Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Won't Lock Up When Manual Override is Fully Slid

Question:

2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD off road pulling 2018 Forest River RPod. I have this brake controller installed and set to the highest setting of 14. When I do the test, driving at 25 mph, then fully engaging the manual brake switch on the controller, I still cant get the trailer tires to lock up. Its definitely slowing the vehicle, but no lock up/skid like the manual advises. Any tips?

asked by: John N

Expert Reply:

If the trailer is brand new most likely it has assemblies that aren't adjusted properly. A lot of new trailers have self-adjusting brakes that just require several brake applications for the assemblies to be fully adjusted. Or if they are manual adjust assemblies you can simply manually tighten them to the proper tension.

You will want to have the adjustment screw tightened to the point where the wheel locks up and then back it off 10 clicks. Check out the video I attached at the 4:25 mark.

expert reply by: Jameson C