Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes, Would Wider Assemblies Increase Braking Power

Question:

I have a Keystone TT with Al-Ko 3500lb axles that has the 10 inch 1.75 electric brakes. Can I upgrade to 10 inch 2.25 for better braking by just changing drum and brake assembly thanks

asked by: Stan

Expert Reply:

Going with a wider brake assembly will give you more contact area for the brakes on your trailer so in theory you would get more powerful brakes. That is, of course, assuming that your weak brakes are due to the assemblies just being maxed out. There are several other things that can cause weak trailer brakes that you may want to check out before you replace everything.

I would check the main ground for the trailer. This is the wire that runs from the trailer connector to the trailer frame and provides the ground for the entire trailer. The ground strap may have come loose and now may not be strong enough to fully apply the trailer brakes.

The new brake assemblies may also not be adjusted properly. You will want to have the adjustment screw tightened to the point where the wheel locks up and then back it off 10 clicks. Check out the video I attached at the 4:25 mark.

If your brake controller does not have the gain set all the way to the max setting then there is braking power left on the table there as well. When setting the gain level you want to go with the max setting right before the tires lock up.

expert reply by: Jameson C