Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes and Breakaway Switch that Doesnt Work at All

Question

Question:

My trailer brakes only partially come on when brakes applied and they wont come on at all when break away pin is pulled.

asked by: Cliff

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Expert Reply:

It sounds like you need to check the trailer braking system out. I would start by making sure that the connectors on the vehicle and trailer are connected properly, and that there is no corrosion in either of the connectors. Corrosion can rob power from the trailer brakes especially because the trailer brake circuit is in the lower position in the connector and next to the ground wire. Using some dielectric grease, item # 11755, in the connection can often help a great deal.

Make sure that the ground wires to the trailer brake magnets are properly grounded too.

There are several checks that can be performed if the issue is not solved. First, make sure that the brakes are adjusted properly. We have a video detailing how to adjust the trailer brakes for you to review.

Next, if the brakes are adjusted properly you can check the brake magnets, this will require that you sever the wires near the backing plate of the brake assembly. Using an ohmmeter, item # PT89ZR, check the resistance between the brake magnet wires, 10 and 12 inch brake magnet resistance should be 3.2-3.5 Ohms, and 7 inch brake magnet resistance should be 3.8-4.0 Ohms. If the resistance is too low or too high the magnets will need to be replaced, see link. Another method of testing the brake magnet is detailed in our Diagnosing a Trailer Magnet Problem video, see link.

Finally, the brakes themselves may be worn or the hub may need to be resurfaced or replaced. If there are grooves in the hub where the brakes ride on the hub or where the magnets connect to the hub repair or replacement will be needed. You will need to remove the hubs to check these areas.

If you determine that the hubs need to be replaced, let me know the inner and outer bearing numbers, the seal number and the wheel bolt pattern. I will be glad to help find the correct parts for your trailer.

Is your breakaway battery charged? If so, you should check out the picture I attached that shows how it should wire up and make sure yours is wired the same.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

You do want to charge the battery of the breakaway kit so that in the event you need it the brakes would activate like they need to. That being said that shouldn't affect trailer brakes performance as long as it was install properly. Your best…

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Answer 2

The magnet clips #BP19005 should not be making contact with the drum while the brakes engage, so I do not think that is the problem. What I think is going on is it's just not seating all the way. These can get a little squished or deformed…

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Answer 3

For your electric brake assemblies, the first thing to note is that your ground on your brake magnets should be directly to the trailer frame. Each assembly should have the power from the wiring connection direct as well as the other wire of the…

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Answer 4

Hi Chad! There are 2 ways to tell the difference between driver side and passenger side Dexter Axle brake assemblies; the first is by looking at the sticker on the inside, and the second is by looking at the brake assemblies as a whole. For example,…

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Answer 5

In regards to an electric over hydraulic actuator, the 1,000 psi model is for drum brakes and the 1,200 psi model is for disc brakes. The size of the axle, etc. are not factors. The most popular option we offer is the HydraStar Vented Marine Electric…

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Answer 6

A TruRyde rvd-h-865 7k hub/drum like # AKHD-865-7-2-K uses 1/2-inch drive-in studs that are 1-5/16-inches long. For a replacement stud you can use #165981. This is slightly longer at 1-1/2-inches but it has the same 1/2-inch diameter. They are also…

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Answer 7

The pictures for wheel stud set #RG03-080 are more of a typical photo. The actual design is the same as #165995. I pulled a set from the warehouse to be sure and they are indeed like #165995.

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Answer 8

The three wires of the Tekonsha Breakaway System part #50-85-313 will get wired as follows: The white wire attaches to the ground wire. The blue wire attaches to the brake output circuit that goes to the brake assemblies of the trailer. The black…

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Answer 9

If all 3 of the trailer axles have brakes you will need one with enough amperage to be able to apply the trailer brakes on full for at least 15 minutes. The Tekonsha system, #50-85-313 will work with 1 to 3 axles. I have included a link to a video…

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Answer 10

That's a good question, because working load limits (WLL) can be somewhat confusing, but I can explain it for you. The 9,200 lb WLL of the Titan Chain Ratcheting Load Binder for 3/8" - 1/2" Thick Chain #TCRB10 simply means that the…

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Answer 11

The only difference in the Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Couplers #DM16080-95 and #DM15931-95 is going to be the bolt pattern. One will have the 5-Bolt hole pattern and the other is going to have 4-Bolt holes. I have included images below showing the…

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