Airstream 2001 Bamby Owner's Manual page 49

AIRSTREAM SAFARI –BAMBI TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL 2001
Individual amperage draw can be measured by inserting the ammeter in the line at the magnet you want to check.
Disconnect one of the magnet lead wire connectors and attach the ammeter between the two wires. Make sure that
the wires are properly reconnected and sealed after testing is completed.
By far, the most common electrical problem is low or no voltage and amperage at the brakes, Common causes of
this condition are:
1. Poor electrical connections.
2. Open circuits.
3. Insufficient wire size.
4. Broken wires.
5. Blown fuses. (Fusing of brakes is not recommended).
6. Improperly functioning controllers or resistors.
Another common electrical problem is shorted or partially shorted circuits (indicated by abnormally high system
amperage). These are occasionally the most difficult to find. Possible causes are:
1. Shorted magnet coils.
2. Defective controllers.
3. Bare wires contacting a grounded object.
Finding the system short is a matter of isolation. If the high amperage reading drops to zero by unplugging the
trailer, then the short is in the trailer. If the amperage reading remains high with all the brake magnets disconnected,
the short is in the trailer wiring.
All electrical troubleshooting procedures should start at the controller. Most complaints regarding brake harshness or
malfunction are traceable to improperly adjusted or functioning controllers. See your controller manufacturer's data
for proper adjustment and testing procedures. If the voltage and amperage is not satisfactory, proceed on to the
connector and then to the individual magnets to isolate the problem source. 12 volts output at the controller should
equate to 10.5 volts minimum at each magnet. Nominal system amperage at 12 volts with cold magnets, system
resistor at zero and controller at maximum gain should be as detailed in the following chart:
BRAKE SIZE AMPS/ MAGNET
10 x 2 1/4 3.0
12 x 2 3.0
NOTE: THESE AMPERAGE LEVELS WILL DROP AS THE MAGNETS HEAT UP.
TWO BRAKES FOUR BRAKES
6.0 12.0
6.0 12.0
D-15
SIX BRAKES
18.0
18.0