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INSTRUCTIONS for the INSTALLATION and OPERATION of the REESE BRAKEMAN COMPACT ELECTRONIC TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL (74642)

SECTION 3 - CONTROLS

OUTPUT CONTROL

The output control is located on the front of the brake control unit at the top left side.

The output control establishes the maximum amount of power available to the trailer brakes.

As the setting is moved to the left more power will be available to the brakes when the brake pedal is pressed or the manual control is used.

The output control should be adjusted when trailer load changes, when different trailers are used or to adjust for a change in road conditions.

SYNC CONTROL

The sync control is located on the left side of the brake control unit, forward of the mounting bracket. The sync control adjusts brake aggressiveness or the time it takes to reach the full output set by the output control when the brake pedal is pressed.

The sync adjustment has no effect on the manual control.

The brakes become more aggressive as the switch is moved toward the front of the tow vehicle.

The sync control should be adjusted for individual driver preference or changing road conditions.

MANUAL CONTROL

The manual control is located on the front of the brake control unit at the right side.

The manual control only applies the trailer brakes and should be used in situations when it is desirable to reduce speed slowly.

When the manual control is pushed to the left the control begins to apply the trailer brakes. The further to the left it is pushed the harder the brakes are applied until the maximum set by the output control is reached.

The manual control activates the tow vehicle and trailer stoplights and the output indicator on the control unit.

OUTPUT INDICATOR

The red indicator light on the front of the control unit will glow when brakes are applied either by the brake pedal or the manual control (with or without a trailer attached). The indicator will start dim and glow brighter as output increases.

The indicator light will also help confirm proper installation.

SET UP

1. With a trailer connected, set the sync control half way between + and -. Starting with the output control in the lowest position (all the way right) roll forward slowly and stop. If no trailer braking is felt adjust the output control slightly to the left. Repeat this process until firm trailer brakes are felt. If the trailer brakes lock-up or jerk adjust the output back to the right slightly.

2. Move the sync control back (toward the driver) to about 1/4 of the distance between + and -.

3. Test drive making several stops. Adjust the sync control until stops are smooth and firm. Slight adjustment of the output control may also be desirable.

Setting the brake control too aggressively could cause brake pulsing when towing with hazard flashers on. If such settings are necessary, a pulse preventor (Reese #74229) can be used.

4. Have someone watch the stoplights while the manual control is activated to make sure the stoplights on both the tow vehicle and trailer are working.

Note: If any problems occur during set up refer to the Troubleshooting section of these instructions.

USAGE TIPS

Light pressure on the brake pedal will activate the trailer's brakes with little or no effect on the tow vehicle's brakes. This is useful for gradual slowing on steep downhill grades or before stops.

Periodic adjustment of the Sync and Output controls may be necessary to correct for changing road conditions, trailer loading, brake wear and/or driver preference.

On some vehicles, operating the brake control's manual control will not disengage "Cruise Control."

BENCH TEST INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wire as shown in Fig. 4. Set Output control to maximum and the Sync control to minimum.

2. Test brake pedal activation:

• While watching the test bulb, hold the red wire on the positive (+) battery terminal.

• The bulb should start dim and slowly get brighter.

• The red output indicator on the brake control should glow brightly.

• Disconnect the red wire.

• Adjust the Sync control to maximum

• While watching the test bulb, hold the red wire on the positive (+) battery terminal.

• The bulb should light brightly with no delay.

• With the red wire still on the battery terminal, slide the output control back and forth. The test bulb should change from bright to dim with the movement of the output control. Disconnect the red wire.

3. Test manual activation:

• Set the output control to maximum.

• While watching the test bulb, slowly activate the manual control.

• The test bulb should start dim and get brighter as the manual control is pushed.

• While holding the manual control all the way on, slide the output control back and forth.

• The test bulb should change from bright to dim with the movement of the output control.

4. If the brake control does not function as described above, return it for service or replacement.

IMPORTANT: Read and follow all warnings and cautions printed on battery.

IMPORTANT: Make sure White wire goes to - and Black wire goes to + improper connection will damage the brake control unit.

Note: A standard voltmeter will not show true output voltage.

Periodic adjustment of the Sync and Output controls may be necessary to correct for changing road conditions, trailer loading, brake wear and/or driver preference.

On some vehicles, operating the brake control's manual control will not disengage "Cruise Control."

Reese Products, Inc
51671 State Road 19 N.
Elkhart, IN 46514
For information call
1-800-359-5505

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