Trailer Brakes

[hickmand]

I noticed the brakes on the trailer were not effective; I could barely feel any braking when manually engaging the trailer brakes. I took it to the dealer who examined the brakes, reported they were dirty, cleaned them and also repaired a broken wire. On the way home I again tried the brakes manually and they were stronger than before but still minimal. The manual for my brake controller says I should be able to lock the wheels on the trailer but that is not even close. I have an appointment to go back to the dealer but they don't really seem to have a plan in mind. Thoughts?

[n2916s]

Mine will not lock up the brakes on a solid surface with the manual lever. The one time I really stood on the brakes while towing, it did lock up — I believe it is simply the nature of a proportional controller.

My controller manual calls for a test a 20 mph with a brisk (not instantaneous) application of the manual lever. You should feel significant deceleration.

[GCinSC2]

Hickmand,

Do you have manual adj or self adj brakes?

Gary

[richard5933]

Doesn't the manual brake lever override the proportional braking feature?

If you have manually adjusted brakes, learn how to check the adjustment yourself and then use a ramp to check them one at a time.