Blue Ox BX88193 User Manual
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Apollo®
Braking System
Owner’s Manual
BX88179
(Apollo)
BX88193
(Luxor)
A
THANK YOU
for purchasing an Apollo braking system from
Blue Ox. We’ve organized this manual to make
your installation simple and as trouble-free
as possible. Insure it is read. Keep your sales
receipt and this manual in a safe place so that
both are available for future use if needed.
Blue Ox®
Five-Year Limited Warranty
Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company (“Automatic”) warrants to the original retail purchaser that each
product manufactured by Automatic shall be free from defect in material and workmanship under normal use and
service for a period of ve years from the date of delivery. In the case of equipment used for commercial or rental
purposes, such warranty period is limited to 30 days from the date of delivery to the original retail purchaser.
During said ve-year period (30 days in the case of equipment used for commercial or rental purposes), Automatic
will repair or replace any parts which (a) shall be returned to an authorized dealer, distributor, or the factory, with
transportation charges prepaid, and (b) aer examination by Automatic, are found to be defective. is limited
warranty will not cover, in any way, any alleged damages caused by incorrect or improper installation, improper
use, modication or neglect of product, or failure of the user to follow the guidelines contained in the instructional
material provided by Automatic.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS SET FORTH IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY
IS THE SOLE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE PURCHASER. AUTOMATIC
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON
THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE
LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN LENGTH TO
THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.
Some states do NOT allow the exclusion or limitations of incidental or consequential damages, or allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions may NOT apply
to you. is warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
Automatic reserves the right to make changes or add improvements to its products at any time without
any obligation to make such changes to previously manufactured equipment.
IMPORTANT
Coverage and performance under the foregoing limited warranty is conditioned upon the original purchaser
completing and returning customer registration card to Automatic or registering via our web site at
www.blueox.us within ten days of delivery date and upon the original serial number being visible on the product
and unaltered. Automatic will not honor any warranty claims unless the warranty registration card is on le at
Automatic’s factory in Pender, Nebraska. Some states do NOT allow exclusions or limitations based on the return
of the registration card to the manufacturer, so the above limitations may NOT apply to you.
Blue Ox Division
Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co.
P.O. Box P
Pender, Nebraska 68047
www.blueox.us (402) 385-3051
I 292-2658 Date 09/06
Product Information & Table of Contents
Equipment Information Record
Table of Contents
Date Purchased: _______________________
Purchased From: _______________________
Address: ______________________________
City:__________State: ___ Zip Code: ______
Phone Number of Dealership: ____________
Installed By: __________________________
Service #: _____________________________
Model #: ______________________________
Serial #: ______________________________
Notes: ________________________________
______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
!
WARNING
-FOR YOUR SAFETY-
We recommend that this product be
installed by an authorized Blue Ox®
Professional Installer. Improper installation
and/or operation can create a hazard which
can cause serious injury, property damage
or death. Improper installation and/or
operation will void the warranty.
I
Warranty Information
II
Equipment Information Record
Table of Contents
24/7 Customer Care Information
Page 1
Description of Product
Page 2
Features and Benets
Page 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Page 4
Welcome to the Blue Ox Experience
Care and Maintenance
Page 5
Unpacking
Page 6
Parts List Itemization
Pages 7-10
Installation
Page 11
Operation
Pages 12
e Apollo® Illustrated
Pages 13-14
Breakaway System
Pages 15-16
Wireless Remote Indicator
Page 17-18
Troubleshooting
At Blue Ox® we pride ourselves in
oering exceptional customer service
to our valued customers.
If you have any questions, comments,
or concerns please feel free to contact
a member of our 24/7 Customer Care
Team by calling (402) 385-3051.
DEALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS:
PLEASE give the instructions to the customer so
they fully understand the setup, operation, and
safety precautions of this braking system.
Date 09/06 292-2658 II
Apollo® Braking System
from Blue Ox®
Description of your product.
Just like all Blue Ox® towing products, the Apollo® braking system is built to
last. Be condent you’ll have superior performance for years to come. For added
comfort and security, Blue Ox stands behind the Apollo braking system with a
ve-year limited warranty on parts and labor.
Your RVs brakes are designed to stop your RV safely
and eectively. However, when adding the weight of
a towed vehicle, brakes can become overburdened
and fade or fail. is is why the Apollo braking
system from Blue Ox is such an important accessory
for RVs when towing a second vehicle.
It activates your towed vehicle’s brake pedal,
removing the entire weight of the vehicle from your
motor home’s stressed brakes. is means your RV
is better able to stop quickly and eciently.
Apollo makes advanced
braking simple. When you
apply pressure to your motor
home’s brakes, the Apollo
analyzes the braking in a
fraction of a second.
