Troubleshooting RV Fifth Wheel Brake Assemblies that Engage with Different Sensitivities

Updated 05/20/2019 | Published 05/18/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(304)

$83.92

Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes

(223)

$10.03

Question:

2 of the brakes seem to work fine on the right side. both drums were warm after a long downhill trip. but on the left side the front wheel drum was cool to the touch and the back brake drum was hot not just warm. the electric brake controller was hard to adjust, too light or too tight with small adjustment changes. at slow speed when applying the brakes the rear brake drum on the left side locked up. this was the first trip in 4 months . I did move the trailer without hooking up the 7 spade electrical connector. I have not pulled the brake drums yet, thought Id aske you first. please advise. thank you,

asked by: Chuck J

Helpful Expert Reply:

Sounds like you have some adjustment issues with your brake assemblies on the left side of the trailer. Sounds like the front assembly isn't adjusted tight enough and the rear one is adjusted too tightly. This would be what I first check.

You will adjust the brakes using that wheel until there is a slight but constant drag of the shoe pads on the drum. I have included a link to a video and at about the 4:39 mark our installer begins adjusting the brakes. For a brake adjustment tool you'd want the part # W80630 to make this easier.

expert reply by: Jameson C