Trailer Brakes Weak After Replacing Magnets

Updated 11/09/2020 | Published 11/04/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(304)

$83.92

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(108)

$1.61

Question:

I have a 16ft trailer with brakes on the back axel. It is a 10x 2 brake setup on a 3.5k axel. I have 12 gauge wiring running to the brakes and my ground comes from the junction box on the front of the trailer. I have a pair of wires going to each brake they are not tied together, they both run all the way to the j box. The wiring on the plug is a 12 gauge as well. When connected to other trailers their brakes work GREAT so I know the issue is not my truck. I just replaced my magnets on my brakes due to wear but this problem exist long before this. My brakes are extremely weak. I can have my controller all the way up and use the manual slide and I get absolutely nothing out of them. I have confirmed that I’m getting full 12v to the magnets and I have also adjusted the brakes so that they barely turn when off the ground. What could my issue be. Drums don’t have much wear on them neither do the shoes.

asked by: Jared M

Expert Reply:

One thing you can try to improve the performance of your brakes is to relocate the ground wires from each magnet to the frame near the brake assembly instead of running them all the way up to your junction box. Shortening that length could minimize power loss.

Another thing you might try is using a heavier gauge wire like a 10 gauge, part # 10-1-1 (sold by the foot).

If neither of these work, let me know and I will help you further.

expert reply by: Kef G