Troubleshooting Weak Brakes on a Trailer

Question:

I just purchase a brand new 10 ton econoline trailer With al-ok 10,000 lb axles. Ive adjustedthe wheel bearings and adjusted the brakes after the first 50 miles when I got it home and the brakes are not grabby at all I can get the tires to drag in loose gravel which all the other trailers do, it does slow the truck down but should practically stop the truck Dealership wont do anything and econoline wont get back to me. Any advice. Think the trailer sat for maybe a year before being sold. Hate to pull it all apart but I assume that may be the next step

asked by: Ethan

Expert Reply:

If you adjusted the brakes on your trailer so that they drag ever so slightly then the next step that I recommend looking at is the power setting of your brake controller. If your brake controller power setting is not very high then that would be the reason that your brakes are not a strong as you like.

If you have adjusted the brakes and your brake controller and you are still not achieving the desired result then you can check the wiring from your brake controller to the brakes to ensure that it is working properly.

Using a Circuit Tester # PTW2992 test the pin in the 5 o'clock position on the 7-Way on your tow vehicle (see attached picture). You will want to do this by setting your brake controller to the highest setting and then applying the manual override. If you do not get the proper amount of power then you will want to sever the brake controller wire (that sends the signal to the 7-Way) 6 inches from the brake controller and test it to make sure your brake controller is operating properly. If it is then you will need to check the wiring on your tow vehicle. If not, then your brake controller needs to be replaced. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195.

To test your trailer side you can use an alternate source of 12V power, like the battery from your tow vehicle, and apply power directly to the corresponding pin on your trailer side. With a full 12V of power running to them they should definitely activate. If they don't then you will want to test the brake magnets themselves. I have attached a helpful article on how to do this.

If you have issues on either your tow vehicle or trailer then you will want to check the wiring for any places where it is damaged, bent, corroded, or exposed and replace any sections with 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 and Butt Connectors # DW05745-5.

If you are still experiencing trouble then you will want to take your rig to a shop and have them physically inspect it.