Airstream 2005 International Trailer Owner's Manual page 54

AIRSTREAM INTERNATIONAL TRAILER
Adjusting the Power to the Trailer Brakes
Once the control has been installed and properly leveled, it is necessary to set the power needed to stop the
trailer during a braking event.
1. Connect trailer to tow vehicle.
2. Set Power Knob to the 12 o'clock position.
3. Drive tow vehicle and trailer on a dry level paved surface at 25 MPH and apply the manual slide
knob.
If trailer brakes lock up:
•
If braking was not sufficient:
•
4. Repeat Step (4) until power has been set to a point just below wheel lock up or at a sufficient force
as to achieve maximum braking power.
5. Using the brake pedal, make a few low speed stops to check the Power and Level adjustments. 'Me
automatic response (brake pedal) is initiated and terminated via the stoplight switch. When the
brake pedal is released, trailer braking will cease.
Fine Tuning
Now that the Power has been set, it is time to fine tune the level setting for the majority of the stopping that
you will be doing.
1. Make several slow (25 MPH) stops as if coming up to a stop sign and take notice of how the
trailer brakes respond:
Brakes Grab Too Much
•
You have an Aggressive Setting: To correct this condition rotate level knob clockwise,
toward you, see below.
Trailer Tending to Push Tow Vehicle
•
You have a Delayed Setting: To correct this condition rotate level knob counter-
clockwise, away from you, see below.
Repeat until desired trailer braking is achieved.
NOTE:
1. Always warm the trailer brakes before setting the power. Warm trailer brakes tend to be more
responsive than cold brakes. To warm trailer brakes, drive a short distance (1/4 mile) at 45 MPH
with manual slide engaged approximately halfway.
2. The power should never be at a level high enough to cause trailer brakes to lock up. Skidding
trailer wheels may cause loss of directional stability of trailer and tow vehicle
3. The power may need to be adjusted for different load weights and road conditions.
4. Not all trailer brakes will lock up due to various conditions.
5. When the level and power are set correctly, you should feel unified braking between the trailer and
tow vehicle.
6. Braking performance may be slightly sluggish in sub-freezing temperatures. Allow adequate time
for the brake control to warm prior to use in sub- freezing temperatures.
Turn power down using power knob. (Rotate power knob toward the 8 o'clock
position, counter-clockwise.)
Turn power up using power knob. (Rotate power knob toward the 5 o'clock
position, clockwise.)
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