Airstream CLASSIC TRAILER Automobile User Manual


 
B
TOWING
B - 2
e. Calipers and Brake Lines – for evidence of brake fluid leak.
Preventive Maintenance
1. Visually check brakes before each trip. See item 4 in safety Information.
2. After each hook-up, always check trailer brake operation before attaining normal
driving speed.
3. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations with regard to use of and replacement of
brake fluid.
4. Wash down brake assembly immediately after exposure to salt water or other
corrosives.
5. Periodically, during each trip, check hub and assemblies to make sure that they are
within normal operating ranges (130°- 175° F). Do not touch brake components, as
they may be much hotter than the hub or wheel, especially after recent braking.
Actibrake Disc Brake Actuator System
ActiBrake is part of a trailer braking system. ActiBrake is a state-of-the-art trailer brake
actuator. ActiBrake is the fastest responding, most advanced electric-hydraulic pump
actuator available.
Brake Controllers
Your trailer braking system is like a chain. It is only as good as its weakest link. This is
especially true regarding tow vehicle brake controllers. There are many marginal brake
controllers on the market, and ActiBrake will only apply the level of braking indicated
by the brake controller’s “blue wire” signal. Therefore, we urge you not to economize
on a brake controller because it will only diminish the overall performance of ActiBrake
and your trailer braking system in general. Unlike electric drum brakes, the ActiBrake
does not receive its power through the “blue wire”. The power to the ActiBrake is
provided through a +12 volt (normally black) wire from the tow vehicle connector.
The heart of ActiBrake is the Power Max pump. It is the highest capacity pump
available on any electric-hydraulic pump actuator.
ActiBrake is also the only electric-hydraulic actuator with the unique “Extend’ A Hold”
feature which maintains brake line pressure when the vehicle is stopped without
operating the motor. This dramatically reduces heat build-up and improves reliability
and longevity.
Filling Reservoir
The Actibrake Actuator pump is located in the A-Frame box on all models except the
25’ Front Bed which is located in the roadside underbelly compartment.
Fill the reservoir with NEW, CLEAN, “DOT 3” or “DOT 4” Brake Fluid. Never re-use
brake fluid that has been salvaged or removed from another unit. Contaminated or
dirty fluid can cause system failure and/or premature wear on the system components.
DO NOT OVER FILL the reservoir. Fill within 3/4-inch of the filler opening.
WARNING: Use only new, clean, DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed
container. Do not fill with previously used fluid. Used fluid may absorb water or other
impurities which may cause corrosion and/or poor brake performance. This may result
in physical injury and/or property damage!
WARNING: It is critical that you verify that your breakaway system functions
properly! The breakaway battery is the trailer batteries. The breakaway switch is wired
direct to the batteries.