Lippert Components Trailer Axle (8-12K) - Manual (Page 12)

Rev: 04.18.2014
Page 12
Trailer Axle 8-12K Owners Manual FULL
How to Use Lippert Electric Brakes Properly
The Lippert Components, Inc. Electric Braking System is synchronized with the tow vehicle brakes. Never
attempt to stop the combined load of the tow vehicle and the trailer by using either the tow vehicle brakes
or the trailer brakes only. They are designed to work together.
Small manual adjustments may occasionally be necessary to accommodate changing loads and driving
conditions. Synchronization of tow vehicle to trailer braking can only be accomplished by road testing.
Locking up, excessive grab, or delayed application is quite often due to the lack of synchronization between
the tow vehicle and the trailer being towed. High voltage (2V+), Low voltage (2V-) or improperly adjusted
brakes are the most common causes of these problems and can be easily remedied.
Prior to any adjustments, your trailer brakes should be burnished-in by applying the brakes 20-30 times
with a 20 m.p.h. decrease in speed, e.g. 40 m.p.h. to 20 m.p.h. Allow ample time for brakes to cool between
application. This allows the brake shoes and magnets to begin seating to the brake drum.
Trailer Wire Gauge Chart
Wire Gauge and Type Number of Axles Length of Run
16 Ga Stranded Copper 1 N/A
14 Ga Stranded Copper 2
Under 30ft. (9.1m) from
hitch to center of axles
12 Ga Stranded Copper 2 or 3
Over 30ft. (9.1m) from
hitch to center of axles
General Maintenance - Electric Brakes
Brake Adjustment
Prior to testing or adjusting brakes, be sure area is clear of any persons and vehicles. Failure to perform
test in a clear area may result in death or serious injury.
Lippert Components, Inc. Electric Brakes are automatic adjust only. If manual adjusting is needed, the
following 6-step procedure can be utilized. The brakes should be adjusted in the following manner:
1. Jack up trailer and secure on adequate capacity jack stands. Follow trailer manufacturer’s
recommendations for lifting and supporting the unit. Make sure the wheel and drum rotates freely.
Lift unit by frame and never the axle or suspension. Do not go under unit unless it is properly supported
by jack stands. Unsupported units can fall causing death or serious injury.
2. Remove the adjusting hole cover from the adjusting slot on the bottom of the brake backing plate.
3. With a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool, rotate the starwheel of the adjuster assembly to expand
the brake shoes. Adjust the brake shoes out until the pressure of the linings against the drum makes
the wheel very difficult to turn.
4. Then rotate the starwheel in the opposite direction until the wheel turns freely with a slight lining drag.
NOTE: A second screwdriver will be needed to push the auto adjusting lever away from the adjuster
starwheel so that the starwheel can be rotated backwards.
5. Replace the adjusting hole cover and lower the wheel to the ground.
6. Repeat the above procedure on all brakes. For best results, the brakes should all be set at the same
clearance.