[VAC] Re: Trailer Brake Aggressiveness

[Inlandrv@xxxxxxx]

Proper operation of electric brakes requires more than just good parts. When 
braking power becomes inadequate, without any obvious cause, head scratching 
comes into play. 
The real secret is to deglaze the lining AND drums. Scrub the lining in a 
circular motion with at least 80 grit sandpaper. Do the same to the drum 
face. Remount the drums, "AND," adjust the brakes.
Adjust them by tightening the brake adjuster until one hand cannot make the 
tire turn. Back off the adjuster 3 to 5 turns. Recheck the free movement of 
the tire. If it does not turn easily, back off another notch or two.
CAUTION: All the brakes on the coach must have the same adjustment. If not, a 
brake pull can occur. 
REMEMBER: One notch adjustment approximates 1000 miles of wear.
Simply having the proper voltage at the brake magnets, does not mean you will 
have good brakes, unless, they are properly adjusted and that there is no 
glaze on the brake shoes or drums. When everything is correct, 8 volts DC at 
the magnets is enough to lock up the brakes. 
With the much improved "oval magnet" brakes, many folks are experiencing 
early brake lock up. That is easily corrected by installing the old style  
"brake resistor block."  The best unit is made by Kelsey Hayes, as it has 
fixed settings. Each installation setting requires adjustment that will 
consider all factors with your particular rig.  The resistor block that has a 
slider bar that is held in place with a wing nut is NOT recommended. 
Corrosion does occur underneath the slider bar, which causes a very larger 
increase in resistance and therefore a very large decrease in effective 
braking.
In some climates, a monthly cleaning is required. This is not true for the 
Kelsey Hayes unit, or the Hayes Axle unit.
 

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com