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Old 09-09-2016, 09:50 AM   #1
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Self adjusting brakes

As a proud owner of a2016 2504s, we have put about 4000 miles on it so far this year. Getting ready to lube the axles for the first time. My question is do I have self adjusting brakes? Is there a way to tell without pulling the drum? I looked through all the paperwork that came with the unit, there is nothing for either the axles or brakes. Thanks in advance for any input. Jay
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Old 09-09-2016, 12:14 PM   #2
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Most likely. My 2014 did and so does my 2017. You can look on Forest River's website and look up the Rockwood sales people. I emailed them a few questions while mine was on order and got a response within a few hours. They can probably tell you exactly what is on it.
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Old 09-09-2016, 01:46 PM   #3
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Thanks. While under the camper reworking the battery cables ans doing a inverter pre-wire I read a sticker on each axle that said "never adjust". I assume that that means self adjusting brakes. The other sticker on each axle said: "3000 LB". That must be the weight rating of the axle. Anyone know how these self adjusters work? In a car it's either by backing up and braking hard or using the emergency brake. Jay
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Old 09-09-2016, 05:00 PM   #4
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Those self-adjusters work basically like the old automobile ones. They adjust mostly when backing up.

It's still a good idea to manually adjust them about once every year or two to be sure they stay properly adjusted.
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Old 09-09-2016, 06:58 PM   #5
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That's what I've done. I'll manually set them if it feels like I need to bump my controller gain up from where it normally sits. It took just over two years for me to do it on the last trailer and I probably didn't really need to do it then.
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Old 09-09-2016, 07:01 PM   #6
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The never adjust brakes work on forward momentum.
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Old 09-09-2016, 08:28 PM   #7
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Quote:
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The never adjust brakes work on forward momentum.
I'm in no way doubting you, but where did you get that info. Is it in any of the manuals?

It's good info to know.
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Old 09-09-2016, 09:31 PM   #8
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Google "never adjust brake", tons of sites describe ops.
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Old 09-09-2016, 09:37 PM   #9
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I sure hope that they adjust going forward. I have memorys of backing up a drum brake car fast in reverse then pumping the brakes to make them adjust! I would not like to try that with my TT! I haven't noticed any decrease in brake performance, but might adjust them up a little manually anyway. I have tried that with cars with auto adjusters and it works for a short time. Jay
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Old 09-09-2016, 09:41 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bama Rambler View Post
I'm in no way doubting you, but where did you get that info. Is it in any of the manuals?

It's good info to know.
Got it from Dexter's you tube video.
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Old 09-10-2016, 07:51 AM   #11
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Here is the link for the Lippert Axles:

Forward Self-Adjusting Brakes
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Old 09-10-2016, 10:49 PM   #12
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Mine Failed on the way home

Trailer sat on dealer lot during delivery period when the lot flooded. I found two very hot hubs at Flying J scales on the way home. Investigation at home had all four shoes rubbing and I was instructed to take it to axle shop I have done business with for years. Recommendation was to remove the auto stuff and replace adjustment wheel with old version. Rust was found on adjuster parts.

Since the Mrs. is ill, we have not pulled the trailer anywhere. I was informed of brake troubles when Snow Birds come to the same shop and even new self adjust parts won't fix problems. SIMPLE. Take it out.

I also had a plugged Zurk fitting on one axle just last week during first annual inspection.

Sometimes, new is not better. Don't get wheels submerged.
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Old 09-11-2016, 12:13 AM   #13
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Whatsupchuck, I hope your wife gets feeling better soon. I, having had boats for many years, sadly know what happens when the brakes get submerged. Taking apart and packing bearings was a semi annual chore. Even then it was likely as not to find bearings starting to go bad. On my last boat the problem was corrected by converting to oil fed bearings. I have replaced entire brake shoe/ backing plate assemblies because the wheel cylinder rusted solid. On my current boat I have had three of four calipers hang up with the brakes applied so far. I am hoping that no situtation happens that my trailer brakes get under water. If I have any bearing problems you can bet this trailer will be changed over to oil fed bearings also. What I do out of habit is feel the hubs and tires at every stop, so far so good. Jay
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Old 09-11-2016, 05:59 AM   #14
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Forward Self Adjusting (FSA)

Self-Adjusting vs Manual Adjusting Electric Brakes
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