Brakes - Trailers

Number: 88-36

Section: OA

Date: August, 1987
SUBJECT: TRAILER BRAKES


MODELS: ALL LIGHT DUTY MODELS
Trailer brakes of adequate size are required on trailers over 1,000 lbs (45 Kg) loaded weight. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for proper installation and balance.

Typically, trailer brake installations require less than 0.02 cubic inches (0.3 cubic centimeters) of fluid from the master cylinder to operate. Systems requiring more than 0.02 cubic inches of fluid must not be installed because the truck brake fluid capacity will NOT be sufficient
to operate the truck and trailer brakes under every condition. The brake fluid tap on light duty trucks including the 1988 C/K models equipped with rear wheel anti-lock (RWAL) brakes, must be made to the master cylinder port supplying fluid to rear brakes before the combination valve. On the 1988 C/K, this installation will allow the truck to continue operating with RWAL brakes while the trailer brakes operate independently of the RWAL brake system.