Troubleshooting and How To Set Initial Adjustment of the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes

Updated 12/31/2021 | Published 12/30/2021

Question:

Single axle cargo trailer brakes don’t lock up anymore I noticed after I put on new 7plug tow wire to trailer into junction box on trailer tongue. I Think I did it right? Also dont use trailer much it’s always parked in dry cement floor area. So I’m not totally positive when brakes stopped locking up when apply slide bar on brake controller. Well I Installed New brake set with drums , new wire across axle to brakes soldered all wire connections under trailer ,adjusted brakes on both sides manually. I have two different tow vehicles, I hear magnets working when I use slide bar on brake controller. I feel a slight drag from trailer brakes but wont stop car at 5 miles an hour. I jack up trailer and brakes are adjusted nicely. The only thing I can think of is my wiring in triangle box on tongue of trailer is wrong. But then how is brakes working? All lights, directionals and brake lights work. There are no backup lights on trailer. Also blue wire from brakes to tongue junction box new.

asked by: Robert S

Expert Reply:

After installing replacement brakes such as the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit, # 23-468-469, proper adjustment is needed for that initial setting. If your brakes are engaging but not enough to apply ample friction for stopping then you have either not adjusted/installed the brakes correctly or there is an issue with brake controller side of the system. You will need to ensure there is enough voltage going to the brakes for proper engagement, check your wiring.

To adjust the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes manually, there are a couple teeth on the adjustment wheel that are exposed just under the lever. See the attached image. You will need a brake adjustment tool or a flat head screw driver to make the adjustments. First pull the tab away from the wheel and this will allow you take a second screw driver or brake adjustment spoon and be able to rotate the adjustment wheel.

The second way to adjust is by making multiple hard braking runs. Attach to your tow vehicle and go to a fairly smooth and level surface where you can safely increase your speed to about 20 mph, then step on the brakes. Repeating this process until the adjustment wheels on the brake assemblies have been properly seated.

If the brakes seem like they need to be adjusted quite a bit, then manually adjusting them first would be best. This would get them closer to the correct adjustment and then a few braking attempts should finish the job.

Please note the linked help article below on brake adjustments and for testing trailer brake magnets.

expert reply by: Michael R