Weak Trailer Brakes Using Carlisle Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator with 2014 Ford F-350

Question:

If everything is installed correctly, if you use the slide bar on the integrated controller, should the brakes lock up? We put the brake controller on 10 gain and it slows the trailer down but does not stop it with the slide bar. With other trailers and controllers if you set the gain that high, there would be too much brake. The trailer weighs about 14000# unloaded. The unit has been replaced already. They have added the other part that is needed. The controller locks up other trailers, not this one

asked by: mackie

Helpful Expert Reply:

First you have to make sure that the brake controller being used is rated for electric over hydraulic brakes. Or you have to make sure that you are using the adapter, # HBA-CAM. It sounds like that is what you meant when you said they have added the other part that is needed.

So that leaves the trailer itself. If the braking is not where it should be then the brakes may need to be bled or adjusted. Follow the manual for the bleeding procedure. And on the brake adjustment you will turn the adjustment wheel at the bottom, backside of the brake assembly until you hear a slight but constant drag of the pads on the drum.

It is also possible that a weak or corroded connection is causing poor performance so check all of the connections and clean or fix as needed.

On some trailers, if the brakes are far from the actuator the braking can be weak. Usually adding larger hydraulic lines will help. You can also move the actuator closer to the brakes.

expert reply by: Michael H