Troubleshooting Poor Brakes on a Triple Axle Trailer with One Wheel Locking Up

Updated 05/06/2010 | Published 05/05/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

(357)

$103.31

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

(323)

$3.91

Question:

I have a tri axel trailer and all the breaks work but seems that the front wheels will lock up, right front more so and the last two axels wont lick up. Jacked the trailer up and and with the drawtight 5504 at max [ 10 ] i can still move the left front wheel and the rear two axel wheels, but there is breaks on, just not enough.

asked by: Dave M

Expert Reply:

Wire size, brake shoes, hubs or magnets could be the problem here. You will need to inspect the trailer brakes to see what is causing your situation. We have a video (see link) that will help you to determine the problem and I will outline how to check things for you.

If the brakes on one or more axles are worn significantly more than on other axles you may need to replace the brakes. In this situation I would replace all of the brake shoes at the same time to ensure even braking (see link).

The brake magnets could be worn on one or more axles causing the uneven braking and these would need to be replaced. You can check the magnets with a multi-meter to see if they are still good. You should get 3.2 to 3.5 ohms between the two wires on the magnet. You will need to disconnect the magnets for this test. If you see the windings in any of the magnets they will need to be replaced.

The magnets may have worn the mating surface on the hubs to a point that a new magnet will not provide sufficient braking force, so the hubs need to be inspected also. If the hubs are worn as seen in the above video they will need to be replaced.

Finally if all of the above suggestions seem to be in order, check the wiring to the trailer brakes. If the wiring is smaller than 10 gauge I would recommend replacing it with 10 gauge wire. We have double bonded 10 gauge wire, item # 10-2-1 for this purpose.

expert reply by: Robert G