Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes with Dexter Manual Adjust Assemblies
Question:
Question on how much current I should expect. Brakes are Dexter 23-47 and it partner 7 X 1 1/4 with Predator DX2 Controller 58-8. Two axle trailer with brakes on one axle weights about 500 pounds empty, but the brakes will barely lock up the tires on that axle even when empty using the manual control. Reading goes to full voltage, but the brakes are hardly working. Ive checked everything, and am using #12 wire, but thinking Im getting a lot of loss somewhere. The proof would be to measure the current through the controller. How many amps should I expect to see under normal circumstances? Thanks
asked by: Frank
Helpful Expert Reply:
Brake controllers typically will have 20 or 30 amp circuit breakers installed between their power source and the power wire. That means that your brake controller would draw around that when at max setting depending on the amount of brake assemblies.
Having 10 gauge wire (like # 10-1-1 sold by the foot) on your trailer for this circuit would be better, but most likely either your assemblies are out of adjustment or you have an insufficient ground.
The # 23-47 assemblies are manual adjust brakes so it could be they are in need of adjustment. You will want to tighten them to the point where they put a slight drag on the hub as you turn them by hand.
You can try running jumper wires from the grounds of the assemblies back up to the main ground of the trailer harness.
If this does not help then I would check the magnets again. If you can see the windings beginning to show through the friction surface of the magnet then they will need to be replaced (see link).
I also attached a help article on how to test the magnets as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 7" - Left Hand - - 2,000-lbs to 2,200-lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- LH
- 2000 lbs
- 2200 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 7 x 1-1/4 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
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