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.
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: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Install a Brake Controller on Chevrolet / GMC 1999-2006 Pickups
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Q&A: Brake Controller Recommendation for a Truck with Air Brakes and a Trailer with Electric Brakes
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: Parts Needed To Install A Brake Controller On A 2023 Freightliner Cascadia
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install 7-Way/4-Way on 2024 Kia Telluride with LED Taillights
- Q&A: How do I Tell if the Brake Controller is Bad
- Q&A: Lift Kit Options For A 2015 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1706FB