What Would Cause Trailer Brakes to Lock Up When Brakes are Touched

Question

Question:

I have a technical question, I have a customer using a brake controller rated for 2 to 4 axles. If they are towing a single axle trailer with brakes would the controller cause the brakes to lock up even when turned down due to not enough axles?

asked by: John R

0

Expert Reply:

If a brake controller is rated for more trailer axles than what the trailer has it would not cause the brakes to lock up but I believe I know what's going on.

If trailer brakes are locking up when you touch the brake pedal that typically indicates that the problem is the stoplight circuit being shorted to the brake output circuit. You can test this by putting on the blinkers of the tow vehicle and if the brakes intermittently lock up with the blinker this would prove this.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

There are a few things you can check to make sure the brakes are adjusted correctly, but it sounds like there may be a short in the system. I would start by checking the trailer wiring connector on the truck and trailer for corrosion. If there is…

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Answer 2

You will need to do some measuring to determine if the 10 Inch Electric Brake Assembly LH, item #AKEBRK-35L, is the correct assembly for your trailer. Measure the diameter of the mounted brake shoe, the width of the lining and the distance between…

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Answer 3

Trailer brakes that lock up can be related to several problems. If they lock up when the trailer connected is connected that would indicate that the 12 volt accessory circuit is shorting out to the brake output circuit on the trailer which is causing…

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Answer 4

One wheel locking up on your trailers brakes could be for a few reason. Most likely it's due to a brake assembly that is out of adjustment. You want to adjust the assemblies so there is only a light drag on them when they are turned by hand.…

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Answer 5

Most brakes also require a (break-in) period. Dexter says to get up to about 20-30 mph and use the manual override several times. They may also feel weak breaking because it is recommended to let the brakes (seat) into the hub for the first 200 miles…

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Answer 6

I was able to find the 126003 hub and was able to determine that it is a 3,500 lb hub/drum with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern just like the #AKHD-545-35-K that you referenced. This hub will work as a replacement for your Lippert.

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Answer 7

What type of brakes do you have, drum/disc, electric/hydraulic? The best course of action for you is going to entail removing the drum/caliper and taking a look at the brake shoes/pads. If they were smoking then chances are the shoes/pads need to be…

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Answer 8

The first thing you will need to do is ensure the breakaway pin is attached and the battery is fully charged. If you do not have a breakaway kit or the pin is still attached, please disregard. It sounds to me like the left side of your trailer's…

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Answer 9

You can definetly check the resistance of your trailer brake magnets. Depending on the trailer brake size you have, you are looking for a specifc range of Ohms. If you have 10 or 12 inch brakes you should see 3.0-3.8 Ohms, and if you have 7 inch…

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Answer 10

The magnet in an electric brake assembly is the component that activates your trailer's brakes when you step on your vehicle's brakes. When you step on your vehicles brakes your trailer brake controller sends power to your trailer via the…

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Answer 11

Brake magnet wires like what are on the brake assembly #23-106 that you referenced can be wired up with either wire getting the positive and the other getting the ground. As long as current runs through them it doesn't matter which wire gets the…

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Answer 12

Yes, you can use the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 7,000 lbs item #23-180-181 on your 5,200 lbs axle so long as you have a 5 bolt flange like the one linked in the diagram below. These brakes fit a…

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What Would Cause Trailer Brakes to Lock Up When Brakes are Touched

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