Tandem Axle Trailer Brakes Won't Lock Up with Full Power

Updated 02/20/2023 | Published 02/18/2023

Question:

2022 landscaping trailer rear axle head brakes front axle do not have brakes can’t get to go through inspection without putting brakes on the front axle I put extra brakes all the way around because I was having problems with the rear axles not locking up for inspection checked all my grounds replace the trailer connector have a good battery voltage to the rear positive wire to rear axle but will not lock up either way Breakaway battery new switch still will not lock the rear axle brake for jack it up I can’t turn the wheel until I release the power but it will not hold are you just brakes tight still have the same problem

asked by: Ron P

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you're having issues with the brakes not locking up on the trailer during full power. If that's the case and you have verified full power (11.5-12 volts) going to each of the magnets, the only thing left to check would be the brake adjustment. If the brakes are self-adjusting you only need to do this once for the initial setup whereas if they are manual adjusting you need to do this every few months as you use the trailer. If the brakes have been adjusted properly, there's really not much else that you can do. It's not entirely out of the ordinary for a trailer's brakes to not be able to lockup while loaded either. It could just be that the brakes are undersized for the trailer. If you can let me know your axle size, I can make sure you get the correct set to match this or possibly one with a bit more power.

The Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # 23-180-181 for example will fit anything from a 5,200 - 7,000 lb axle but the magnets are designed for the larger 7,000 lb axles.

expert reply by: Conner L