Brakes - Jayco Jay Feather 2005 Owner's Manual

Before you travel...

BRAKES

Your trailer's electric brakes are designed to work with your tow vehicle's hydraulic
brakes. To maintain proper braking performance, both trailer and tow vehicle brakes must
be used together. Separate use of the systems will cause accelerated wear and damage.
WHEN YOUR TRAILER IS NEW, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ADJUST YOUR BRAKE
SHOES PRECISELY. IT TAKES APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES AND/OR 50
MEDIUM TO HEAVY STOPS TO "BURNISH" FIT OR "SEAT" THE SHOES TO THE
BRAKE DRUM. AFTER THE INITIAL BREAK IN PERIOD YOUR SHOES MUST BE
ADJUSTED ACCURATELY FOR BEST PERFORMANCE AND INCREASED
DURABILITY.
Braking system components include:
• Tow vehicle battery
• Brake controller
• Wire harness/connector plug
• Trailer battery
• Breakaway switch
Tow vehicle battery - The tow vehicle battery is the primary source of power for your
trailer brake operation. To ensure available power when needed, keep your tow vehicle
battery and charging system working properly.
Brake Controller - The controller is installed on the tow vehicle dashboard to work in
conjunction with the trailer brakes. Hydraulic or electronic controllers are available.
Consult with your independent, authorized dealer or the controller manufacturer to decide
what is right for you and your trailer.
Wire Harness/Connector Plug - A seven way plug is wired into your trailer to connect
electrical power to the tow vehicle for travel. This supplies power to the brakes, exterior
lights, etc. Wiring to operate your brakes must be the same size in both the tow vehicle and
the trailer. Your trailer is wired with 14 gauge wire.
Make sure the plug is kept clean and protected from road elements as you travel. Consult
the Electrical Section of this manual for further information.
Trailer Battery - A 12-volt auxiliary battery is required to operate the breakaway switch.
Consult with your independent, authorized dealer to purchase a battery and have it
installed.
I
WARNING: For the breakaway switch to be operational, an auxiliary
battery needs to be installed on your trailer. Consult with your
independent, authorized dealer to purchase the battery and have it
installed.
Breakaway Switch - The breakaway switch is a crucial part of the braking system.
Located on the trailer tongue, this switch will apply the trailer brakes if it becomes
detached from the tow vehicle. Attach the breakaway switch lanyard to a permanent part of
the tow vehicle (do not attach it to the hitch ball or similar removable parts) when hitching
the trailer. If the trailer is detached from the tow vehicle, the pull pin will be pulled from the
switch. This automatically causes the switch to "close" and activates the trailer brakes.
32 Jay Feather Conventional Travel Trailer