Brakes Will Not Stop Trailer After New Backing Plates and Adjusting

Updated 07/22/2019 | Published 07/18/2019

Question:

I have a new used travel trailer that tries to stop but can’t. The trailer weighs 6700lbs dry and has 10x 2 1/4” green wire magnets 3500 lbs magnets? All voltages checkout good and everything is engaging , but will not stop the trailer at an idle pull even with emergency brake pin pulled. Out of desperation, all new hardware was installed, new backers that matched old ones, new drums, wiring front to back and jumpers from side to side, including 7 pin cord and all grounds were redone. Solid connections, no quick connects. Brakes adjusted tight and did not change the issue. Two trucks that pull regularly hooked up with same result, trailer will not stop. Is it possible that the brakes are too small for the weight of the trailer if the emergency brake won’t stop it.

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

Yes, it is possible that the brakes are not powerful enough to stop the trailer. However, if you have the correct braking assemblies that match the axle capacity then this should not be a problem so long as the trailer is not overloaded. That said, the 3,500 lb braking assemblies and some 4,400 lb braking assemblies have the same 4 bolt pattern and 10" x 2-1/4" dimensions so you could try these higher rated assemblies out to see if they can help stop the trailer, the Dexter Electric Brake Kit part # 23-454-455.

If there is a serial number on your axle tag then I can use this to determine what your axle capacity is but I don't really have any other options if the trailer is not overloaded, the brakes have been adjusted correctly, and you have 12 volts going into the new magnets.

expert reply by: Conner L