Airstream 2005 International Trailer Owner's Manual page 52

AIRSTREAM INTERNATIONAL TRAILER
HOW ELECTRIC BRAKES HELP
Electrically actuated brakes have several advantageous features over other brake actuation systems.
1. They can be electrically adjusted to provide the correct braking capability for varying road and load
conditions.
2. They can be modulated to provide more or less braking force, thus easing the brake load on the towing
vehicle.
3. They have relatively no lag time from the moment the tow vehicle's brakes are actuated until the trailer
brakes are actuated.
4. They provide a separate braking system to that of the tow vehicle, which can be of benefit in the event of
tow vehicle brake failure.
HOW TO USE YOUR ELECTRIC BRAKES PROPERLY
Your trailer brakes are designed to work in synchronization with your tow vehicle brakes. Never use your
tow vehicle or trailer brakes alone to stop the combined load.
Your trailer and tow vehicle will seldom have the right amperage flow to the brake magnets to give you
comfortable, safe braking unless you make proper brake system adjustments. Changing trailer load and
driving conditions as well as uneven alternator and battery output can mean unstable current flow to your
brake magnets. It is therefore imperative that you maintain and adjust your brakes as set forth in this
manual, use a properly modulated brake controller, and perform the synchronization procedure noted below
In addition to the synchronization adjustment detailed below, electric brake controllers provide a
modulation function that varies the current to the electric brakes with the pressure on the brake pedal. It is
important that your brake controller provide approximately 2 volts to the braking system when the brake
pedal is first depressed and gradually increase the voltage to 12 volts as brake pedal pressure is increased. If
the controller "jumps" immediately to a high voltage output, even during a gradual stop, then the electric
brakes will always be fully energized and will result in harsh brakes and potential brake lockup.
Proper synchronization of tow vehicle to trailer braking can only be accomplished by road testing. Brake
"lockup, grabbiness, or harshness" is quite often lack of synchronization between the tow vehicle and the
trailer being towed, too high of a threshold voltage (over 2 volts), or under adjusted brakes.
Electronic Brake Control
These instructions are for a Tekonsha electronic controller, please read and follow all instructions on your
controller carefully before installing or operating the brake control.
A. Power Knob
B. Manual Slide Knob
C. Bracket Mounting Holes
D. Bi-Colored Light
E. Level Knob
A. Mounting Bracket
B. #6 x 3/8" Screws
D-14