Install the Apollo in only a
few short steps. It requires
no electrical or mechanical
connections to the motor
home. Apollo contains
everything you need in one
convenient unit—including
an air pressure gauge and an air pressure regulator
that gets power from your 12-volt accessory outlet.
When it comes to braking, a
second can be the dierence
between a sure stop and an
accident. Be assured Apollo®
will apply the towed car’s
brakes - helping bring the
motorhome to a stop more
quickly and eciently.
the brake pedal engages—not simply when the
actuator arm extends from the brake case.
ese features mean Apollo delivers a more accurate
and reliable stop, with improved recognition of
unexpected developments. It does not aect your
towed vehicle’s Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS),
ride brakes down steep grades, or wear brakes more
than normal use.
With Apollo you get instinctive features adding
safety and convenience—like gauges and controls
that are conveniently located
with improved visibility and
access. Apollo meets SAE
governmental specication
and protects your towed
vehicle from a wiring or fuse
overload. Just plug it into the
12-volt accessory outlet.
Aer your towed vehicle’s
brakes are engaged, an
optional Wireless Remote
Indicator transmits a
signal back to your RV and
illuminates a dash-mounted light to let you know
the braking system is activated.
Transfer the Apollo easily between vehicles. It’s
small, lightweight and fully adjustable.
Apollo uses digital technology. is means when
you begin your stop, Apollo can engage your towed
vehicle’s brakes quickly - within 1/4 to 1/2 of a
second.
Apollo transmits an engagement signal only when
1 of 18 292-2658 Date 09/06
Apollo also contains a high-quality surge suppressor
to avoid unwanted braking on bumpy roads,
bridges, or railroad tracks. For ne adjustments,
Apollo oers sensitivity settings for your driving
style and environment. For breakaway situations,
Apollo provides an optional system that meets or
exceeds all requirements in the United States and
Canada.
Features and Benets
is section explains the many dierent features and benets of your Apollo®.
• Convenient Design
Benet: e Apollo®’s compact size allows it
to be used in most applications. e unit sits
on the oor in front of the driver’s seat. It is
installed easily and does not void your towed
vehicle or motor home warranty. e Apollo is
lightweight. It weighs a mere 14 lbs. Transfer
the unit easily from one vehicle to another and
use it for several towed vehicles.
• Eight Sensitivity Settings
Benet: Get optimal braking performance by
choosing the setting that best ts the terrain
and your particular driving style.
• Constant Monitoring of G-Forces
Benet: e Apollo unit does this every 1/4
to 1/2 a second. It also provides continuous
application of the brakes during braking
application. Apollo takes 1/100 of a second to
start applying air to the brakes and only one
second until full pedal extension. e quicker
the system is activated, the faster the required
braking is applied. e Apollo utilizes solid
state sensing and activation. It has no moving
parts to inhibit proper braking activation.
• Satises Increasingly Strict Chassis
Manufacturer Braking Requirements
Benet: Reduces the risk of chassis warranty
issues regarding braking.
• Digital Normalization
Benet: Allows the unit to be normalized in
any application to compensate for unleveled
oorboards of the towed vehicle.
• Brake Bracket
Benet: e brake bracket is very durable—
increasing its lifetime value. e release handle
is easily released by a single hand operation.
Adjust it to t the size of your brake pedal
without diculty using a Phillips screwdriver.
• Brake Retracts Utilizing Air Pressure
Benet: Positive return. No spring. Complete
retraction.
• High-Quality Surge Suppressor
Benet: No unwanted braking on bumpy
roads, bridges, or railroad tracks.
• Large, Quick-Rell Air Tank
Benet: e large air tank ensures that the
compressor cycles less oen - increasing the life
expectancy of the system. e air tank takes a
minimal amount of time to rell because the
size of the tubing allows for a quicker response
with more air owing through the line.
• Corrosion Prevention
Benet: e Apollo has many components that
help prevent premature corrosion. e stainless
steel construction lasts longer. Air lters and
safety relief valves allow for long, troublefree operation. Micron air lters and a water
separator enhance the Apollo by protecting
it from system contamination and premature
failures. Air is taken in from above the tank,
ensuring the air is cleaner and drier—reducing
the chance of corrosion.
• Exhaust Air Outside of the Unit
Benet: Removing the air outside the unit
protects the circuits from water damage.
Accumulated moisture in the bottom of the
tank is purged—further preventing corrosion.
• Wireless Remote Indicator (Recommended)
Benet: e Wireless Remote Indicator
signals the system if the brake is actually being
applied in the towed vehicle. is eliminates
the possibility of false indicators that the brake
is engaged and provides easy monitoring of
braking engagement. e Wireless Remote
Indicator continues to transmit as long as the
brake pedal is depressed.
• Remote Indicator (Recommended) is
Activated from the Brake Light Switch of the
Towed Vehicle
Benet: is gives true indications of brake
activity in the towed vehicle.
