Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes on a Toy Hauler Even After New Axles

Updated 03/10/2015 | Published 03/09/2015

Question:

I have a 44foot triple axel TH I bought new, the brakes never grabbed like my previous Toy Hauler did. My friend has the same unit and his brakes grab much harder, actually lock up at low speeds. I recently had it in the shop they told me the 7ooo# Lippert axels were too small, so we installed three 8000# Dexters / Same result. I hooked up to my friends toy hauler, he still has the Lippert axels I was able to lock up the brakes on 5 Gain his trailer stops way better. When I set my gain to 10 my trailer still rolls for awhile, I do have brakes but they are weak, all test show IBC in the truck working well 20 Amps out / 14.6 V when set on 10 gain. Any Ideas maybe a ground issue.. I do not get any codes on the trucks display. Thank You

asked by: Doug E

Helpful Expert Reply:

This could be a magnet wiring problem. It is unlikely that the magnets are bad on new assemblies, but if the wiring is not properly connected, it could cause problems. Check to see that the magnets are properly grounded to a clean, bare metal surface free of corrosion. A bad ground would not allow the circuit to be complete and lead to the brakes not performing like they should. You can also try running all of the brake grounds back to the main ground of the trailer.

The new brake assemblies may also not be adjusted properly. You will want to have the adjustment screw tightened to the point where the wheel locks up and then back it off 10 clicks. Check out the video I attached at the 4:25 mark.

expert reply by: Jameson C