Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes Locking Up When Trailer Is Empty

Updated 08/10/2017 | Published 08/09/2017

Question:

Since owning my trailer brand new the brakes work differently when towing the trailer empty and turning on the brakes to full power moving forward the front axle locks up but the back doesnt then if I stop and back up and do the same thing the back axle locks up and the front doesnt. I have checked and the axles are both installed correctly any suggestions would help thank you

asked by: Stephen B

Helpful Expert Reply:

When you are towing an empty trailer, your brake controller should never need to be at full power. The power boost is telling your axles to give maximum power and under your maximum power it sounds like one axle will lock up entirely. It is clear that the power of your brake magnets is strong and they are functioning correctly and it is rare that both axles on any trailer would lock entirely under these circumstances. If this issue doesn't cause issue when loaded, then simply turn down your controller when you have an empty trailer so you can have proper braking function without locking either axle.

Let me know if you have further questions and we can keep troubleshooting.

expert reply by: Jason S