How to Adjust Trailer Brakes

Updated 08/25/2014 | Published 08/24/2014

Question:

I need a booklet on how to adjust the trailor brakes

asked by: Dan G

Expert Reply:

To see how to manually adjust trailer brake assemblies check out the video I attached, fast-forward to the 4:35 mark of the video.

You might also be referring to setting up a brake controller. Without knowing what controller you have it's hard to say for certain what the recommended procedure would be.

Generally speaking, the first thing to do is slide the manual brake switch on the controller fully to the left and set the power adjustment wheel so that the voltage reads 6.0 or whatever half of full power is. Then, drive tow vehicle and trailer around on a dry and level paved surface at around 25 mph and fully apply the manual brake switch on controller. If the trailer brakes lock up, gradually reduce the power level. If braking is not strong enough, increase the power. Ideally, you will want the power set so that the brakes have maximum braking power without locking the wheels up.

expert reply by: Jameson C