4-6
TOPAZ
4.2 TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM
The electric brakes on your trailer are similar to the
brakes on most cars and light trucks. The major
difference between them is your trailer brakes are
actuated and operated by 12 volt DC power from
the trailer/tow vehicle batteries instead of hydraulic
action. The brakes have been calibrated and set
at the factory to apply smoothly and evenly.
The system consists of several components that
must be in good working condition to function
properly together to provide safe and reliable
braking. Be familiar with each component and the
requirements that keep them in top condition and
functioning properly. Always refer to information
contained within the component manufacturers
manuals for more details.
1. Tow Vehicle Battery:
The tow vehicle battery is the primary electrical
power source for the trailer braking system. It
must be in good condition and fully charged.
2. Trailer Battery:
The trailer battery is the back-up electrical
power source for the trailer brakes. This back-
up source is used when the trailer is unexpect-
edly disconnected from the tow vehicle when
travelling and powers the braking system when
the breakaway switch is activated.
3. Brake Controller:
Each customer must select and install a trailer
brake controller in the tow vehicle. Always
follow the controller manufacturers instructions
for installation and operation. The controller is
connected into the tow vehicle brake system to
actuate the trailer brakes whenever the tow
vehicle brakes are applied. They also are
designed with a manual slide control that can
be used to manually engage the trailer brakes.
The brake controller should be installed within
easy reach of the driver. Use the controller in
the manual mode to help control the sway when
travelling.
Normally electric brake control systems are
designed with an adjustable actuation set point
that should be set so the trailer brakes engage
slightly ahead of the tow vehicle brakes. In
this way the trailer will not push the tow vehicle
when the brakes are applied and the chance of
jackknifing is minimized. If the trailer brakes
lag the tow vehicle brake application, the trailer
hitch will push on the tow vehicle when stop-
ping and potentially cause jackknifing. In
slippery road conditions (ie. wet, rainy, icy,
slush, etc.), trailer brake lag will increase the
chances for jackknifing.
For some controller systems, a special resistor
can be added to the electrical circuit to prevent
wheel lock-up. Refer to controller manufactur-
ers instructions for more details.
Fig. 4-7 BRAKE CONTROL
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