Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes on a Trailer with Electric Over Hydraulic Assemblies

Question:

I have a 2015 ford f550 I have a dexter elec over hydralic setup on my trailer everything seems to be working fine but when I got home on my first run my break shoes where completely gone come to find out that the elec over hydralic pump is barley applying the brakes how do U fix this problem

asked by: Tyler W

Expert Reply:

Since you said the trailer brakes are barely applying I am assuming that the worn brake shoes you are referring to are the ones on your 2015 Ford F550.

Without knowing what brake controller you have in your truck it is hard for me to say exactly how to do it, but you need to adjust the gain up on your brake controller so that the brakes will come on stronger. If you are using a Ford integrated brake controller this is most likely your problem since those aren't compatible with Dexter actuators. I would instead recommend a P2 part # 90885 brake controller.

Typically what we tell people is to put the controller in the middle most gain setting, find an empty parking lot and at 25 miles per hour slide the override lever of the controller. If the brakes don't apply hard enough adjust them up higher. The goal is to find the gain setting that will apply the most braking power without locking up the trailer brakes.

If you have drum brakes on your trailer they could be out of adjustment. You will want to tighten them up till they put a light drag on the wheel when be turned by hand.

expert reply by: Jameson C