New Electric Brakes on 5th Wheel Trailer Not Working Properly

Question:

I have a 08 prowler 30foot 5th wheel trailer. I replaced the brakes, the whole set, pads magnets and all. Reconnected the wiring and tested them. They dont work. I had brakes before I replaced the old ones the pads were thin and the magnets very worn. Is there something Im missing?

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

I first recommend looking at how you are testing the new brakes on your fifth wheel trailer. If you have a proportional brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885, stepping on the brake pedal without the vehicle or trailer in motion is not going to send enough power pack to actually activate the brakes. You will want to make sure you are using the manual override lever on the controller when testing in this manner.

Next I recommend checking to make sure the brake assemblies are properly adjusted. It may be that they are simply not tight enough to grab the drum on the brake assembly. This is a fairly common issue when new brakes are installed.

I have attached a video demonstration for you to check out. At around the 4:35 mark you can see the brakes being adjusted. You will basically want to tighten the adjustment screw to a point where the wheel locks up, and then back it off about 10 clicks.

If you have self-adjusting brakes, I recommend simply going out to an empty parking lot and applying the trailer brakes several times so they can set themselves up correctly. The brakes should get more powerful with every application.

Next make sure that the magnets on the new brakes are grounded to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces that are near the magnets.

If you are still unable to find the issue, please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further.

expert reply by: Chris R