Tie Down 20 User Manual

Installation Instructions and Service Manual

“Raptor” Model 20
Actuator for
Trailer Brakes

20,000 lbs Capacity
Part #70429 - Drum Brake Ready
Part #70428 - Disc Brake Ready
W/Solenoid Installed

IMPORTANT: READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE INSTRUCTION/ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE BEFORE INSTALLING YOUR BRAKES AND ACTUATOR.

The Model 20 works by the “surge” or “push” of the trailer toward the tow vehicle. This automatically synchronizes the trailer brakes with
the brakes on the tow vehicle. When the trailer pushes against the tow vehicle, the actuator telescopes together and applies the force to the
master cylinder, supplying hydraulic pressure to the brakes. The built in sealed and independent dampening shock absorber controls
the telescoping shock against the hitch.

Be sure to comply with regulations for brakes in your state. Brake laws sometimes are minimum standards and you may wish to add
additional brakes to your trailer to meet minimum Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (G.V.W.R.). Note: G.V.W.R. is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
which includes the trailer and the load weight as a Total Gross Weight.

Read your tow vehicle owner’s manual on towing capacity and other towing recommendations before installing brakes or this actuator.

The Model 20 Actuator is completely assembled and ready to bolt into place (Tongue sizes: 3”x 4” & 3”x 5”, 9 ga. min.).

1. Bolt the actuator to the tongue-using grade 5 bolts 5/8 inch in diameter, 4 inches long. Attachment strength should equal or exceed
1-1/2 times trailer G.V.W.R.

2. Hydraulic brake lines should be installed on the trailer as described in the installation manual supplied with the brakes. Note: Some disc
brakes require the use of flexible brake lines at the connection POINT on the brake caliper. Follow brake manufacturer instructions.

3. Use only DOT-3 brake fluid in the Model 20 actuator. Use a pressure type brake bleeder to bleed brakes. (This type of brake bleeder is
available at your local automotive parts supply store.) Follow manufacturer’s directions. Or, manually bleed the brakes using a
heavy-duty flat blade screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver and use a pumping action to activate the master cylinder in order to bleed
the brakes. See page 4 for more details.

4. To bleed master cylinder and brakes, install bleeder hose on first wheel cylinder to be bled; if tandem axle trailer, bleed farthest axle
first, and the farthest brake on that axle first. Use a loose end of hose from the bleeder valve submerged in a clear container of
brake fluid to observe bubbling (hose must be submerged into clean brake fluid to keep air from traveling back into the brake cylinder).
Loosen the bleeder screw located in the wheel cylinder one turn; the system is now open to the atmosphere. The bleeding operation for
that brake is complete when bubbling stops. Be sure to tighten bleeder screw securely. Each wheel cylinder must be bled until all air
is out of the lines. Replenish the brake fluid during the bleeding process so the level does not fall below half full level in the master
cylinder reservoir. When bleeding and testing is completed, make sure master cylinder is filled to approximately 3/8” below the top of
the reservoir and filler cap is securely in place.

5. Check with your state motor vehicle department for laws concerning minimum trailer brake requirements. Some states may require
brakes on all axles.

6. Road test trailer a short distance to activate the actuator several times. Check fluid level again. Remember, low brake fluid
levels will result in reduced braking or no braking at all.

7. When testing is completed, make sure master cylinder is filled to approximately 3/8” below the top of the reservoir and filler cap is
securely in place. Road test again to make sure brakes work properly.

Instruction #08199

TIE DOWN ENGINEERING • 255 Villanova Drive SW • Atlanta, GA 30336

www.tiedown.com [phone] Fax [phone]

050713,B1324

RATED CAPACITY: Maximum Actuator Capacity: 20,000 lbs. Gross Load; 2,000 lbs. maximum tongue load; minimum tongue
weight is 5% of G.V.W.R.

The actual in-service rating is limited to that of the ball and hitch or the least rated component on the tow vehicle or trailer being used or the
trailer manufacturer’s G.V.W.R. shown on the certification label, whichever is lower (Note: G.V.W.R. is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating which
includes the trailer and the load weight as a Total Gross Weight).

HITCHING TRAILER

1. The vehicle, towing hitch and ball must have a rating equal to or greater than trailer G.V.W.R.

2. Model 20 will accept 2-5/16” trailer hitch balls with a 20,000# capacity only. Trailer balls larger than 2-5/16” or out of round will not fit
the coupler or may result in coupler failure. Balls smaller than 2-5/16” can cause shock loading and sudden disconnection. Make certain
ball latch is in correct position to retain the hitch ball. Push latch lever down until safety latch engages the hitch ball. Always
insert safety pin into forward hole as a safety lock for the hitch ball coupler prior to towing. Do not tow trailer if coupler is damaged.

3. Connect safety cables or chains using crossed pattern under tongue, or follow trailer manufacturer’s directions.

4. Connect actuator breakaway cable S-hook to the tow vehicle only. Do not connect breakaway cable S-hook to the safety cables or chains.

5. The breakaway system is designed to operate only after the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle and the safety cable/chains have
disconnected from the tow vehicle. The breakaway is not a parking brake. Do not use as such.

6. If the breakaway is accidentally applied while un-hitching, insert a flat bladed screwdriver into the slot on either side of the
plastic cover on top of the actuator. The screw drive blade should go under the spring plate. Pry down on the handle of the
screw driver to release the spring plate. The E-stop arm should fall back and down when released.

