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07-20-2012, 09:40 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 6
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Brake adjustment
I have a 2013 Wildwood 281QBXL. I read that Alko recommends brake adjustment after your first 200 miles. Is this necessary? Any tips? It is a two axle trailer. Do all the brakes have to be adjusted perfectly the same? If there is any variation, would it cause the trailer pull to one side?
Thanks
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07-20-2012, 10:37 AM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,327
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I've checked but not had to adjust the brakes on our current camper. I did have to back off on the brake adjustment on our previous TT as they were too tight.
You can jacked one side at a time to check...you want to hear light contact of the brake shoes on the drum. You wouldn't want a situation where one side of the camper is locking up and the other side isn't braking at all.
Dave
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Nights camped in 2013 - 55, 2014 - 105, 2015 - 63
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07-20-2012, 11:48 AM
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#3
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Mod free 5er
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 24,702
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Srfdawg81
I have a 2013 Wildwood 281QBXL. I read that Alko recommends brake adjustment after your first 200 miles. Is this necessary? Any tips? It is a two axle trailer. Do all the brakes have to be adjusted perfectly the same? If there is any variation, would it cause the trailer pull to one side?
Thanks
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The reason for the adjustment after 200 miles, is due to the brake shoes when applied are "seating" to the contour of the brake drums. The shoes and drums are not perfectly matched when manufactured and therefore the shoes will wear more in some places than others. After about 200 miles, they should be pretty well "matched" to the drums, hence requiring a little adjustment. The trailer brakes will react to "pulling" to one side or the other just like a car/truck if improperly adjusted.
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07-20-2012, 12:00 PM
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#4
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Posts: 9,280
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Srfdawg81
Do all the brakes have to be adjusted perfectly the same?
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No, but they should all be close to the same.
I tighten my star wheel until I can barely move the tire & wheel, then back it off 6 "clicks", until the wheel turns fairly free. I can still feel the shoes rub some at the "high" spots. I can give the wheel a whirl, and it will rotate 2, 3 or 4 times before stopping.
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Chap , DW Joy, and Fur Baby Sango
2017 F350 Lariat CCSB, SRW, 4x4, 6.7 PS
2017 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS
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07-20-2012, 12:56 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,137
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Find out exactly which style of brakes you have.
Mine have a linkage which turns the adjusting screw as the shoes wear just like automotive drums.
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FOR SALE 2014 BOSS 6.2L F350
2012 Surveyor SV264
NW Oregon
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07-20-2012, 02:36 PM
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#6
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
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Another "cool" trick is to adjust brakes the hook up to the tv and manually apply brakes a few time then check adjustment again.
Normally they'll be a little loose again.
Try it once.
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07-20-2012, 04:12 PM
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#7
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,327
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twisty
Mine have a linkage which turns the adjusting screw as the shoes wear just like automotive drums.
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Are you sure about that? I think you'll find that they're self-adjusting.
Dave
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Nights camped in 2013 - 55, 2014 - 105, 2015 - 63
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07-20-2012, 04:19 PM
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#8
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Mod free 5er
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 24,702
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave_Monica
Are you sure about that? I think you'll find that they're self-adjusting.
Dave
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From the FR brochure:
Running Gear
◦Super-Lube Hubs
◦Galvanized Steel Wheel Wells
◦Independent Torsion Suspension System (N/A Sport models)
◦Leaf Spring Axle(s) (N/A Select models)
◦Radial Trailer Tires
◦Nev-R-Adjust® Electric Brakes, All Wheels
◦Tough, Powder Coated Frame
◦2-5/16" Coupler
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07-20-2012, 04:34 PM
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#9
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,327
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dunnnc
From the FR brochure:
Running Gear
◦Super-Lube Hubs
◦Galvanized Steel Wheel Wells
◦Independent Torsion Suspension System (N/A Sport models)
◦Leaf Spring Axle(s) (N/A Select models)
◦Radial Trailer Tires
◦Nev-R-Adjust® Electric Brakes, All Wheels
◦Tough, Powder Coated Frame
◦2-5/16" Coupler
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Well, I stand corrected. I guess this must have been a change for 2012?
