Why Would Brand New Trailer Brakes Feel Weak

Question

Question:

I have a goose neck trailer34foot and I cant get the brakes to work we put all new backers and the hole nine all new wireing and it still has very little brake even if I pull the break away what do u suggest Thanks

asked by: Todd

0

Expert Reply:

Most brakes also require a (break-in) period. Dexter says to get up to about 20-30 mph and use the manual override several times. They may also feel weak breaking because it is recommended to let the brakes (seat) into the hub for the first 200 miles and then readjust the brakes. It is likely you need to do both of these even if they properly adjusted the brakes.

Nearly every time we hear about someone with new brakes that are weak the issue is that they just aren't adjusted properly.

Check out the video I attached at the 4:25 mark for more info on adjusting the brakes.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

Since the trailer was off of the ground it would not take much voltage to stop the wheels from spinning so they may be getting power but they may not be getting enough power due to a short or wiring issue. But 9 times out of 10 weak trailer brakes…

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Answer 2

The etrailer.com Electric Trailer Brake Kit #AKEBRK-7-SA and the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Brake Kit # 23-464-465 referenced in your question are both self-adjusting assemblies that will work to replace the existing Dexter brakes on your 7,000…

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Answer 3

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 4

There are some common things you can check to determine what is causing the poor braking performance. First, you do not want the trailer brakes to lock up and skid. You want them to be at a point just under that. The resistance of 12-1/4 inch by…

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Answer 5

You are going to want either our Bearing Kit #BK2-100 or the Timken Kit #TMK52VR. Both of these kits will give you the inner/outer bearings and races along with a grease seal and cotter pin/D-washer for one hub. You always want to replace the race…

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Answer 6

The easiest way to determine what spindle your trailer has is to use a dial or digital caliper like the part #PTW80157 to measure it where the bearings and grease seal ride. I attached a picture that shows where these measurements are. If where the…

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Answer 7

It should be getting close to 12 volts if the power output is set to the maximum on the brake controller. Some brake controllers will not work properly if they are titled or turned to the side or if it has a leveler knob that is not level. Check…

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Answer 8

I believe you almost solved the problem when you swapped the wiring, but in reality you needed to use 10 gauge wire like part #10-1-1 (sold by the foot). You are experiencing a voltage drop due to the long distance of wire that's not thick…

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Answer 9

I would check the magnets for wear before going on to test them with a meter. If the magnets show abnormal wear or if you can see the windings beginning to show through the friction surface of the magnet then they will need to be replaced. To further…

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Answer 10

For the 2 wires coming off the brake magnet, either wire can be used for either ground or power. You will just want to make sure that the ground wire has a good connection to a clean, corrosion and paint-free location on the trailer frame. A bad…

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Answer 11

The magnets of a brake assembly do not actually give the brakes more or less power. You want to use the correct magnets for the assemblies you have on your trailer. Going with a magnet for a higher rated assembly will simply make the brake activation…

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Answer 12

Self adjusting brake assemblies like the etrailer assemblies part #AKEBRK-35-SA can sometimes take several applications before they really start to grab the trailer brakes. So what I would do is find a parking lot or somewhere secluded you can drive…

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Why Would Brand New Trailer Brakes Feel Weak

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