Troubleshooting Brakes on a 2014 Keystone Fuzion TT Toy Hauler That Has Weak Braking

Question:

I have a 2014 Keystone 301 bumper pull toy hauler which weighs about 10,000 # on two 7,000 # Dexter Axles. Trailer brakes are 12x2. Tow vehicle is 2017 F250 Powerstroke. The brakes on the trailer have never provided enough friction to slide the trailer tires on gravel or wet pavement when applying trailer brakes alone with the manual lever and gain set to Max. I already replaced all four brake kits including backing plates, shoes, magnets, hubs and drums. There was no improvement with the new equipment. I usually brake very lightly and downshift to let the Powerstrokes exhaust brake do most of the work. But a panic stop leaves the truck tires howling with the trailer obviously pushing the truck. The truck is producing 14 volts brake voltage at the 7 pin connector when manual lever is pulled. Individual brake magnets are pulling 2.8 to 2.9 amps current maximum. I have replaced all wires between the individual magnets and the main brake wires with 14 gauge wire and dry-conn wire nuts to insure good connections with no improvement in amp draw. What else to do?? Are there upgraded magnets or some other kit that will make these brakes produce more friction? Thank You for all the information you put out there for us.

asked by: Andrew M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The only other thing I can think of is that the brakes might not be adjusted correctly. On the back of your brakes there will be an oblong hole with a plug in it. This is where you'll adjust the brakes using a brake adjustment tool # W80630.

You'll need to get the trailer onto some jack stands so the brakes can be spun freely. From here, you'll need to grab the teeth on the star wheel and run the brake shoes out until they don't spin by hand anymore. Once you're here, go ahead and back off the star wheel by about 10 notches until you feel a slight drag.

If you have self adjusting brakes you will only have to do this once and the brakes will readjust themselves periodically.

expert reply by: Bryce D