Dave
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Nights camped in 2013 - 55, 2014 - 105, 2015 - 63
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07-20-2012, 04:58 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,137
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave_Monica
Are you sure about that? I think you'll find that they're self-adjusting.
Dave
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I consider it self adjusting.
You never read about adjusting automotive drum brakes... 
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FOR SALE 2014 BOSS 6.2L F350
2012 Surveyor SV264
NW Oregon
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07-20-2012, 05:03 PM
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#11
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Mod free 5er
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 24,702
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twisty
I consider it self adjusting.
You never read about adjusting automotive drum brakes... |
Most autos/trucks have 4 wheel discs.
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07-20-2012, 05:27 PM
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#12
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Dave_Monica
Are you sure about that? I think you'll find that they're self-adjusting.
Dave
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Mine are self adjusting
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07-20-2012, 05:45 PM
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#13
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Mod free 5er
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 24,702
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f1100turbo
Mine are self adjusting
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Go back to sleep! 
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07-21-2012, 08:14 PM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Langley, BC
Posts: 96
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mine are not the self adjusting type :P. but I did find initially the dealer had set up the brakes right off the bat reasonably well, (i was checking their work) but found 2 needed re-adjustment after our first trip out (800 kms approx)
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'07 Toyota Tundra 5.7L DC 4x2
'16 Surveyor 226RBDS
Nights camped 2016 - 3
Nights camped in 2015 - 20
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07-22-2012, 10:25 AM
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#15
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Wanna Be Camper
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Posts: 2,420
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From the Al-KO manual.
remove the wheels or hub/drum assembly. Locate the adjusting slot at the bottom of the backing plate and
remove the protective cover.
While spinning the wheel, use
a standard brake adjusting tool or the
blade of a screw driver to rotate the
star wheel until there is a heavy brake
drag.
Loosen until the wheel turns
freely about 3/4 to one full turn.
Replace the protective plug to
keep dirt and moisture out.
Repeat procedure for other
wheels. Never adjust just one brake.
It is recommended that all brakes on
the trailer, or at least both brakes of
one axle, be adjusted at the same time.
Replace all parts and lower trailer as outlined on page 24
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John & Deb
2011 F250 Lariat FX4 Crew Cab 6.2
2011 Flagstaff V-Lite 30WRLS
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07-22-2012, 10:44 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 643
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[QUOTE=TheSasks;226002]From the Al-KO manual.
remove the wheels or hub/drum assembly.
Locate the adjusting slot at the bottom of the backing plate and
remove the protective cover.
While spinning the wheel, use............
"Remove the wheels or hub/drum assembly" I don't think that should be there........how can you spin the wheels if you have just removed them?
Add: Chock wheels on opposite side, jack side you are adjusting and support on axle stands.......
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Nigel & Bev
Brit Driver & Canadian Naviguesser 
We summer in Cowichan Valley BC Canada & winter in Monchique Portugal great camping in both!
2011 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8280ws 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 Diesel 2000 Honda S2000
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07-22-2012, 11:41 AM
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#17
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Wanna Be Camper
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Posts: 2,420
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[QUOTE=Nigels;226005]
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSasks
From the Al-KO manual.
remove the wheels or hub/drum assembly.
Locate the adjusting slot at the bottom of the backing plate and
remove the protective cover.
While spinning the wheel, use............
"Remove the wheels or hub/drum assembly" I don't think that should be there........how can you spin the wheels if you have just removed them?
Add: Chock wheels on opposite side, jack side you are adjusting and support on axle stands.......
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True enough,
My copy and paste seems to be off abit. this is the whole sentence.
Lift trailer as outlined on page 13 “Service Preparation”. Do not
remove the wheels or hub/drum assembly.
and from page 13.
Lift the trailer until wheel rotates freely and secure trailer with
appropriate jacks and auxiliary blocking. Never use the axle or any
portion of the suspension to lift or support the trailer. This will
damage the axle and lead to premature failure.
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John & Deb
2011 F250 Lariat FX4 Crew Cab 6.2
2011 Flagstaff V-Lite 30WRLS
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