Trailer Brakes Lock Up With No Power to Trailer

Updated 01/04/2016 | Published 01/01/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs

(196)

$82.09

Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes

(222)

$8.08

Question:

Trailer breaks are locking up on the right side of my horse trailer. Even when disconnected from the truck, and trailer battery taken out. Trailer is a 2006 model. Brakes replaces last year... What could be going on?

asked by: Cheryl

Expert Reply:

If there's no power being delivered to the trailer's brakes, with the trailer unplugged from the tow vehicle and the breakaway system battery removed, you're looking at a mechanical problem, not an electrical problem.

Give the brake assemblies on the right side a visual inspection, look for debris, corrosion and broken springs, anything that would cause the brake pads to expand and contact the inside of the brake drums. If everything appears correct and undamaged, make sure the brake assemblies are properly adjusted. If you click on the provided video link, and fast forward to the 4:35 mark, you can see how to adjust the trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Mike L