Adjusting RV Travel Trailer Brakes

 The adjustment of RV travel trailer brakes is an exercise that should be carried out on a yearly basis. The number of times you do it however is dependent upon miles traveled, how severe the down hills are and the number of times you are likely to stop as well as the frequency of traffic checks. It is not a big responsibility adjusting RV travel trailer brakes; an individual with average mechanical knowledge should comfortably handle this assignment. How many follow this rule? You can count if you wanted to determine the number. If you have not been adjusting those brakes, it would be appropriate for you start practicing because it is not only good for the machine, but also for your safety.

To carry out this critical assignment, you will be required to have brake adjusting tools which can be accessed from most supply stores dealing in trailer tools. You will need a jack that will help you to safely lift the trailer & a perfect jack stand for holding the trailer. This stand will hold your trailer in a jacked position. Your aim in carrying out this assignment is adjusting star wheels and in turn setting the brakes shoes for breaks drum clearance. The adjustment is very essential due to the fact clearance increases with wearing of brake shoes. So 

To begin with, look for a firm & level ground for trailer parking. To avoid frontward or backward movement, blocking trailer tires is recommended. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer when jacking up your trailer. Using a jack stand, secure your trailer. At the wheel's back on the backing plate of the brake, you will see a tiny rubber plug which is supposed to be pried out so that the star wheel adjustment part is accessible. Be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time on adjusting the RV travel trailer brakes.

The adjuster tool should be inserted and maneuvered so that it's engaged with the star wheel's teeth. The star wheel is not exposed and it might call for the use of a flashlight to locate it. This is one of the nightmares in the RV travel trailer brake adjustment process. The adjuster should be turned till the brake is locked up, that is, reaching a point where rotating the wheel using your hand isn't possible. This ensures that brake shoes are in the right position. What follows is backing off of the star wheel for between eight and ten clicks or as per the manufacturer's specifications. Spinning of the wheel should be very easy with no struggle

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