Brake Adjustment; Braking Tips - SkyLine TRAVEL TRAILER FIFTH WHEEL Owner's Manual

5. Trailer Brakes. Your trailer's brakes are actuated by electrical energy, which is con-
verted to mechanical energy to provide the braking power for smooth, safe stops. The
greater the electrical current from the brake controller, the greater the braking force
applied to the trailer brake drums.
6. Grounding. The electrical circuit that operates your trailer brakes can be completed
only by proper grounding back to the tow vehicle. A POOR GROUND CIRCUIT
FROM THE BRAKES TO THE TOW VEHICLE BATTERY CAN BE AS DETRI-
MENTAL TO EFFICIENT BRAKING AS A POOR PRIMARY CIRCUIT FROM
THE BATTERY TO THE BRAKES. Do not rely on the hitch ball/coupler for a good
ground. Run a ground in the 12 volt connector to the tow vehicle battery negative
post, or the tow vehicle frame. The ground conductor must be the same wire size as
the charge line.
BRAKE INSPECTION
Inspect all external braking system components before moving your trailer. Also, inspect
all wiring connections, and test the breakaway switch as outlined above. Inspect the
brake drums and internal components each time the wheel bearings are lubricated. (See
MAINTENANCE CHART at the back of this manual.) The magnets and linings should
not show excessive or uneven wear. The magnets should move freely in and out on their
mounts. After replacing the hubs on the axle, adjust the brakes as outlined below.

BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

Brakes should be adjusted after the fi rst 200 miles of operation and every 3,000 miles
thereafter. Adjust the brakes as follows using a standard automotive brake tool:
1. Remove the rubber plug from the adjustment hole at the base of the brake drum
backing plate.
2. Raise the wheel off the ground. Place the jack under the axle only.
3. With the adjusting tool, turn the adjusting screw while spinning the wheel. When the
wheel begins to drag heavily, back off the screw just enough for the wheel to spin
freely.
4. Replace the adjustment hole plug. Lower the wheel, remove the jack, and repeat the
sequence for the other wheels.

BRAKING TIPS

1. Never use the trailer brakes alone for extended periods. They were designed to stop
the trailer, not the tow vehicle. Such use places excessive loads on the brakes causing
overheating, fading, and premature wear of magnets, brake shoe linings, and drums.
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