Electric Brakes are Weak After Replacing Bearings on Trailer

Question:

I have electric brakes operated by a tekonsha P2 controller on my campertrailer. I have just replaced the bearings and adjusted the brake shoes. The camper is not braking. There is 10 volts at the magnets, 14v at the controller. Removed magnet and it sticks to the chassis when power applied. The drums get hot after driving with manual control on for a few blocks. The magnets are not worn and the drums are also very good. I have checked trailer and vehicle plugs etc. Clicking is heard when brakes engaged as normal. Shoes are very good also. Whats the solution here?

asked by: Lionel

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you may need a better ground for the brake magnets and/or they need further adjustment. Try sanding down the ground location and reattaching the ground wires. Also inspect the wiring to the magnets and fix an pinched or damaged wires.

The 4 volt drop off from the controller to the magnets is a little excessive. There may be corrosion in or on the vehicle or trailer side connector that needs to be cleaned off.

It could also be an internal magnet problem but you can test for that by following the help article I have linked for you.

expert reply by: Michael H