Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes that are Adjusted Properly

Question:

I have adjusted, check voltage, Ohm check on the trailer with dual 7k dexter axles several times. All is in spec but they have very poor breaking. Dexter talks about adjusting until they lock up and then back off. They do not have the power to lock up the tires and do not have the power to even hold with the truck in gear. I see the RV manufacturers puts 7k axles on trailers that have a gross weight of over 15k so is it as simple as the brakes are too small for the mass of the trailer? Looking for options other than switching to Hyd. disc. When you say 12 amp total for 4 brakes are you saying 11.5 is not good enough? Not sure a DC clamp-on meter is even that accurate.

asked by: Tim C

Expert Reply:

Typically if trailer brakes are feeling weak and you know they are in good condition and adjusted properly the problem ends up being that the brakes are either not grounded properly or the wire gauge is too thin. Check to make sure that your wiring is 10 gauge as that would be needed to carry the amount of amperage to apply the brakes properly. We offer 10 gauge wire by the foot with part # 10-1-1.

expert reply by: Jameson C