How to Properly Burnish Your Trailer Brakes
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Ensuring your trailer brakes are properly burnished is essential for optimal performance and safety when you’re on the road. Whether you're installing new brakes or maintaining existing ones, the burnishing process helps to seat the brake shoe lining material and electromagnets, maximizing contact with the brake drum surface. Here’s a detailed guide on how to burnish your trailer brakes safely and effectively.
Why Burnish Your Trailer Brakes?
Before we dive into the methods, it’s crucial to understand the purpose behind burnishing. Electric drum brakes, especially when new or recently serviced, require a break-in period to achieve peak performance. This process not only enhances braking efficiency but also extends the longevity of your braking system.
Standard Burnishing Procedure
Preparation:
Start by ensuring all hitch connections, electrical connections, sway bars, and breakaway cables are properly checked and secured.
Initial Steps:
Set the trailer brake controller to apply 8 to 10 volts.
Accelerate the vehicle and trailer to 40 miles per hour.
Gradually reduce speed to 20-25 miles per hour without using the tow vehicle brakes.
Burnishing Process:
Maintain speeds up to 40 miles per hour.
Apply the trailer brake controller every one mile or so, engaging the brakes for short intervals.
Repeat this process 20 to 50 times, or until you notice a significant improvement in brake performance.
Monitoring Progress:
Pull over at a safe location after completing the process. Check for normal signs such as smoke around the brake drum area (indicative of proper burnishing). Use a temperature gun to ensure temperatures range between 350 and 400°F.
Final Check:
Ensure the brake drum area is hot to the touch (hover your hand without touching). If the area is cool, repeat the procedure to ensure proper adjustment and performance.
Aggressive Burnishing Method
For experienced technicians or those looking to expedite the process, the aggressive burnishing method can be employed.
Procedure:
Set the trailer brake controller to maximum.
Drive at highway speeds (60-70 miles per hour), adhering to posted limits.
Apply the trailer brakes using the controller while maintaining speed.
Continue this for approximately half a mile.
Monitoring Progress:
Pull over at the next safe location. Check for smoke and ensure the brake drum area is between 350-400°F. If temperatures are insufficient or if there’s no smoke, repeat the process until desired results are achieved.
Conclusion
Properly burnishing your trailer brakes is a critical step in ensuring safety and performance. Whether you opt for the standard or aggressive method, following these guidelines will help you achieve optimal brake efficiency. Remember to always prioritize safety by performing these procedures in appropriate conditions and adhering to recommended speeds and controls.
By investing time in burnishing your trailer brakes correctly, you not only enhance their effectiveness but also contribute to the overall safety and longevity of your trailer’s braking system. For more detailed instructions, refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations and consult with a qualified technician if needed. Happy towing!
Disclaimer: These photographs, recommendations, and approximations are intended for demonstration purposes only and do not reflect the specifications of any particular tow vehicle, recreational vehicle, or trailer. Always consult the manufacturer’s Owner's Manual.
