Troubleshooting Electric Brakes On Boat Trailer That Do Not Perform Well When Dry

Question:

Hello weve installed a new controller and new complete electric assemblies on our boat trailer and new wire from assembly to assembly and to the junction box on trailer and a new pig tail to the truck from the junction box on the trailer the brakes hardly work when dry after we load the boat and head home they will work good enough to stop the truck and trailer dead in its tracks as soon as they dry out back to nearly no brakes I dont understand what is happening we have great voltage on the shop floor and the same readings at the boat launch after coming out of the water

asked by: Jamie

Expert Reply:

That is definitely an interesting issue.

I would start with making sure the brakes are adjusted correctly when the brakes are dry and in your shop. You can do this by using a flat head screw driver or a brake spoon # W80630 to adjust the brakes in and out. You want to adjust them to where you feel light drag. Having too much drag will cause the brakes to lock up prematurely.

I included a link to a helpful article on adjusting the trailer brakes for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C