Ineffective Braking on Car Hauler Trailer Towed By 2008 Lincoln Navigator
Question:
I bought a car hauler trailer with one axle electric brakes. I want to make a long trip so I replaced the brakes completely. New controller in my navigator. The trailer has new backing plates with all new parts complete and new drums. The brakes apply but not with very much braking force. If I set the controller manual adjustment to 100, even with the wheels on grass the brake axle will not lock up and not much force or braking effort it works, but not as much as I think that it should. Grounds are all good new holes and bolts. The brake wireblue looks to be about 14 or 16 gauge. Could this small wire not let enough amperage and voltage get to the magnets and cause a problem like what I have explained or should I look at something else? Thank you
asked by: George K
Expert Reply:
There are a few things that could be causing your trailer brakes to preform poorly.
As a start, make sure your trailer is not overloaded. If it is a 2 axle trailer with brakes only on one axle, you might consider adding brakes to the second axle. Even though the weight carried on the trailer might not be exceeding the trailer axle capacity, one braking axle might not be enough to efficiently stop the trailer when it is loaded.
It is possible that your brake output wire is of too small of a gauge. I would consider anything smaller than 12 gauge as being insufficient.
When you replaced your brakes, did you adjust them? Remove the adjuster hole cover from the rear of the brake assembly, and use a screwdriver or brake adjustment tool (available from your auto parts store) to tighten the adjusting wheel until the trailer wheel is very difficult to rotate. Then, back off the adjustment wheel 10 or so clicks, or until there is a slight drag. Repeat this procedure on each brake assembly.
I would also recommend reviewing the set-up procedure outlined in the instructions for your brake controller, so you can rule that out.
If these possible causes all check out as okay, please get back with me and we will check some other less common possibilities.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Article: Aftermarket Brake Control Wiring for 07-13 GM Full-Size Truck with Factory-Integrated Brake Control
- Q&A: Adding a Battery on an Enclosed Trailer to Power Interior Lights
- Q&A: Recommended Tow Wiring for a 2023 Kia Telluride With LED Lights
- Q&A: Bypassing Factory Brake Controller and Installing Aftermarket Model on 2018 GMC Sierra 3500
- Q&A: How to Wire Electric Brakes on a Tandem Axle Trailer
- Article: Brake Controller Installation for 2007 (New Body Style) - 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado
- Q&A: Can Electric Brakes be Used on a Boat Trailer
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire Does The Curt USCAR Connector C56229 Use?
- Q&A: What is the Proper Gauge Wire for Installation of a Brake Controller and Trailer Brakes
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements