Summer typically signals the start of the RV travel season. If you are planning to take some extended trips in your RV, you will want to ensure that you have the ability to bring your vehicle to a stop quickly and safely. A brake inspection should occur before you embark on any lengthy RV trip, and there are three main components that you should focus on as you inspect your RV's electric brakes.
Here are the three things to check during your next RV brake inspection.
1. Brake Drums
As you begin inspecting your RV's electric braking system, you should pay close attention to the condition of the brake drums. Since your brake shoes press against this drum to create the friction that is required to bring your RV to a complete stop, the drum should be in good condition at all times.
Look for signs of damage that might include scoring or corrosion. Replace drums that appear damaged, and always clean your brake drums with a lint-free shop towel at the time of inspection to prevent dirt and debris from gumming up your braking system.
2. Brake Shoes
The next items you should focus on when conducting an inspection of your RV's braking system are the brake shoes. As the shoes press down against the brake drum, they can begin to show signs of wear.
Measure the thickness of your brake shoes and replace any brake shoes that are less than 1/16 of an inch thick to maintain optimal braking power. You should also replace any brake shoes that are saturated with grease or cracks, since these shoes will not be able to perform properly when you engage your RV's brakes in the future.
3. Brake Magnets
Your RV's electric braking system utilizes a set of magnets to help engage the brake shoes during a stop. These magnets can begin to wear out over time, resulting in inefficient and unreliable braking. Make it a point to check your brake magnets with a multimeter before any trip to ensure they are working properly.
The amperage reading for your bake magnets should align with the manufacturer's suggested amperage for your drum size. If the multimeter's readout is above or below the suggested amperage, replace the brake magnets before heading down the road.
Inspecting your RV's electric brakes is essential before you embark on any long trip. Taking the time to check the condition of the brake drums, shoes, and magnets will ensure you have the ability to make consistent stops while driving with your RV in the future. Contact a company like Burnsville Trailer Hitch for more information.
Share6 June 2016
Hello, my name is Veronica. Welcome to my site. I am excited to talk to you about DIY and professional auto repairs. Most of the maintenance tasks on your vehicle can be completed in your own driveway. You just need to right tools and repair manuals to complete the job at hand. Of course, there are plenty of tasks best left to the professionals. As you learn to do your own maintenance, you will start to easily tell the difference between professional and DIY worthy tasks. I will use this site to provide all of the information you need to know about this process. Thanks for visiting.