Rear Brakes On Trailer Grab More Than Front Brakes

Updated 06/11/2020 | Published 07/14/2019

Question:

I am having a problem with my rear breaks engaging a lot harder then the front 2, how can I get all four to engage the same without a load? The trailer is sitting flat on my truck, did I hook up the electric breaks to the wrong wire? I had build this trailer from the ground up so for the most part everything is new on it

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

If the trailer is wired correctly then the front two and rear two breaks should receive about the same amount of voltage. If you test the brake output wires just before the magnets that will allow you to confirm this. If they have different voltage then you have any issue with your wiring.

If the front and rear braking assemblies are both receiving the same amount of voltage then most likely the braking assemblies are not adjusted properly. If you have manual adjust assemblies then there is a star wheel on the back that you can move up or down to increase/decrease tension. The drums will need to have a slight drag while spun with the trailer in the air.

expert reply by: Conner L

Chris B.

6/8/2020

good day.... my Jayco toyhauler is on tandem axles, the brake shoes are 12" x 2". I am noticing more wear on the front axle brake shoes linings than the rear axle brake shoe linings. I know the voltage is the same going to the front and rear axles. the trailer is sitting level with about 2300 lbs hitch weight. The manual brake adjusters are the same on all four brake assemblies. Is this uneven brake wear normal, or a symptom of another problem?

Chris R.

6/11/2020

If you're getting the same voltage at both axles and all 4 brake assemblies are equally adjusted then there's not an obvious cause for the uneven wear you're seeing, and thus likely not a major concern. Are the shoes on the front axle just a bit more worn or is the difference pretty significant? Are you sure all 4 brake assemblies are the same age (all installed at the same time)?