Tie Down Eliminator Vented Disc Brakes - Manual (Page 3)

Read your trailer manufacturer’s operating manual and follow the towing vehicle’s
guidelines for towing capability, hitch requirements and other towing information.
Congratulations on your decision to have Tie Down Engineering vented rotor disc brakes
with aluminum calipers installed on your trailer. Disc brakes have many advantages
over drum brakes. These include:
• Greater fade resistance
• Self cleaning
• Self adjusting • Less maintenance
• Greater stopping power • Easy visual inspection without removing any parts
Tie Down Engineering vented rotor disc brakes with aluminum calipers have many
exclusive features not found on automotive type brakes modified for trailer use. Please
see our web site at tiedown.com for further information on features and benefits.
Vented rotor disc brakes are designed to activate when the vehicle’s brakes are
applied. As the vehicle stops or slows, the momentum of the trailer pushes forward,
developing pressure in the actuator (master cylinder), which is used to apply pressure
to the brakes.
Operating Information
Read and understand the towing information for your trailer and actuator.
Check your trailer frequently for any leaks in the hydraulic system, which includes the
actuator, brake lines and brakes.
The brake rotors are made of steel and will show surface rust on the braking surface
when not used for a week or more. Normal use will wipe the rust off of the rotor
surface. If the trailer is used in salt water, it is recommended that you rinse off the
brakes with fresh water after each use to reduce the effects of saltwater corrosion.
Your trailer should tow easily. Disc brakes operate at a higher temperature than drum
brakes. This is normal and is very similar to the way disc brakes operate on your
vehicle. If for any reason your trailer does not tow easily or wants to veer to one side,
stop and investigate immediately and solve the problem.
Towing a trailer (even a trailer with brakes) puts an added load on the tow vehicle’s
handling and braking capabilities. Do not follow too closely; you will need extra distance
to maneuver and to stop.
Towing downhill puts added stress on both the tow vehicle and the trailer. Slow down
before you start on an incline and maintain a controlled downhill speed with repeated
application of brakes followed by a cooling period when brakes are not applied. It is
very important to start off with a slow speed and maintain it rather than trying to slow
down from a higher speed. Should you feel the brakes on the trailer or tow vehicle are
running hot or showing signs of fade, stop immediately on the side of the road and
allow the brakes to cool before resuming your trip.
Vented Rotor Disc Brakes, w/Aluminum Caliper
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