Brake Inspection & Adjustment - Winnebago Towables User Manual

2. When connected to the tow vehicle frame, the
lanyard cable should be longer than the
extended safety chains.
3. It automatically applies the trailer brakes if the
tow vehicle and trailer become uncoupled
while in motion.
4. The breakaway switch operates when a pull
pin linked by a cable to the tow vehicle
separates from the switch.
5. As the switch closes, the trailer battery
supplies power to apply the brakes.
6. The steel lanyard must be anchored to the tow
vehicle when the trailer is hitched. Secure this
cable loop to the permanent frame of the tow
vehicle, or a non-removable part of the hitch.
7. Do not fasten the breakaway switch lanyard to
the hitch ball or any other removable part of
the hitch.
Remove the pull pin every three months and
lubricate it with light oil. Before reinserting the
pin, spray the inside of the switch with an
electrical contact cleaner to prevent corrosion.
Test breakaway switch operation before each
trip, as follows:
1. Hitch the trailer to the tow vehicle.
2. Pull out the pull pin.
3. Test the breaker by attempting to drive away.
If the breakaway switch is functioning
properly, the trailer brakes will be activated.
4. If the brakes are not activated, check to make
sure that the trailer battery is connected and
fully charged, and the trailer brakes are
properly adjusted.
5. If the trailer brakes do not operate after
making these checks, contact your dealer for
repair.
6. Reinsert the pull pin before towing the trailer.
WA RNING
DO NOT TOW A TRAILER WITH A
MALFUNCTIONING BREAKAWAY
SWITCH.
RECOMMENDATIONS
DO NOT LEAVE THE PULL PIN OUT OF
THE BREAKAWAY SWITCH FOR MORE
THAN A FEW MINUTES, OR THE BATTERY
WILL BE DRAINED.
DO NOT USE THE BREAKAWAY SWITCH
FOR A PARKING BRAKE.
Trailer Brakes
Travel trailer and fifth wheel brakes are
actuated by 12-volt electrical energy, converted
to mechanical energy, providing power for
smooth, safe, stops. Greater electrical current
from the brake controller will provide greater
braking force applied to the trailer brake drums.
Grounding
Only proper grounding back to the tow vehicle
can complete the 12-volt electrical circuit within
a travel trailer or fifth wheel brake system. A
poor ground circuit from the brakes to the tow
vehicle battery can be as detrimental 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 &
ADJUSTMENT
Complete the following inspections before
using the travel trailer or fifth wheel:
• Inspect all external braking system
components.
• Inspect all wiring connections and test the
breakaway switch as outlined previously.
• Inspect the brake drums and internal
components each time the wheel bearings are
repacked. (See manufacturer's Maintenance
Schedule provided with your Owner's
Packet).
• The magnets and linings should not show
excessive or uneven wear.
SECTION 3 –
3-13