Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes That Won't Lock Up with Override Lever of Controller Slid

Question

Question:

I can not get the brakes to lock up with the manual slide override. I max it out @ 12 volts but the trailer brakes barely have any stopping power. I tried setting them up just as the instructions said but they will not work.

asked by: George M

0

Expert Reply:

This could be a magnet wiring problem. It is unlikely that the magnets are bad on newer assemblies, but if the wiring is not properly connected, it could cause problems. Check to see that the magnets are properly grounded to a clean, bare metal surface free of corrosion. A bad ground would not allow the circuit to be complete and lead to the brakes not performing like they should.

I also recommend checking the trailer side connector ground and the vehicle side connector ground.

Another possibility is that the brakes are out of adjustment. You want to adjust the assemblies so that there is a light drag when the wheel is turned. To see how this is done check out the video I attached. Fast forward to the 4:30 mark.

I also attached an FAQ article on troubleshooting brake magnets.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Jason H.

4/27/2020

we just installed new brake assemblies on all four corners of a 20 flatbed trailer. All wiring and contacts are good. No grease. Nothing. When we run the trailer gain up to 10, the trailer BARELY holds the 5.7L gas pickup truck. We run across gravel and slam the controller on at 10 and the wheels refuse to lock. What could be wrong ?????

Reply

Chris R.

4/29/2020

Are the new brake assemblies self-adjusting units, by chance? If so - there is a period of "adjustment" that still needs to take place after they're installed. This really just consists of driving around an empty parking lot and braking at various speeds. Each braking episode will adjust them further towards ideal operation. If they're manual adjustment assemblies, make sure they're properly adjusted according to the video Jameson mentioned above. If this is all good then there could be an issue with the brake controller or wiring on the truck - let me know what you find and we can dive into that if needed.

Reply

Robby

6/6/2020

I been having problem with a brand new set of brakes . They are adjusted all the way up and will not stop trailer . I have battery voltage at the new magnet assembly . All wiring is new and extra good ground is has been added . The only thing that is not new is the drums . The drum were not scored and smooth . Could the new magnet brake assembles not expanding enough for the old drums ?

Reply

Flanagan

7/10/2020

I too have lost my trailer brakes I greased the ball hitch recently Could this be the problem ? Wiring all checks out

Reply

Chris R.

7/14/2020

I wouldn't think greasing the hitch ball would have any effect on the trailer brakes. I would start by testing the 7-Way connector on the tow vehicle to see if you get power at the brake output pin when pulling the manual override on your brake controller. We need to pin down which side the issue is actually on - the vehicle or the trailer. Let me know what you find and we'll go from there.

Reply

Harold

7/9/2024

I'm surprised no one said anything about the voltage. Many of these cheaper brake controllers won't even get up to 12 full volts therefore will never lock up the brakes. If you only have 9.5 volts the trailer brakes will shut a little bit but they're better going to close and lock up all the way unless you have a full 12 volts and most likely when people buy a brake controller they go cheap and they get cheap. They need to put out a full 12 volts before the brakes will ever Fully lock up. I just had this problem. It works only put out 9.56 volts on the top end and lowering it was a joke

Reply

Jameson C.

7/9/2024

@Harold Where were you measuring the voltage at? It's not uncommon if too light of gauge wire was ran back to the brake assemblies on the trailer wiring and there's a voltage drop. 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 is needed here.

Reply

Harold

8/7/2024

@JamesonC have the proper wire size run. I check it right at the controller itself. I spent a little bit more money and got one that works. I'm finding these days things you buy cheap you'll get cheap. Problem solved it just cost more that's all. I'm finding these days no since in buying cheap cause that's exactly what you're going to get cheap Junk

Reply

Jameson C.

8/7/2024

@Harold Makes sense! It sounds like the cheap controller just didn't have the amperage needed.

Reply

See All (5) Replies to Harold ∨

Harold

7/9/2024

Does this page even work

Reply

Jameson C.

7/9/2024

@Harold Yes it does?

Reply

Ray

8/7/2024

@Harold ever get an answer to this problem

Reply

Jameson C.

8/7/2024

@Ray I answered his question if you scroll down further?

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See All (5) Replies to Harold ∨

Answer 1

Since the trailer was off of the ground it would not take much voltage to stop the wheels from spinning so they may be getting power but they may not be getting enough power due to a short or wiring issue. But 9 times out of 10 weak trailer brakes…

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

There are a number of reasons why the brakes on your trailer may not be working. Lets start with the easiest things to check. First, check the vehicle and trailer connectors for corrosion. This can cause a short inside the connector and the brake…

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Answer 4

The High Pointe Standard RV Microwave #HP27ZR you found is going to be the closest we have to your Dometic CDMW12B. Your microwave is 20-1/8" wide by 12" tall and 15-5/16" deep. The High Pointe is 19-1/8" wide by 11-5/16"…

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Answer 5

The humming sound you hear from your trailer's electric drum brakes is a good sign. It means that the brakes' magnets are being energized by the output from the trailer brake controller in the vehicle. The issue with the brakes not applying…

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Answer 6

First, put the magnet ground wires nearby the magnets on the trailer frame. Running them far away makes it harder for the system to complete the circuit. You mentioned that power is getting to the magnets but how much power? TO determine that you can…

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Answer 7

For your application you need the Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles #AKHD-545-35-EZ-K to replace the Tru-Ryde RVD-H-545 trailer hub/drum assembly. This is designed for the industry standard #84 spindle so it uses inner bearing…

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Answer 8

The High Pointe microwave part #HP49ZR would work great as a replacement for what you have now as it's the correct dimensions and also works great. We also have it in black with the part #HP99ZR.

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Answer 9

I can help you with greasing up your EZ Lube Axle. First thing I would check would be that the grease is not coming out of the back of the axle through the seal. If this is the case you will need to replace the seal. Our tubes like #L11390 have 14…

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Answer 10

Yes, electric brake assemblies will work in reverse. The brake controller in your tow vehicle would still activate in reverse as long as the brakes are applied. The actuating arm of the Dexter assemblies part #23-27 will apply the brakes when pushed…

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Answer 11

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Answer 12

I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit #AKEBRK-7-D. The dacromet-coated backing plates are corrosion resistant which is ideal for a boat trailer. Both left and right hand sides are included with the kit. The Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly…

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Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes That Won't Lock Up with Override Lever of Controller Slid

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