Read your tow vehicles owner’s manual on towing capacity and other towing recommendations before installing brakes or this actuator.  The Model 850E Actuator is completely assembled and ready to bolt into place, if not already installed. Manufactured for tongue sizes: 3”x 3”, 3”x 4” & 3”x 5”.

1. Bolt the actuator to the tongue using grade 5 bolts 1/2 inch in diameter, 4 inches long.

Lightweight tongues, less than 11 gauge, require spacer tubes inside the tongue for reinforcement. Attachment strength should equal to or exceed 1-1/2 times trailer G.V.W.R.

2. Hydraulic brake lines should be installed on the trailer as described in the installation manual supplied with the brakes. Note: Some disc brakes require the use of flexible brake lines at the connection POINT on the brake  caliper. Follow brake manufacturer instructions.
3. Use only DOT 3 heavy-duty brake fluid in the Model 850E actuator. Use a pressure type brake bleeder to bleed brakes. (This type of brake bleeder is available at your local automotive jobber.) Follow manufacturer’s directions. Or, manually bleed the brakes using a heavy-duty flat blade screwdriver inserted in the hole provided on top of the actuator near the front. Insert the screwdriver and use a pumping action to activate the master cylinder in order to bleed the brakes.

To bleed master cylinder and brakes, install bleeder hose on first wheel cylinder to be bled; if tandem axle trailer, bleed furthermost axle first, and the furthermost brake on that axle first. Use a loose end of hose from the bleeder valve submerged in a glass container of brake fluid to observe bubbling (hose must be submerged into clean brake fluid to keep air from traveling back into the brake cylinder). Loosen the bleeder screw located in the wheel cylinder one turn, the system is now open to the atmosphere. The bleeding operation for that brake is complete when bubbling stops. Be sure to tighten bleeder screw securely.

Each wheel cylinder must be bled until all air is out of the lines. Replenish the brake fluid during the bleeding process so the level does not fall below half full level in the master cylinder reservoir. When bleeding and testing is completed, make sure master cylinder is filled to 3/8” below the top of the reservoir and filler cap is securely in place.

4. Check with your state motor vehicle department for laws concerning minimum trailer brake requirements. Some states may require brakes on all axles.
5. Road test trailer a short distance to activate the actuator several times. Check fluid level again. Remember, low brake fluid levels will result in hitch ball knocking.

6. When testing is completed, make sure master cylinder is filled to 3/8” below the top of the reservoir and filler cap is securely in place. Road test again to make sure brakes work properly.

RATED CAPACITY: Maximum Actuator Capacity: 8500 lbs. Gross Load, 850 lbs. Maximum Tongue Load

The actual in-service rating is limited to that of the ball and hitch being used or the trailer manufacturer’s G.V.W.R. shown on the certification label, whichever is lower.

1. Always check the brake fluid reservoir before using trailer. Make sure it is at least half full. If not, re-fill to 3/8 inch below the top of the reservoir with DOT 3 brake fluid. Do not use DOT 5 brake fluid. Check for leaks and repair as required. Never reuse brake fluid.
2. To extend coupler and ball life, coat both with a thin coating of grease. This will also eliminate squeaking. Wipe clean and renew film each time trailer is used.
3. Examine the actuator for bent parts or wear each time the trailer is used. Replace parts as necessary.
4. There are no user adjustments on the actuator.
5. Actuator travel (shown by coupler roller path) over one inch indicates a need to adjust the brakes or add fluid to the reservoir or a need to bleed the brakes and check connections for leaks. Adjust per instructions found in brake installation manual. In general, back-off adjusters on drum brakes from locked position, as required.  Adjust Free-Backing brakes by rotating in forward direction only. Failure to adjust may result in loss of braking. Disc brakes do not require adjustment, check for pad wear.

1. Disconnect trailer hitch and any wiring connectors from the vehicle.
2. Connect a 14 gauge wire to the backup (reverse) light wire of the vehicle. This wire should be of sufficient length to attach to the existing vehicle/trailer wire receptacle. The end of this wire will require a female end that will match the solenoid male connector wire. Your vehicle may have a 5 wire connection for this purpose.
3. For ease of use, tape or band the end of the reverse light wire to the vehicle’s trailer electrical connector.

1. The vehicle, towing hitch and ball must have a rating equal to or greater than the trailer G.V.W.R.

2. Model 850E will accept 2” or 50mm trailer hitch balls only. Trailer balls larger than 2.00” (50mm) or out of round will not fit the coupler or may result in coupler failure. Balls smaller than 1.95” can cause shock loading and sudden disconnection. Make certain ball latch is in correct position to retain the hitch ball. Push latch until safety latch engages plate below latch. Insert safety pin into forward hole as a safety lock for the hitch ball coupler prior to towing. Do not tow trailer if coupler is damaged.

3. Connect safety cables or chains using crossed pattern under tongue, or follow trailer manufacturer’s directions.

4. Connect actuator breakaway cable S-hook to the tow vehicle only. Do not connect S-hook to the safety cables or chains.
5. The breakaway system is designed to only operate after the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle and the safety chains have failed. The breakaway is not a parking brake. Do not use as such.
6. If the breakaway is accidentally applied, insert a flat bladed screwdriver into the spring clip on the side of the actuator and pry sideways pressure to release.

7. Any control devices that restrict operation of the actuator cannot be used. This includes certain sway control devices. The actuator must be free to telescope in response to braking requirements.

8. Equalizing or weight distributing hitches that are designed to use with surge brake actuators may be used. Allow six to eight inches free chain length.

RATED CAPACITY:

Maximum Actuator Capacity: 8500 lbs. Gross Load, 850 lbs. Maximum Tongue Load

The actual in-service rating is limited to that of the ball and hitch being used or the trailer manufacturer’s G.V.W.R. shown on the certification label, whichever is lower (Note: G.V.W.R. is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating which includes the trailer and the load weight as a Total Gross Weight).

Use only DOT 3 heavy-duty brake fluid in the Model 850E actuator. Use a pressure type brake bleeder to bleed brakes. (This type of brake bleeder is available at your local automotive jobber.) Follow manufacturer’s directions. Or, manually bleed the brakes using a heavy-duty flat blade screwdriver inserted in the hole provided on top of the actuator near the front. Insert the screwdriver and use a pumping action to activate the master cylinder in order to bleed the brakes.

To bleed master cylinder and brakes, install bleeder hose on first wheel cylinder to be bled; if tandem axle trailer, bleed furthermost axle first, and the furthermost brake on that axle first. Use a loose end of hose from the bleeder valve submerged in a glass container of brake fluid to observe bubbling (hose must be submerged into clean brake fluid to keep air from traveling back into the brake cylinder). Loosen the bleeder screw located in the wheel cylinder one turn, the system is now open to the atmosphere. The bleeding operation for that brake is complete when bubbling stops. Be sure to tighten bleeder screw securely.

Each wheel cylinder must be bled until all air is out of the lines. Replenish the brake fluid during the bleeding process so the level does not fall below half full level in the master cylinder reservoir. When bleeding and testing is completed, make sure master cylinder is filled to 3/8” below the top of the reservoir and filler cap is securely in place.