Braking Tips; Parking & Leveling - Winnebago Towables User Manual

SECTION 3 –
RECOMMENDATIONS
• The magnets should move freely on their
mounts.
• After replacing the hubs on the axle, 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

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.
Never use the tow vehicle brakes alone.
• The weight of a loaded travel trailer or fifth
wheel will more than double the load placed
on the vehicle's brakes.
• Driving control is adversely affected when
tow vehicle brakes are used alone, due to the
force of the trailer pushing against the tow
vehicle. This is especially true on slippery
pavement or loose gravel, and jackknifing can
occur.
3-14
Always use the automatic brake
controller.
• The synchronized braking system enables
safe driving with both hands on the steering
wheel.
• If the brake controller is properly adjusted,
there will be a slight "lead" on the trailer
brakes. This braking resistance, combined
with the tow vehicle's engine pulling power,
helps keep the two vehicles correctly aligned
and help bring them to a safe, straight stop.
PARKING & LEVELING
Park on a wide, level spot whenever possible,
never on a steep slope. Leveling is necessary for
comfort and for correct operation of your
refrigerator and monitor panel.
Side-to-Side Leveling
To level the trailer from side to side:
• Use a step ramp, which can be constructed
from several lengths of 2x6 lumber
• Place under the wheels on the low side of the
trailer.
• Use a bubble level to determine when the
trailer is level.
Front-to-Rear Leveling
To level the trailer from front to rear:
• Block the wheels so that the trailer cannot roll.
• Uncouple the trailer from the tow vehicle.
• Level the trailer front to rear, with the dolly
wheel jack (travel trailers) or landing gear
(fifth wheel).
• Stabilizer jacks should be placed under the
frame after the trailer has been leveled. Front
and rear for travel trailers. Rear only for fifth
wheels.
• Some models will require stabilizer jack
placement in slightly different locations.
• Stabilizer jacks are not intended to support the
entire weight of the trailer, but to steady it
while the weight is supported by the dolly
wheel jack and running gear (travel trailer) or
landing gear (fifth wheel).