Initially Setting up my Electric Trailer Brakes for Best Performance

Question:

I have replaced the break plates on a 2016 rice flat bed trailer, i can hear the breaks enaging but not hardly getting any stopping power, i have adjusted the breaks and when i have a wheel up they are not spinning with the break controller enaged 100, when i drive down the road i have very minimal stopping using the max control on the breaking unit. The trailer has a fully sealed harness with no visable damage and i have tested each break with a test light and it is super bright, i have also checked at the 7pin connector and the break away battery as well, so i am fairly sure im getting power to the breaks as i can hear them hummimg when i do a walk around, i also have to other trailers with electric breaks and my truck 2007 new sliverado 1500 breaks just fine with them, i also have a hopkins impluse break controller mounted in the cab. I am at a loss need help

asked by: Lorin R

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds as if you just need to seat the brakes. When initially installing the Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # AKEBRK-7-SA or other electric brake assemblies it is best practice to accelerate to about 25 MPH once there use the trailer brakes to slow you down to zero and repeat. This process should be done about 15 times then re adjust your brakes. Don't be afraid to adjust a little bit heavy then re test with your load on and you will have the braking results you are looking for.

With you having tested everything and getting the power you need at the brakes this can be the only issue you are having unless somehow you've got grease on the braking magnet surface or on the shoes but this is very unlikely.

expert reply by: Randy B