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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, tow vehicle or trailer will cause accelerated wear and
damage.
A brake control is required to be installed under dash of tow vehicle to
operate brake system, using 12 volt DC power. Electronic type is used
most widely. Each brand has their own operating instructions.
Battery in the tow vehicle is your primary source of power to operate the
brake system in towable trailer. Keep battery and charging system in
good working condition to ensure available energy when needed.
Wiring to operate your brakes must be sized correctly in both vehicles,
suggesting a minimum of 14 gauge from tow vehicle to trailer brake
assemblies. Wiring is done parallel, never in series. Being parallel, there
will be equal voltage at each brake assembly for equal braking capability
and performance.
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 activating them.
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.
Your coach has self-adjusting brake assemblies that will correct any
looseness in operation as they will adjust in forward or backward motion
as soon as pulling begins.
Breakaway Switch
The breakaway switch is a safety part of your trailer’s electric brake
system. The very instant a breakaway occurs, the pull pin which is linked
to the tow vehicle is pulled from the switch. The two contacts
automatically close to complete the electrical circuit and apply the trailer
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