Troubleshooting Brakes only On One Side of Trailer Applying  

Hi there, Ive had 2 different single axle trailers new Trillium and now new Escape with Dexter axles. In both cases I have only had one brake appear to work. When I touch the brake drums after a good run, only the right sides are hot, the left sides are at best slightly warm - yet I have adjusted them both the same - spinning just free from the drag point. I can never get the trailers to lock up at any speed. With the new Escape 17 foot, I have it up on blocks now, and just pulled the breakaway pin. Both brakes locked up solid after a slight 15 degree forward manual rotation. Initially the right brake stayed tight and the left brake released when I rocked it into reverse. After a couple more attempts both brakes behave the same and release briefly for about 15 degrees of rotation until they then engage solidly in reverse breakaway. I suspect the variation may be a minor amount of adjustment difference. I know I will next check the voltage to each side - with the older 2008 Reece controller hooked up in my tow vehicle 2002 Astro van the controller and 7 pin setup was all professionally checked and serviced last year and is supposed to be in perfect order, and that appears to all work. I know how to chase this problem to the magnets due to my checking of the same basic issue on my Trillium trailer - yet I could never get the left brakes to fully apply. Question: I have been thinking about upgrading the controller to a Tekonsha P3, but I cant really see how side to side braking can have anything to do with the brake controller if voltage can be tested as correct 2v-12v while applying the tow vehicle brakes through the 7 pin connector into the trailer. Would a Controller update help side to side braking in any way? Thanks so much for any insight into this issue - Cheers,

asked by: Richard C