Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes on One Side that Apply Harder than the Other

Updated 05/26/2020 | Published 05/22/2020

Question:

I just completed replacing the electric brakes and drums on my single axle 3500 lb travel trailer. I used the self adjusting electric brakes and adjusted each side while jacked up. I then tested each side by having my son turn the tire while I depressed the brake pedal of my truck. The main lead side has a two second delay from the time I hit the brakes until it stops dead. The other side, that is fed by the main side current, stops instantly when I hit the brakes. I then tried using the built-in brake controller in my truck on each tire individually. Each side stopped instantly when I comppressed the brake controller to a full stop. Please advise - Thanks

asked by: Steve G

Expert Reply:

The issue seems to be different adjustment than the other side. Most likely the time delayed onset of the braking pressure is locking up the one side of the trailer before the other due to it being a tighter adjustment. What you can do is tow the trailer around at a slower speed and apply the trailer brakes with your override lever several times and witch each application they will tighten by one click until they are equally tightened between both sides.

expert reply by: Jameson C