7. Any control devices that restrict operation of the actuator cannot be used. This includes certain sway control devices. The actuator must
be free to telescope in response to braking requirements.

8. Equalizing or weight distributing hitches may be used, allow six to eight inches free chain length. DANGER: Tongue weight outside rating
limits will interfere with performance of actuator, and braking system, and the tow vehicle.

9. Automatic “Free-Backing” (backing-up without braking action) is possible with this Actuator when supplied with an electrically operated
“Reverse Lock-Out Solenoid” or coupled with “Free-Backing” drum brakes. To allow “Free-Backing”
without either of those components installed the Operator must manually
“Lock-Out” the Actuator movement while backing up. This is accomplished by
placing a 7/16 X 5” long bolt (or comparable screwdriver) through the upper
hole provided through the actuator housing.

Danger: Failure to remove the bolt/screwdriver after backing will cause
no braking action in normal use. Remember to always remove the
bolt/screwdriver after backing the trailer.

10. Important: The supplied, cable tethered, “Safety Pin” must be installed in
the Coupler Latch hole (see illustration at right) during towing at all times.

Safety Pin
Location

MAINTENANCE

1. Always check the brake fluid reservoir before using trailer. Make sure it is at least half full. If not, re-fill to approx. 3/8 inch below the top
of the reservoir with DOT 3 brake fluid. Check for leaks and repair as required. Never reuse brake fluid.

2. To extend coupler and ball life, coat both with a thin coating of grease. This will also eliminate squeaking. Wipe clean and renew grease
film each time trailer is used. A zerk fitting is installed on the coupler to make this step easier.

3. Examine the actuator for bent parts or wear each time the trailer is used. Replace parts as necessary.

4. There are no user adjustments on the actuator.

5. Excessive actuator travel may indicate a need to adjust the brakes or add fluid to the reservoir or a need to bleed the brakes and check
connections for leaks. Adjust per instructions found in brake installation manual. In general, back off the adjusters on drum brakes from
locked position, as required. Adjust Free-Backing brakes by rotating wheel in forward direction only. Failure to adjust may result in loss of
braking. Disc brakes do not require adjustment, check for pad wear periodically.

6. While towing, if the actuator appears to be knocking against the hitch ball while starting or stopping, check brake fluid reservoir and fill if
below 3/8” full from the top.

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WARNING - DISC BRAKE USE

Actuator models designed for disc brakes do not have a “check valve” installed. Check valves are required for use with drum
brakes. DO NOT use any actuator designed for drum brakes on a trailer with disc brakes installed.

WARNING

Actuator and brakes should always be flushed on the exterior with fresh water after using trailer in corrosive conditions. This includes salt
water, fertilizers and other corrosive materials. Before storing trailer remove brakes and clean thoroughly. It is also wise to repack the
bearings at the same time. Failure to properly and adequately maintain the actuator could cause serious damage, injury or death.

WARNING

The breakaway system is not designed to operate if the trailer does not separate completely from the tow vehicle, or if the tongue goes
under the rear of the tow vehicle.

WARNING

In the event that the breakaway system is used, check all system components (cable, S-hooks, etc.) for proper working order. Replace any
damaged parts with genuine Tie Down parts only.

WARNING

When re-setting the break away system keep hands and fingers clear as you re-set the mechanism, hydraulic pressure held in the system
may cause the assembly to snap back suddenly.

WARNING

AVOID sharp turns, which can cause the actuator to bind or jackknife against the tow vehicle or cause a bend in the tongue. Either can
damage the actuator causing brake failure. AVOID towing trailer across large bumps or dips that may over stress the connection between
the trailer and tow vehicle, as this could result in damage to the actuator.

WARNING

DO NOT REUSE BRAKE FLUID. Always use fresh DOT 3 brake fluid from a fresh container. Failure to maintain proper levels of fluid in the
reservoir will cause brake failure. Never use silicone based brake fluids.

WARNING

Failure to install the hitch pin before towing can result in accidental opening of the coupler hitch latch which can lead to the trailer com­ing off of the hitch ball causing serious damage, injury or death. If pin will not fit into the latch hole, the coupler is not attached properly.
Re-set coupler on hitch ball.

WARNING

A minimum of 5% tongue weight and a maximum 10% tongue weight of the trailer GVWR must be positioned over the hitch ball. The Trailer
tongue should be parallel to the ground. Too much weight can cause premature brake actuation and loss of control of the towing vehicle.
Too little tongue weight can cause the trailer to fishtail, resulting in loss of control of the tow vehicle and trailer (total trailer weight GVWR
includes weight of the trailer plus load).

WARNING

A loose fit between the coupler and hitch ball can cause the actuator and hitch ball to separate, causing serious damage, injury or death.
Check coupler every time prior to towing and at each stop on long trips. Always make certain that coupler latch safety pin is securely
installed into coupler latch.

WARNING

Brake laws sometimes are minimum standards. Tie Down Engineering strongly recommends brakes on all axles. Read your tow
vehicles owner’s manual on towing capacity and other towing recommendations before installing brakes or this actuator.

WARNING

Never allow the coupler latch safety pin to remain in the reverse lockout position hole. After reverse maneuvering, always insert coupler
latch safety pin back into coupler latch. FAILURE TO REMOVE SAFETY PIN FROM REVERSE LOCK OUT POSITION HOLE WILL PREVENT

FORWARD MOVEMENT BREAKING THAT CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.

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