Troubleshooting Poor Braking on a Tandem Axle Trailer with the Voyager Brake Controller

Question:

We are experiencing 1 wheel brake working.The left rear of a 2 axel 18000 lb trailer. Is this a possible ground problem? When adjusting the controller I either get real hard braking or nothing.We have a twelve charger and when it is hooked up all 4 wheels seem to function.

asked by: Phil

Expert Reply:

Based on the issues you are experiencing, I would lean towards a ground issue as well. Ground problems frequently appear when power output changes. I would first inspect the ground connection for your trailer connector. Make sure it is secured to a clean and bare surface on the trailer frame.

Next, move to the ground connections for the brake assemblies. Again, make sure they are clean and attached to a bare metal surface. Aluminum frame trailers do not provide the best ground to complete a circuit, so I recommend running the grounds for the brake magnets back to the main trailer ground.

You may also want to make sure the brake controller is mounted properly. If the controller was bumped or moved, it could produce erratic braking. The Voyager should be mounted vertically between -20 degrees and 70 degrees and level side to side.

If all of the grounds look okay and the brake controller is mounted properly, then I would check to make sure the brakes are adjusted properly. With the trailer jacked up and no power being sent to the brakes, you should feel and hear a slight drag when you spin the wheels. Most trailer brakes have an adjustment wheel that is accessible through a slot on the back of the brake assembly. You may need a brake adjustment tool or a flat screwdriver to turn the adjustment wheel if the brakes feel like they need to be adjusted.

expert reply by: John H