Troubleshooting Brand New Tow Dolly with Weak Brakes
Question:
Just got back from trying to adjust my controller mounted on my E350 based motor home towing a new dolly with car on it. I was unable to get the dolly brakes to lockup though I could feel them applying even at the maximum setting. Reading the instructions said to add no boost setting if tow vehicle was heavier than towed unit. Would increasing the boost allow the dolly to lockup and adjust from there or is it possible the dolly brakes may be out of adjust even though its brand new? Just some random thoughts before trying again. Thanks
asked by: Patrick L
Helpful Expert Reply:
It sounds like your brand new tow dolly has electric drum brakes that are in need of adjusting. Most likely they are self-adjusting assemblies that after several applications will adjust to the proper setting. This is a common occurrence on new trailers/dollies.
But in the event they are manual adjust assemblies you would want to adjust them to where there is just a slight drag on the drum when they are turned by hand.
Check out the video (see link). Beginning at the 4:23 mark, our installer shows how to adjust your trailer brakes.
![Jameson C](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/371_tn.jpg)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Q&A: Replacement Hub for 2013 Wildwood 26TBSS Hub Drum with AL-KO 8700
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Q&A: How To Add a Fuel Tank To a Truck with 5th Wheel Hitch In Bed
- Q&A: Recommended 16' Mesh Tarp for Dump Trailer
- Q&A: How to Bleed Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: Replacement LED Top Command Clearance Light With SAE-AP2-16 On Lens For 2018 Sunseeker Motorhome
- Article: Best Camper Jacks
- Q&A: Wiring Diagram for Bargman 7-Way RV Style Connector # WG54006-043
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing