Troubleshooting New Trailer Brakes that Seem Weak
Question:
I just installed new brakes. Im getting 12 volts and the brakes are adjusted properly. As Im driving I manually bring the gain to 10. I cant feel any slow down at all. With the tire lifted by a jack and the gain at 10 I can turn the wheel by hand. It does require some pressure but I can turn it. They seem pretty weak. Is this just how they are?
asked by: Tyler
Expert Reply:
Trailer brakes need to be adjusted so that they engage properly. If you have manual adjust assemblies you'd need to turn the star wheel on the back of the assembly till there's a light drag on the drums as you turn the wheel by hand. If you have self-adjusting brake assemblies you can just go out and apply the brakes over and over as you are travelling slowly and the adjustments will happen automatically but it may take several applications.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 3500 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Square Drop Leg Stabilizer Jack - 18" Travel - 2,000 lbs - Qty 1
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Q&A: Electric Trailer Brakes not Working
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Low Voltage Output on Brake Controller with Brake Pedal and Override Lever
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Low Voltage Output from Brake Controller
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Weak Brakes on a 1992 Rainbow Trailer
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Weak Voltage Output at 7-Way Pin
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Shop: Plug-N-Tow (R) Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: tow bar
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: hitch
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
on Accessories and Parts
