Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes That Only Work in Reverse

Question

Question:

I have a 30 foot camper with 3500 lbs axles and electric breaks. When I go full breaking it does not feel like they are working. If I drive in reverse and go to full break I can not push the trailer. Do the breaks need to be replaced or is there a different problem?

asked by: Rick

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Expert Reply:

It is possible you need new brakes, but not necessarily.

The brakes locking up when in reverse is usually because the brakes have recently been installed and they were installed backwards. Brakes are specific to either the left or right side. If they're installed on the wrong sides then you'll feel more braking when going in reverse than forward. The brakes still engage when going forward but possibly not strong enough to feel. If these are the original brakes, then I would not suspect that to be the problem and they likely just need to be adjusted.

There's also a good chance they just need to be adjusted. If your brakes are manual adjust brakes you can use a Brake Adjustment Spoon # W80630 and that may be all you need. If you've never adjusted them there is a very good chance this will fix your problem. This would be the first thing I would check. I've attached a video of brakes being installed onto a trailer. If you skip ahead to about the 3 minute mark it shows you how to adjust the brakes.

You will also want to check that you don't have a faulty ground and that you are getting enough voltage from your brake controller.

I've attached a help article that explains ways to test your brakes that may be helpful.

expert reply by: Charles S

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Answer 1

With the brake controller gain turned all the way up, you should be seeing closer to 12-volts at your trailer connector. You are losing voltage somewhere between the brake controller and the trailer connector. I am assuming that by electric brake…

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Answer 2

It's possible the left and right side brake assemblies were installed on the opposing/incorrect side they are intended for. While this would not change how the magnets power up it can negatively affect braking. If that's not the case, you may…

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Answer 3

You may have switched the left and right sides by accident when you installed the new brakes. this would not change how the magnets power up but for trailer brake assemblies there is a left and a right and switch them can negatively affect braking.…

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Answer 4

If you disconnect the trailer connector when backing up do the brakes still lock up? What I bet is happening is that your trailer reverse light circuit is shorting out to the brake output circuit which is causing the brakes to apply every time you…

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Answer 5

When there is bizarre trailer brake behavior the first place to check is the trailer connectors for corrosion. Check out the trailer connector on your tow vehicle for corrosion and clean as necessary. Electric trailer brakes aren't really…

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Answer 6

You are correct, this is actually a fairly common occurrence and a known issue for the newer Ford trucks and their factory TBC not working with Dexter EOH brakes. Ford did have a recall for almost 400,000 trucks with this issue and they discovered it…

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Answer 7

The mounting flange bolt pattern for the Dexter Electric Brake Kit for 4 Bolt or 5 Bolt Flange #23-105-106-09 measures 3-1/8" between the top two holes, 2-1/2" between the lower two holes, and 3-3/8" between the top and bottom holes.…

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Answer 8

There's something mechanically wrong with the brake assemblies or you have a drum that needs to be replaced or turned. Electric trailer brakes should not lock up when turned in reverse. Especially if there's no current involved on any of the…

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Answer 9

It sounds like your wires are connected wrong. You most likely have your 12V power connected to your reverse light function which is why it is getting proper power in reverse, but is losing power when you shift to drive. I recommend using a circuit…

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Answer 10

Yes, electric brake assemblies will work in reverse. The brake controller in your tow vehicle would still activate in reverse as long as the brakes are applied. The actuating arm of the Dexter assemblies part #23-27 will apply the brakes when pushed…

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Answer 11

Self-adjusting brakes #AKEBRK-7-SA do not require that you travel in reverse for them to adjust. They can adjust themselves going forward or backward. Keep in mind that even self-adjusting brakes require 1 initial adjustment. You could just install…

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Answer 12

There are many things that can affect the voltage on the brake output wire from your brake controller to your trailer brakes such as the power setting on your brake controller, how you are testing the wire and if you are testing it with the brakes or…

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Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes That Only Work in Reverse

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