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The tow vehicle battery is the primary source of power for your RV's electric brake opera-
tion. To ensure available power when needed, keep your tow vehicle battery and charging
system working properly.
Brake Controller (customer supplied)
The brake controller should be installed in the tow vehicle to work in conjunction with the
RV electric brakes. Consult with your dealer or the brake controller OEM to decide what is
right for your towing combination.
Travel Trailer Breakaway Switch
NEVER use the breakaway switch and trailer brake system as a
parking brake. Doing so would create a high amp draw on the bat-
tery and converter. This can cause damage to wiring, connectors and the
breakaway switch.
The actuating pin for the breakaway switch MUST remain FULLY in-
serted at all times.
Removing the actuating pin will cause the audible and optical signal tell-
tales (alarms) to activate, and the trailer brakes will be applied whether
the trailer is being towed on the highway or is parked and stationary.
Failure to observe the above listed safety measures can result in brake
failure or fire, damage to the trailer, property damage or death or serious
injury.
The breakaway switch is a crucial part of the RV braking system. Located on the travel
trailer A-frame (or beside the fifth wheel pinbox), this switch will apply the trailer brakes
if the trailer becomes detached from the tow vehicle. Attach the breakaway switch lanyard
to a permanent part of the tow vehicle (on a travel trailer do not attach it to the hitch ball or
similar removable parts) when hitching the trailer. If the RV becomes detached from the tow
vehicle, the pull pin will be pulled from the switch. This automatically causes the switch to
"close" and activates the RV brakes.
Hydraulic Brakes (if so equipped)
Your RV may be equipped with hydraulic surge brakes that operate automatically as the tow
vehicle's brakes are applied. When speed is decreased and brakes are applied, the weight of
the trailer moving forward creates a reaction, which causes the brake fluid inside the wheel
cylinder to activate the brake shoes against the drum.
As a result of this design, backing the RV uphill may activate the surge brake system making
it difficult to continue in reverse. To aid in backing up the RV:
1.
Prior to backing up a slope or through soft ground, pull the recreation vehicle forward
slightly to assure that the actuator socket is in the forward position.
2.
Move the lever on the side of the actuator downward from the "towing position" along
the curved slot in the actuator frame to the "backup position." The slot has a notch at
the bottom of its travel. Push the lever down to engage the locking notch.
3.
The RV will now back up. This lever will slide into the correct position when pulling
forward.
It is extremely important to keep the master cylinder full at all times. An empty cylinder
invites moisture.
Maintenance Record
Section 4: Vehicle Operation
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