Trailer brakes won't lock-up?

[John]

John,

if I wear disposable clothes, wearing a partial mask and sitting away from the trailer, would I be able to set the drum on my lap and turn the linings?

John

[Chuck]

Interesting thread, guys. I seem to have the opposite problem...which I guess from what you're saying, isn't a problem. My brakes seem to lock up easily on any gravel surface, but not on pavement. (of course, If I crank up the sensitivity on the controller, they'll lock on pavement, too...). anyway, what "feels" correct on hard pavement is very grabby on gravel, but I think I'm hearing that this is correct (?)

after noticing this effect on my first experience towing, I looked things over. I needed to re-pack the bearings for good measure, anyway, so while I had everything apart, I adjusted the brakes. everything looked ok...but I'm not an expert.

[John]

I emailed Airstream to see what the rating of my axles are and I found out that their 4000#'s each.

I've read other threads on axles and axle replacement and it seems like the were about 6000#'ders.

Does this seem a little lite for a trailer with a GVW of 8400#'s?

John


Also here's a good link on trailer brakes.

[Pahaska]

The axle ratings are in addition to the weight of wheels and tires. That gives some padding. Also, there is the hitch weight, a a large part of which is not on the axles, even with an equalizer hitch.

My trailer has 2 2500# axles. The original Airstream GVW was 5300# which fits very well once you subtract wheel, tire, and hitch weight. They apparently reduced the GVW to 5000# to be able to say that a large number of SUVs could tow it. I still consider it a 5300# GVW trailer, even though it may not be entirely legal.

Axles that are not rated overly high will provide a better ride for the trailer. The stiffer the axle is, the more impact that will be transmitted to the trailer.

[RoadKingMoe]

If a standalone axle rating includes the words, "to ground" it is the maximum weight you should see with that axle's tires on the scales. It includes an estimate of the weight of wheels and tires.

Vehicle GAWRs are provided for use with scales and are "to ground." That doesn't mean you can exceed them by the weight of the wheels and tires and still be within the rating.

From what I've seen, Airstream uses GAWR that don't add up to GVWR, but do add up to or exceed GVWR minus 10% tongue weight. As John said, for a softer ride.

[John]

Jordan called me and the controller works great on his bench test.

This leads me to believe that it's within my brakes. My trailer did sit for 1 1/2 yrs prior to myself buying it. So I'm sure the springs and such have been effected by our nice humid air down here.

I'm ordering the brake assemblies once I hear back from Dexter.

Thanks for all of your input and I'll let you know how everything works after the brakes are switched out.

John

[Pahaska]

If a standalone axle rating includes the words, "to ground" it is the maximum weight you should see with that axle's tires on the scales. It includes an estimate of the weight of wheels and tires.

I was basing my comment on Dexter who ordinarily rates axles as to carrying capacity and doesn't include wheel and tire weight (ref. my Dexter manual). I don't know how Henschen rates their axles.

[John]

My buddy installed the new brake assemblies, solder the wires together & then put heat shink over it.

Turned the drums, greased the bearings & adjusted the brakes.

Tomorrow we'll hook her up & see how it all works.

John

[John]

A few days ago I went out and seated the new brakes and came back to let them cool down, but got side track on another job and finally got back out today.

1st: The new brakes are very aggressive(much more than the old ones were), but still don't lock-up on pavement. I've heard from a couple of sources that some axle/brake designs will not lock-up, but will stop aggressively. I'm going to email A/S Tech to confirm this.

But they are SAFE and I feel comfortable towing with them.

Note: The brakes do(all 4) now lock-up on dirt roads, which they didn't before.

2nd: The Jordan Ultima 2020 performed awesome! You don't even know that the trailer is behind you. With the Reese Brakeman I had the jerky feeling everytime I stopped. But the Jordan is truly amazing how there is zero lag time and the braking is so smooth.(I'm not comparing this to other controls, as I'm only familiar with these two)

So again, thanks to all for your input and it's great to finally know what it feels like to have trailer brakes !!

John

[John]

I received the following response from A/S. Now I truly have peace of mind!!


Dear sir, The Dexter Brakes we use will not lock up except maybe on gravel. This is done as a safety issue Have a good day


John

[RoadKingMoe]

Good deal, John. Thanks for keeping us posted on it!