Troubleshooting Brand New Tow Dolly with Weak Brakes

Updated 09/21/2015 | Published 09/20/2015

Question:

Just got back from trying to adjust my controller mounted on my E350 based motor home towing a new dolly with car on it. I was unable to get the dolly brakes to lockup though I could feel them applying even at the maximum setting. Reading the instructions said to add no boost setting if tow vehicle was heavier than towed unit. Would increasing the boost allow the dolly to lockup and adjust from there or is it possible the dolly brakes may be out of adjust even though its brand new? Just some random thoughts before trying again. Thanks

asked by: Patrick L

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like your brand new tow dolly has electric drum brakes that are in need of adjusting. Most likely they are self-adjusting assemblies that after several applications will adjust to the proper setting. This is a common occurrence on new trailers/dollies.

But in the event they are manual adjust assemblies you would want to adjust them to where there is just a slight drag on the drum when they are turned by hand.

Check out the video (see link). Beginning at the 4:23 mark, our installer shows how to adjust your trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Jameson C