• Breakaway System (Recommended)
Benet: Provides protection in the event your
towed vehicle becomes detached from your
motor home. e system immediately applies
the brakes of your towed vehicle and brings it
to a rapid stop. is system meets or exceeds all
Date 09/06 292-2658 2 of 18
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Apollo drain the battery of the towed
vehicle?
Answer: We recommend disconnecting the
Apollo and starting the vehicle each
night to recharge the battery. However,
depending on braking conditions, a typical
car battery can endure up to four days of
towing with the Apollo installed.
How does the Apollo know when to apply the
brakes?
Answer: e logic sensor recognizes and
reacts to changes in inertia.
How does the Apollo have enough power to
apply the brakes on a “dead pedal”?
Answer: e Apollo uses compressed air
to actuate the towed vehicle’s dead pedal.
Do you need a strap to pull the brake pedal
back?
Answer: No. Air pressure is used to pull
the brake pedal back.
Does the air pressure gauge show the amount
of PSI applied to the brake pedal?
Answer: No. It shows how much PSI is
applied to the Apollo’s cylinder in a
braking situation. e cylinder controls the
actuator arm pushing the brake pedal. So,
the higher the PSI, the more force that is
applied to the brake pedal.
Do brackets need to be mounted to the oor of
the vehicle?
Answer: No.
Can the outside case withstand the operating
conditions on a towed vehicle?
Answer: e Apollo’s outside case is
composed of Acrylonitrile Butadiene
Sytrene (ABS) plastic, the same plastic used to
make trim for the interior of automobiles. ABS
plastic is highly durable and withstands
extreme temperatures.
3 of 18 292-2658 Date 09/06
Do you have to wire anything to the towing
vehicle for the receiver of the wireless remote
indicator?
Answer: No. e receiver plugs into a
12-volt accessory receptacle.
What activates the LED of the wireless remote
indicator?
Answer: e light is activated when the
Apollo applies the brakes in the towed
vehicle. e wireless remote transmitter
senses actual current ow to brake lights
and transmits a digital signal to the receiver
in the towing vehicle. is illuminates the
receiver’s LED indicating that the brakes are
applied in the towed vehicle.
Will the transmitter of the wireless remote
indicator be able to transmit from underneath
the dash?
Answer: e transmitter will be able to
properly transmit from under the dash in
most cases. However, in some cases (i.e.,
diesel pushers), the transmitter may need
to be installed within the motorhomes line of
sight.
Does the wireless remote indicator require
cutting into the towed vehicle’s brake lines?
Answer: No. e wireless remote indicator
connects to the existing cold wire on the
brake pedal switch. is allows accurate
monitoring when the brakes are actually
applied (not when the unit is simply
activated). e Apollo is the only product
on the market that oers dierent
frequencies. is allows for traveling in
caravans or attending other group functions
without interference.
How does the Apollo recognize terrain?
Answer: e Apollo uses a built-in logic
sensor. e Apollo is digital and analyzes
Welcome to the Blue Ox® Experience
Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of an Apollo® braking system.
Welcome to the Blue Ox® Family. e braking system that you have purchased combines quality
components with the latest in technology and style. We are condent that these design features will
provide you with the conveniences you expect during your travels. Aer you understand how to properly
and safely operate and care for your Apollo, expect years of trouble-free operation and service backed by
a ve-year limited warranty.
In this manual, you will nd installation instructions. Please read all of the technical documents,
warnings, cautions, tips, and notes in this manual before attempting to operate your Apollo for the rst
time. Improper installation, use or maintenance may result in malfunction causing personal injury or
property damage. Finally, don’t forget to ll out and return your warranty card. For future reference, your
serial number is located on the outside of the manual packaging and is also located on the bottom of your
Apollo unit.
WARNING
WARNING
!
!
Do NOT install the Apollo on
vehicles that have continuous
power assist brakes. Doing so will
cause severe tire damage.
Care & Maintenance
Care and Maintenance of your
Apollo Braking System
Your Apollo unit requires a minimal amount
of care and maintenance. If you do not feel
condent in your ability to perform the
occasional maintenance, consult your Blue Ox®
Dealer or Professional Installer, or see a Blue Ox
representative at a rally or race that you plan to
attend. e following will inform you of the areas
of your Apollo that will need periodic inspection
and/or care and maintenance.
Do NOT modify your Apollo® in
any way NOT authorized by Blue
Ox®, as it will void the warranty.
Care
Do NOT use any type of solvent or spray cleaner
on the Apollo braking system. e recommended
cleaning procedures for the Apollo are to wipe
down the exterior with a damp cloth. Wipe down
with a dry cloth.
Store in a clean, dry place.
Maintenance
It may be necessary to occasionally lubricate the
brake bracket with silicone spray.
- REMINDER -
Proper installation and
use of this product is the
sole responsibility of the
purchaser.
Date 09/06 292-2658 4 of 18
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