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When your RV is new, it is impossible to adjust the brake shoes precisely. It takes approxi-
mately 1,000 miles and/or 50 medium to heavy stops to “burnish” t or “seat” the shoes to
the brake drum. After the initial break-in period your brake shoes must be adjusted accu-
rately for best performance and increased durability.
Tow vehicle battery
Brake controller
Wire harness/connector plug
Trailer battery
Breakaway switch
The tow vehicle battery is the primary source of power for your RV’s electric brake opera-
tion. To ensure available power when needed, keep your tow vehicle battery and charging
system working properly.
The brake controller should be installed in the tow vehicle to work in conjunction with the
RV electric brakes. Consult with your dealer or the brake controller OEM to decide what is
right for your towing combination.
The breakaway switch is a crucial part of the RV braking system. Located on the travel
trailer A-frame (or beside the fth wheel pinbox), this switch will apply the trailer brakes
if the trailer becomes detached from the tow vehicle. Attach the breakaway switch lanyard
to a permanent part of the tow vehicle (on a travel trailer do not attach it to the hitch ball or
similar removable parts) when hitching the trailer. If the RV becomes detached from the tow
vehicle, the pull pin will be pulled from the switch. This automatically causes the switch to
“close” and activates the RV brakes.
Your RV may be equipped with hydraulic surge brakes that operate automatically as the tow
vehicle’s brakes are applied. When speed is decreased and brakes are applied, the weight of
the trailer moving forward creates a reaction, which causes the brake uid inside the wheel
cylinder to activate the brake shoes against the drum.
Failure to maintain the brakes in proper working condition as specied in the
operator’s manual supplied by the axle OEM will cause property damage,
personal injury and possibly death. Consult with your dealer for assistance.
Doing so would create a high amp draw on the battery and converter.
This can cause damage to wiring, connectors and the breakaway switch.
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