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TOW VEHICLE
If you plan to tow your RV with a tow vehicle you already own, contact your
automotive dealer to find out your vehicle towing capacity. If you plan to purchase
a new tow vehicle, be certain to tell your automotive dealer the GVWR, size and
type of RV that you will be towing (some tow vehicles can be purchased with an
optional tow package). As a minimum requirement, the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) of your RV must not exceed your tow vehicle’s towing rating.
Some automotive manufacturers publish brochures that discuss towing
considerations. Ask your automotive dealer how to obtain a copy of this
information. If applicable, verify if the brochure ratings are listed “with” or “without”
an optional tow package.
RV BRAKE SYSTEM
The electric brakes are designed to work with the tow vehicle brakes. To maintain
proper braking performance, both the RV and tow vehicle brakes must be used
together. Separate use of the braking systems will cause accelerated wear and
damage.
When your RV is new, it is impossible to adjust the brake shoes precisely. It
takes approximately 1,000 miles and/or 50 medium to heavy stops to
“burnish” fit or “seat” the shoes to the brake drum. After the initial break-in
period your brake shoes must be adjusted accurately for best performance
and increased durability.
Braking system components include:
Tow vehicle battery
Brake controller
Wire harness/connector plug
Trailer battery
Breakaway switch
Hydraulic brakes (if so equipped)
Your camping trailer may be equipped with hydraulic surge brakes. These brakes
operate automatically as the tow vehicle’s brakes are applied. When the tow
vehicle operator begins to decrease speed and apply the brakes, the weight of the
moving trailer pushes forward and the coupler moved downward. This pressure
moves the plunger, which in turn pushes the piston and rubber cup inside the
master cylinder. Brake fluid presses inside of the wheel cylinder and activates the
brake shoes against the drum.
As designed, the weight of a trailer pushing forward will activate the surge brake
system. When backing a trailer up hill, the trailer weight may activate the surge
brake system, making it difficult to continue to reverse.
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