RVibrake Shadow Troubleshooting

A.  Error Codes are designed to tell us exactly what's going on with your RVibrake Shadow when something goes wrong. Some of them are easily resolved in the field by resetting the Shadow Box, but there are a few that require a component to be sent into us for a repair. For an explanation of the most common Error Codes, see below:

1. Error Codes 07 & 03: By far the most common Shadow codes, both of these usually mean there is a leak somewhere in the vacuum or pressure lines of the Shadow. Because leaks tend to occur as a result of improper installation, you'll usually see these codes manifest themselves directly after installation or before first-time use. If you receive either of these codes, troubleshoot the leak by using the process described in the video below:

2. Error Code 02: The accelerometer in the Shadow Box is not functioning properly. It's possible to reset the Shadow when it's in this state. To do so, you'll want to unplug the charging cable from the back of the Shadow Box and remove the Box from your battery (positive and negative). Then, with it completely detached from everything, hold the positive and negative ring terminals of the Shadow Box together so that they're touching for at least 60 seconds. Once that's done, you can reattach the Shadow to the battery and plug the charging cable back in. It should work at this point.

If, for some reason, your Shadow is continuing to issue an Error Code 02 after this point, your Shadow Box will need to be sent in for a repair (or a new one will need to be purchased, if you're outside of warranty). Contact our Customer Service Champions to set this up. 

A. This depends on whether you have a gas coach with hydraulic brakes or a diesel coach with air brakes.

Gas coach: It is recommended that you use your transmission to assist in braking and feather your brakes to get the RPMs higher to assist in braking. This is regardless of Shadow.

Diesel coach: It is recommend that you allow the exhaust brake to handle most of the braking and to steadily hold the brake pedal.

A. Vacuum assist vehicles use vacuum to boost the pressure when braking and Active brake vehicles have constant electrical or hydraulic systems to assist in braking whether the engine is running or not. Most hybrid vehicles use Active assist brakes. Most vehicles on the market use engine vacuum (Vacuum assist brakes) to assist in braking. Shadow taps into your vehicle's vacuum line in order to generate enough pressure to brake (Shadow also works with Active vehicles - see the article "Is Shadow Compatible With Electric/Hybrid Vehicles" for more info). To determine what brake type your vehicle has, consult your Manufacturers Owners Guide. 

If you still have questions or don’t know what type of braking system you have call us at 800-815-2159.

A. The Command Center tablet gives you complete, continuous braking information — a glance at the monitor assures you that Shadow is fully operational. 

(Note: if the Command Center tablet or hub is not plugged in or loses communication at any point, Shadow will still continue to work.) 

A. Braking force and sensitivity can be modified on the fly from the Command Center tablet in your motorhome. No matter what, Shadow will always respond with full pressure during an emergency stop. 

A.  You don't need to install Shadow any differently - but you will need to install your disconnect differently than what is normally recommended.

Normally, when installing a battery disconnect, you want to disconnect the negative post of the battery. We can't do that with the Shadow installed, however, because the Shadow Box's negative wiring will complete the circuit of the battery, essentially making it like you never disconnected your battery in the first place. Therefore, if your Owner's Manual dictates that you need a disconnect, you actually need to disconnect the wiring on the positive side of your battery. You could also choose to disconnect both sides. Installing your disconnect(s) this way will ensure that the Shadow does not complete the battery circuit.

If you have further questions on this, please reach out to our Customer Service Champions.

A. Some of this does depend on whether you're seeing no lights or just incorrect lights. Either way, however, it's possible to reset the Shadow when it's in this state. To do so, you'll want to unplug the charging cable from the back of the Shadow Box and remove the Box from your battery (positive and negative). Then, with it completely detached from everything, hold the positive and negative ring terminals of the Shadow Box together so that they're touching for at least 60 seconds. Once that's done, you can reattach the Shadow to the battery and plug the charging cable back in. It should work at this point.

If you're still seeing lights that look incorrect (or no lights) at this point, reach out to our Customer Service Champions so that they can assist you with further troubleshooting.