The cycle of braking and releasing above is reliant on a sprung damper system. The system is self-regulating to a certain extent, but there are problems with this system, and knowing these will help you to operate your trailer or caravan safely. This cycle continues through out the braking phase… any increase in the braking force by the tow vehicle causes the trailer or caravan to try to “over run” the towing vehicle and reduction in braking force causes a reduction in braking effort by the trailer or caravan. As you ease up on the brake pedal, the force being transferred eases, so releasing some of the braking effort. The operation of the over-run system is simple and effective, the harder you brake, the more force that is transferred to the drawbar and the further the drawbar compresses transferring more force to the brake rod, therefore applying more braking effort. This compression causes the lever to rotate pulling on the brake rod and operating the brakes. However when you apply your brakes, the trailer or caravan tries to continue at the same speed (inertia) and travels forward in relation to the towing vehicle and compresses the drawbar and spring. When pulling the trailer or caravan forward, the force is opposite to the arrows shown. The tow ball (in white) exerts all the mechanical force from the towing vehicle onto the draw bar. In the drawing below shows the major components of an AL-KO over-run braking system. The over-run system was originally called the ‘surge brake’ when it was developed. As the possible combination of tow vehicle to trailer or caravan was huge, a simple system that required no modification to the tow vehicle was looked for. Obviously this system cannot usually be fitted to cars (some Land Rovers can have an air system for towing) so a different solution was sought. The brakes on a lorry trailer are activated by compressed air. When you apply the brakes in your towing vehicle, there has to be some way in applying the brakes on the trailer or caravan you are towing. Over-Run brake systems are fitted to all caravans in the UK and all trailers that are rated above 750Kg weight capacity.
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December 2022
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