Trailer brake problems

Ferd · Sep 16, 2015

I had a gooseneck hitch mounted on this truck and it pulls fine but I found that although I'll stop fine without a load on the trailer when I put a tractor on the trailer and come to a stop after my speed gets down to about 20 miles an hour the whole truck shutters. It doesn't do it when there's not a load on. Just wondering if anyone else would ever come across the problem like this. I did follow all the instructions leveling the controller making sure that it would just barely not lock up the wheels when I stopped, and it all stopped fine in that position when it was empty. But put a tractor on it with the same setting and it shutters unless you back off the power on the controller then it doesn't want to stop very well. Appreciate any ideas as to what might be the problem.

J.Wondergem · Sep 16, 2015

You need to adjust the controller each time your change the weight on the trailer.

jon f mn · Sep 16, 2015

Shuddering is usually worn out shoes. Pull a wheel and drum and check them out. I would pull the drivers side front since that one usually is most worn.

Ferd · Sep 16, 2015

It was adjusted just before loading. I've pulled trailers similar
to this lots of miles a few years ago but never had this
problem.

Ferd · Sep 16, 2015

The truck is a 1979 but it only has 20,000 miles on it. Bought it from the original owner - still smells new inside. Just replaced the original bias ply tires. If that's the problem, why wouldn't it happen when the power to the trailer brakes is reduced?

JD Seller · Sep 16, 2015

Your controller needs to be adjusted when your LOADED. With the load on the trailer the truck squats and that changes the level of the controller. What your doing empty has little bearing to the level you will have loaded. Then when you unload the trailer you will need to re-level the controller. This will help on when the brakes apply and release. You also could have an issue with the brakes or magnets on the trailer.

ed will · Sep 16, 2015

Hi, your drums may be out of round. You would notice it more with a load.

rhtx55 · Sep 16, 2015

Is your truck equipped with anti-lock brakes ?

jon f mn · Sep 16, 2015

Is the shuddering from the truck or trailer?

Ferd · Sep 16, 2015

It's pretty hard to tell really don't know.

jon f mn · Sep 17, 2015

I would start by checking the shoes on the trailer and the best place to start there is the left front. If you don't find anything there chevk yourbtruck rear brakes. Those older truck brakes didn't last that long and they are old so you could have a broken shoe pad on the truck.

VicS · Sep 17, 2015

We have a truck that does this. It will not shutter but gallop. Changed trucks. Both Fords f250 4x4. The truck with smoother tires doesn't do it. The other one has run ruh ruh ruh tires.

dhermesc · Sep 17, 2015

If all its done is pull loads it could easily have gone through a pair of brake shoes in 20K miles and 36 years.

olddog · Sep 17, 2015

FIRST.. reset the control with the weight on;
If that still doesn't get it, check your ground(s).
Controller ground to body
Truck body to trailer connector.
Trailer connector to trailer frame.
Trailer frame to ground line for brakes.
Also make sure your wires are heavy enough for tandem duals,
and your controller is sized for same. DO NOT rely on the ball hitch to make ground.

stonerock · Sep 17, 2015

change the location of the hitch move it forward or back 6'' to see if that helps also way to much weight on nose of trailer

Trailer brake problems

Ferd

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J.Wondergem

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jon f mn

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Ferd

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Ferd

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JD Seller

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ed will

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rhtx55

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jon f mn

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Ferd

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jon f mn

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VicS

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dhermesc

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olddog

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stonerock

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