Brakes - Airstream Caravanner 1977 Owner's Manual

Brakes
The
disc brake system
is operated by
12 volt negative ground current and
engine vacuum from your tow vehicle.
The brake controller and trailer disc
brakes improve brake balance, braking
control, reliability, and reduce brake fade
from high speed stops or frequent brake
application.
Disc brake components consist of a
controller, power brake booster, brake
release valve, disc brake calipers, and
hub and rotor. Tow vehicle's and trailer's
vacuum lines, brake hoses and brake
lines should be checked periodically for
abrasion and signs of leakage at fittings.
The
brake controller
(Fig 1), designed for
use with your Excella-Vac disc brake sys¬
tem, must be installed in your tow vehicle
for proper brake operation.
It is extremely
important to note that Excella-Vac uses
an entirely different system for control¬
ling brake operation. It is not compatible
in any way with the old electric brake
control system. If you do not use the
control system designed for use with the
Excella-Vac disc brakes, the terms of
your Airstream warranty will be voided
with respect to any damages incurred as
a result of the use of a noncompatible
system. In addition, many advantages of
the exclusive Airstream disc brakes will
be lost if the Excella-Vac control system
is not used.
The brake controller is acti¬
vated automatically when you apply the
brakes of the tow vehicle. Trailer brakes
may be applied manually, independent
from your tow vehicle brake system, by
moving the controller's lever to the right.
A
trailer brake balance lever
located on
the top of the controller provides
adjustment to balance the trailer brakes
with your tow vehicles' brakes without the
need for a selective resistor. Balanced
brakes provide smooth braking action
without premature shredding of tires on
either trailer or tow vehicle during heavy
braking.
Move the balance lever away from you to
increase or toward you to decrease the
effectiveness of your trailer brakes. When
first installed set the adjustment to the
maximum setting, then reduce setting as
required to obtain smooth braking.
There are
two indicator lights
on your
controller. During brake application, the
green light glows indicating normal
system operation. The intensity of the
green light increases as braking effort
increases. A red light will glow if the
brake electrical wiring is faulty. Loss of
electrical input to your controller will be
indicated by neither light glowing when
brakes are applied.
Do not use a selective resistor.
A
vacuum line assembly
furnished in your
disc brake tow vehicle kit must be installed
in your tow vehicle, which provides vacuum
to the power brake booster assembly
located on your trailer. (See Fig. 2) Vacuum
is supplied to the trailer by coupling the
trailer vacuum hose to the tow vehicle
Fig 1
-
Brake Controller
Fig. 2-Trailer Vacuum Hose Connection
17