Weak Braking Power After Dexter Braking Assemblies Installed

Question:

I had Camping World order and install the left hand and right hand brake kit listed in the subject line. This was installed all 4 wheels on my 36foot 2004 Alpenlite 5th Wheel RV. I pull the trailer with a 2011 Ford F250 with a factory installed trailer brake controller. When Camping World gave me my trailer back, there was only a slight evidence of the trailer brakes working. They told me that the brakes would self adjust after applying the brakes and/or the manual controller inside the truck a few times. It never seemed to self adjust... so I took it back and they readjusted the brakes. The symptoms are the same. When I apply the manual controller, the trailer will continue to roll at engine idle. Since these brakes are handed, what would be the symptoms if the right hand kits were installed on the left hand side?

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

If the left and right hand braking assemblies were switched that could cause poor braking performance like what you are experiencing now. In order to check this you will need to remove the hub/drum and take note of which side the actuator arm is facing. It should be facing the front of the trailer as you can see in the attached photo.

If the arms are oriented correctly I would check that the brakes are adjusted properly. Even if you have self-adjusting brakes they will still require an initial adjustment. After the initial adjustment you will want to turn the brake controller all the way up and hit the manual override at around 20 mph a few times to set them.

expert reply by: Conner L