Multiquip Trailers - Manual (Page 37)

trailer • owner's manual — rev. #4 (11/08/13) — page 37
eleCtriC BraKes
Electrically actuated brakes (Figure 19) are similar to
hydraulic brakes. The basic difference is that hydraulic
brakes are actuated by an electromagnet. Listed below
are some of the advantages that electric brakes have over
hydraulic brakes:
„ Brake system can be manually adjusted to provide the
corrected braking capability for varying road and load
conditions.
„ Brake system can be modulated to provide more or less
braking force, thus easing the brake load on the towing
vehicle.
„ Brake system has very little lag time between the time
the vehicle’s brakes are actuated and the trailer’s brakes
are actuated.
„ Brake system can provide an independent emergency
brake system.
Remember in order to properly synchronize the tow vehicle’s
braking to the trailer’s braking, can only be accomplished
by road testing. Brake lockup, grabbiness or harshness is
due to lack of synchronization between the tow vehicle and
the trailer being towed or under-adjusted brakes.
Before any brake synchronizations adjustments can be
made, the trailer brakes should be burnished-in by applying
the brakes 20-30 times with approximately a 20 mph
decrease in speed, e.g. 40 mph to 20 mph. Allow ample time
for brakes to cool between application. This allows the brake
shoes to slightly be seated into the brake drum surface.
Figure 19 displays the major electric brake components that
will require inspection and maintenance. Please inspect
these components as required.
Figure 19. Electrical Brake Components
Secondary Shoe
Hold Down
Washer
Self-Adjusting
Cable
Adjuster Spring
Adjuster Lever
Adjuster Assembly
Magnet
Primary Shoe
Backing Plate
Actuating Lever
Retractor Spring
eleCtriCal-operateD HYDrauliC
Electric/hydraulic braking systems which are mounted on
the trailer, use a small electrically-driven pump to generate
hydraulic pressure, which operates the brake cylinders.
Like electrical brakes, an electric/hydraulic braking system
is operated by an electrical signal from the tow vehicle.
BreaKawaY BraKe
Breakaway Battery
This battery supplies the power to operate the trailer brakes
if the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle. Be sure to
check, maintain and replace the battery according to the
battery manufacturer instructions.
Breakaway switch
This switch causes the breakaway battery to operate the
electric brakes if the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle.
The pull cable for the pull pin is connected to the tow vehicle,
and the switch is connected to the trailer. To check for proper
functioning of the switch, battery and brakes, you must pull
the pin from the switch and confirm that the brakes apply to
each wheel. You can do this by trying to pull the trailer with
the tow vehicle, after pulling the pin. The trailer brakes may
not lock, but you will notice that a greater force is needed
to pull the trailer.
tow veHiCle operateD eleCtriC BraKes
The electric brakes that operate in conjunction with the
tow vehicle brakes must be “synchronized” so that braking
is properly distributed to the tow vehicle brakes and the
trailer brakes. For proper operation and synchronization,
read and follow the axle/brake and the brake controller
manufacturers’ instructions. To make certain an electrically-
operated braking system will function properly, you must
have your dealer inspect the magnets at least once a year,
or each 12,000 miles. See the brake manual for wear and
current inspection instructions.
warning
If electric breakaway brakes do not operate when trailer
is uncoupled from the tow vehicle, death or serious
injury can occur.
Check emergency breakaway brake system
BeFore
each tow.
maintenance