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THE TANDEM AUXILIARY BRAKING SYSTEM FOR TOWED VEHICLE IS SIMPLE, SAFE AND RELIABLE

INSTALLATION GUIDE VIDEO

Print your TANDEM
Installation guide here

TANDEM BRAKING SYSTEM. SUPPLEMENTAL BRAKING SYSTEM FOR TOWED VEHICULE BEHIND MOTOR HOME.

Braking system demonstration

TANDEM Braking System Installation

 

Prior to the Installation:

 

Make sure the TANDEM brake is compatible with the tow fixtures on the base plate of the vehicle you plan to install it on.

 

Tow fixtures shaped like a U that measures 11/2 inches from outside edge to outside edge, and have a 1/2 inch hole for a hitch pin are compatible with the TANDEM brake.

 

Note: Examples of compatible tow fixtures would be DEMCO and Blue OX tow fixtures Verify the level of the tow bar. The tow bar A-frame cannot exceed 2 inches higher or lower between the RV and the towed vehicle for the TANDEM to operate properly.

 

The TANDEM brake is designed to tow a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. The four wheels must be on the ground so that they do not exercise weight on the tow bar.Check that all of the parts arrived in the packaging. You can compare the parts you received to the parts list in the installation instructions.

Step 1 In almost all applications it will be necessary to cut the TANDEM Brake main tube to fit your base plate tow fixtures. The first step is to measure the distance, center to center, between the base plate tow fixtures. Subtract 1/2 inch from this measurement.

 

Next, lay the TANDEM Brake on the floor and measure this distance from the TANDEM Brake anchor point to the main tube and mark it with a straight edge. This will leave a 1/2 inch of free play. Secure the TANDEM main tube in a vise, or clamp it, and use a saw with a metal cutting blade to cut the TANDEM main lube. Install the secondary brake piece (part # 0071) over the main tube and check it for proper fit on the vehicle base plate.

 

Step 2 Press on the brake pedal and using a piece of chalk make a mark on the carpet, as straight as possible directly behind the brake pedal.

 

Step 3 Look on the opposite side of the firewall approximately where the chalk mark would be to see if anything interference with this location. If the vehicle has carpet, use a utility knife to put a small cut in the carpet where you will be drilling the hole. Carefully drill a 1/8 inch hole and verify again that there are no obstacles or obstructions on the opposite side of the vehicle firewall. If it is clear enlarge the hole to a diameter ot 3/8 inch.

 

Step 4 Install the sleeve (part # 0X169) in the body panel from the engine side of the lire wall. To do this insert the fitting on the end of the sleeve through the hole you just drilled and secure it with the washer and nut provided. Seal around the sleeve on the engine side with silicone sealant.

 

Step 5 Route and install the sleeve along the engine, making sure that it does not contact any hot parts. You can use a 3 fool length of scrap wire to help determine the best routing possible, before actually securing the sleeve. Secure the sleeve, as you route it, using plastic tie wraps. Route the sleeve out from the driver's side and over the top of the TANDEM Brake, up to the ring Cut the sleeve to length with the cable cutter or an abrasive cutting disk and insert the end of the sleeve in to the nylon adaptor with spring, (part (f 0062)

 

Step 6 Lubricate the steel aircraft cable using grease and a shop rag. Insert the lubricated steel cable in the sleeve, starting from the inside of the vehicle., Feed the steel cable through the entire sleeve making sure it does not bind anywhere. Bolt the pedal adapter (part # 0070) to the brake pedal as low on the pedal as possible and then attach the cable end to the adapter.

 

Step 7 At the front of the vehicle insert the cable in the brass terminal (part # 0072) and tighten the two alien screws securely. Activate the TANDEM Brake with the help of a metal bar to check that the brass terminal adjustment does not move. Cut the left over cable leaving approximately 2 inches, and press the cable stop (part tt 0024) on to the cable. The cable stop is used to prevent the end of the cable from fraying.Note: If you do not have a swaging tool to press the cable stop on the cable you can use a hammer to secure the cable stop on the cable.

 

Step 8 After installing every part and completing any necessary adjustments the installation is complete. To disconnect the cable from the brake pedal press on the brake pedal with your hand and unhook the steel cable. Push the steel cable back to the floor. At the front of the vehicle disassemble the sleeve and place it under the front of the vehicle to determine the best location for the storage tube. Make it as accessible as possible and attach the tube with plastic tie wraps. Insert the sleeve into the storage tube.

 

Tools you will need for the TANDEM Brake System Installation include: Plastic tie wraps Safety glasses 3/8 inch drill 1/8 Drill bit 13/32 drill bit 3/32 Allen Key 1 /2 inch Wrench 9/16 inch Wrench 7/8 inch Wrench Cutter to cut the 3/32 steel cable and sleeve Silicone to seal around the sleeve Lubricant to insert steel cable into sleeve Pliers Shop rags Measuring tape 3 feet of scrap wire A saw with metal cutting blade to cut the TANDEM main tube Swaging tool or a hammer to install cable stop If everything checks out you are ready to proceed with the installation. The first step is to install the TANDEM Brake to the tow fixtures and secure it with pins

 

Note: TANDEM recommends a minimum distance of 23 inches between the two fixtures on the base plate. The distance between the fixtures can vary between 23 and 31 inches. However, TANDEM recommends using the largest distance possible.

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