Trailer Brakes Getting Hot and Smoking on a 2006 Dutchmen Sportsman

Question:

My husband just bought our camper from a private party. As he was pulling the camper and he applied the truck brakes the camper hub started smoking and smelt really bad. once he got pulled over it was really hot and smoking. He says it arched in the hub. Can you let me know what it would require and the price to fix the situation we hacve going on? Thanks a ton!

asked by: Sheena L

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the brake assembly got stuck and would not revert back after releasing the truck brakes. This could happen if there is a mechanical issue such as debris or corrosion causing the mechanism to bind up, or it could be an electrical issue such as a short that caused the magnet to stay stuck to the armature surface inside the drum.

You will want to pull the hub and drum assembly off and inspect the inside of the drum. If the armature surface is gouged or discolored or if the surface the brake pad touches is gouged or discolored then the hub and drum assemblies will need to be replaced.

I recommend replacing the brake assemblies regardless of what the drum looks like because whether the issue was electrical or mechanical replacing the brake assemblies will solve that issue. I also recommend inspecting the wiring and fixing any pinched or damaged wires. Also make sure the main trailer connector is clean and free of corrosion.

If the trailer has a breakaway system be sure to inspect its wiring, switch, and battery too since it is all tied into the trailer braking system. I have included some links on breakaway systems for you.

If the hub does need to be replaced I would need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the inner and outer bearings as well as the wheel bolt pattern to determine the proper replacements. With that information I can also identify the proper brake assemblies.

expert reply by: Michael H