Trailer Brakes Lock Up at Low Speeds With Any Tow Vehicle and Any Brake Controller

Question

Question:

I have an issue on a new Keystone Bullet Crossfire travel trailer I purchased this year. I have tried towing it with 3 different vehicles and 2 different brake controllers. All of them adjusted to the minimum gain and sensitivity will lock up the brakes at low speeds. If I am going faster, around 30 mph, the brakes will bite hard and eventually lock up once the trailer slows down to about 15 mph. I am certain it is the trailer as I have tried multiple vehicles and brake controllers at the lowest gain and sensitivity settings. Could this be an adjustment issue on the brakes? Perhaps the magnet in the brakes is adjusted too tightly? Or possibly and electrical issue? Any help is greatly appreciated!

asked by: James

0

Expert Reply:

The first thing I would look at is the adjustment of the brakes and see if backing them off a bit helps with the issue you're having, assuming that they're manually adjusting brakes. You'll want to use something like the Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes # W80630 to back them off a bit; I've also linked our help article on brake adjustments for you to use as a reference if you're not familiar with the process.

I recommend starting with that and seeing how the performance changes. If you're still having issues with the brakes locking up after this, just let me know and I can give you a few other things to check, but I don't believe this is an electrical issue at this time.

expert reply by: Erik B

0

Answer 1

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 3

For the LCI52-SB-86.5-68.5, the two ending measurements are: 1st - measurement from hub to hub, meaning the length of the axle in this case is 86.5 inches. 2nd - spring seat dimension where they're welded, meaning the spring seats are 68.5 inches…

view full answer...

Answer 4

As far as height adjustability and weight capacities the Curt Q20 #C16130 and the Curt A20 #C16140 are identical. They both have a Gross Towing Weight of 20,000 lbs, a Vertical Load Limit of 5,000 lbs, and a height range of 13-17 inches. When it…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Yes, the best option we can offer you to add fuel capacity is with the DeeZee Truck Bed Auxiliary Tank part #DZ91752X which should fit in the space you have between the cab and 5th wheel hitch no problem as it is only 9" deep. I don't have…

view full answer...

Answer 6

To determine which brake assemblies would be needed, you will need to measure your existing brake drums as shown in the provided photo. Since your trailer has a 14,000 lb capacity, you most likely have tandem 7,000 lb axles, which typically use a…

view full answer...

Answer 7

From our experiences the Harbor Freight trailers like yours have a hub bore that requires a cap or Bearing Buddy that measures 2.047 inches like the #BB2047 you referenced. We don't have a standard cap that fits this size so the Bearing Buddy is…

view full answer...

Answer 8

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

view full answer...

Answer 9

You will need the Red LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-52 or Amber LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-51 for your 2018 Forest River Sunseeker motorhome. These lenses have the same Top Command SAE-AP2-16 markings on the…

view full answer...

Answer 10

There is a suggested and common method for 6 function trailer wiring. You will have the following functions: Right Turn, Left Turn, Ground, Tail/marker, Brake, Battery. I have included a help article on trailer wiring that includes a diagram and…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Generally speaking bearing grease has so little water in it that significant expansion due to freezing temperatures is unlikely. Higher operating temperatures within the hubs while underway would potentially thin the grease but again not cause much…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The three most common lug stud sizes for a trailer are 1/2"-20, 9/16"-18, and 5/8"-18. In order to make sure you get the correct lug nuts you need to measure the lug studs on the trailer now as we have no way to look this up for…

view full answer...