Weak Braking Power On Midsota 26' TBWB Series Trailer - What Should I Check?
Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/23/2024
Question:
Hello, I have a midsota 26ft TBWB series trailer. The problem I am having is the brakes. We have this trailer hooked up to all 4 trucks and we have to have our brake controllers all the way up to 10 and you feel a slight hit loaded or unloaded. Is there a heavier magnet or am I missing something.
asked by: Eric M
Expert Reply:
Hello Eric, thanks for reaching out. Are the brakes on your trailer new by chance? New brakes need to be properly bedded, and if the bedding process is not done you will get weak braking pressure like you are describing. Also if the brakes are very old and worn, the same thing could happen.
To bed your brakes what you do is drive the trailer out into an open area, like an empty parking lot. Get up to around 40 MPH and apply the manual override on your brake controller. Make sure the brake controller is set high enough where it will fully engage the trailer brakes (usually the middle setting will be just fine). Do not hit the brake pedal during this time, as you want to slow down your vehicle and trailer with only the trailer brakes. You’ll most likely have to do this about 20 to 40 times to properly seat the brakes. Doing this will allow the brake shoes to properly seat into the drum and you will see increased stopping power.
It could also be that your brakes are under tight and the adjustment screw on the backing plate needs to be adjusted. The ideal adjustment is where the wheel can be turned by hand, but does not spin freely. Check each of your hubs and make sure the brake shoes are properly adjusted.
If all of this checks out we could be dealing with an electrical issue on the trailer. Try taking a circuit tester and verify you are getting 12v to each brake assembly when the manual override on your brake controller is pressed. If you are not getting 12v check the trailer wiring for any damage or shorts or corrosion or anything like that.
If you try all these steps and are still having issues, feel free to reach out to me and I am happy to help you troubleshoot further.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
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Jesse M.
12/22/2025
Hey Eric, how did things go after you bedded and adjusted the brakes on your Midsota trailer? Did you notice stronger braking once everything was seated and tested? Your update could make it easier for others dealing with weak trailer brakes.