installed in your tow vehicle to activate electric
brakes with 12-volt power either manually or by foot brake pedal.
Two types of controllers are available. First is the “hydraulic” which
operates through a steel line attached to the master cylinder of the tow
vehicle’s brake system. The second type is an “electronic” controller,
operating completely on electrical current. See the operating instructions
provided with the controller for adjustment and operation procedures.
Your battery in the tow vehicle is your primary power source to operate
the brakes in your towable trailer. Keep your battery and charging system
in working operation to ensure available energy when required.
Power from the battery is sent to the controller, the “switch” to provide
the correct amount of current to brake assemblies to the coach. Your
controller is to be installed below the dash board of your tow vehicle.
Use the foot pedal control for general operation on combined use of both
brake systems. Manual control is to be used only in special situations,
such as slow movement or icy road conditions. In open position, electrical
current will flow to brake assemblies.
Wiring to operate your brakes must be sized in both vehicles, suggesting
a minimum of 14 gauge. Your camper has 14 gauge from front end to
brakes. Brake assemblies are wired in parallel, never in a series. Being
parallel, there will be equal voltage and amperage at each brake assembly
for equal braking capability and/or performance.
When applying brakes to stop the trailer, begin pressing slowly to avoid
quick and sudden stops, or possible “jack-knife” when wet or slippery.
Use lower gear ranges to minimize the need of brakes during extended
or steep downgrades.
WHEN YOUR COACH IS NEW IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ADJUST YOUR
BRAKE SHOES PRECISELY. IT TAKES APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES
AND/OR 50 MEDIUM TO HEAVY STOPS TO “BURNISH”, FIT, OR
SEAT THE SHOES TO THE DRUM. AFTER THIS INITIAL BREAK-
IN YOU MUST ADJUST YOUR SHOES ACCURATELY FOR BEST
PERFORMANCE AND TO INCREASE THEIR DURABILITY. THIS IS
NORMAL MAINTENANCE.
