Troubleshooting Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Brakes That Have Not Adjusted Properly After 300 Miles of Travel

Question:

I bought a trailer with dexter self adjust brakes on it. I tried to engage the brakes with the controller but the do not have any resistance. The dealer said they cannot adjust them because they are self adjusting. Can these brakes be adjusted even though they are self adjusting as the dealer said? or can they be adjusted so they are actually giving resistance when applying brakes? I have pulled this trailer over 300 miles and they still have not adjusted properly.

asked by: John R

Expert Reply:

While Dexter Nev-R-Adjust brakes like the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly # 23-464 and # 23-465 can be manually adjusted, it is highly recommended that you do not manually adjust them. They were not designed to be adjusted that way and can be easily over adjusted and difficult to correct if over adjusted.

Since you have said that you have already driven the trailer over 300 miles and they are still not adjusted properly, you likely have something else wrong. I would start by trying to adjust the brakes by hitting the manual override 20-30 times while traveling between 20-25mph. If the brakes are still not adjusted properly after that, then I would verify the brakes are getting the appropriate power. If your brakes are getting the appropriate power then you likely have bad brakes and will need to replace them.

The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly # 23-464 and # 23-465 are for a 7,000 lb. axle.

expert reply by: Scott S