trailer brakes not working well

deene · Jul 9, 2020

I have a gooseneck 20 ft trailer bought brand new years ago. it doesn't get used all that much but I have noticed over the years the brakes require a higher setting to stop. I have a different truck than when I first bought the trailer so I attributed some of this to perhaps a different controller. I borrowed a trailer tonight and when I tested the brakes set for my trailer it locked the tires up on the borrowed trailer. where do I start looking for problems on mine? thanks for any help and have a great evening.

Tony in SD · Jul 9, 2020

First Verify you have near 12 VDC at the brake magnets. If you don’t have 12 VDC trouble shoot the wiring. If you do have 12 VDC at the magnets and the magnets are working properly, then the brakes may need adjusting. Adjust the brakes just as you would any other drum brakes. The magnets could also be bad.

da.bees · Jul 9, 2020

I recommend a routine service before replacing anything. Raise wheels off ground and adjust shoes until they contact drums. If star wheel is froze,remove drum to clean and lub it along with other parts. If you remove hobs,pack bearings while you are in there. If that doesn't fix them,go over grounds to be sure they are making good contact/connection. That usually solve's weak breaks but if not,post results and we can dig deeper.

Steve@Advance · Jul 10, 2020

I would start with pulling the drums, take a look at the brakes, clean everything up, adjust the shoes.

Take a close look at the wiring. Trailer mfgs are notorious for taking wiring short cuts. Using too small wire, not securing the wire up out of harms way, and the worst thing, the useless "fold over" wire connectors! Those things are awful, trouble going to happen!

Trailer brakes are fairly simple. The problems will be obvious once you get in there looking around.

jon f mn · Jul 10, 2020

They most likely just need to be adjusted up. This is common because the adjusters rarely work right.

miangus · Jul 10, 2020

Years ago May be the key information. Electric brakes require maintenance like any brake system. Maybe time for new shoes and pucks. Also carefully inspect the wiring the ground is as important as the hot.

jacksun65 · Jul 10, 2020

I had the same problem on my trailer. Ended up being the magnets were not gripping like they used to new magnets and the world is all better.

Hobo,NC · Jul 10, 2020

3M Scotchlok Tap Connector GRRRRR !!!

JMOR · Jul 10, 2020

Look at rubbing side of magnet puck....probably worn thru insulation.

DoubleO7 · Jul 10, 2020

With drum off, shine up the circular surface where the magnet rubs. That surface is naked iron, rusting away the longer it sets un used. Might take several miles to get shined up again so that the magnets work as good as the can.
All that rust also causes premature magnet wear as it grinds away.

Lynerd · Jul 10, 2020

deene Check the magnet surface on the drums and see if are grooved. If so new brake assemblies will not work right. Helps to have a brother with a machine shop and chuck them up to get them flat again. Then to brake shop to turn brake drums. Lynn

trailer brakes not working well

deene

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Tony in SD

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da.bees

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Steve@Advance

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jon f mn

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miangus

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jacksun65

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Hobo,NC

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JMOR

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DoubleO7

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Lynerd

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