Will Going with a Higher Rated Brake Magnet Give More Braking Power

Published 09/22/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Trailer Brake Magnet Kit for Dexter and Hayes / AL-KO 10" Trailer Brakes

(101)

$44.24

Replacement Trailer Brake Magnet for 12" Brake Assemblies

(40)

$29.03

Question:

I want more brake power to lock my roll-back trailer for loading. Can I use the 12 inch magnets BP01-180 in place of the BP01-110/115 on my 10inch brakes for more strength to lock the axles while pulling the trailer with 5500lb 4x4 up on the axles? W/O locking the axles I just drag the loaded tilted trailer and axle together. Thanks in advance,

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

Going to a "more powerful" magnet will not give you additional stopping power. All it will do is make your trailer brakes harder to fine tune as they will want to lock up easier. Your best option would be to stick with the proper rated magnets for your setup.

If your brakes are weak and won't lock up that could mean that your magnets are worn and need replaced or your assemblies are out of adjustment. The easiest possibility is that your brake controller just needs to be adjusted for more brake output.

I attached a video on diagnosing weak brake magnets as well as a video that details how to properly adjust brake assemblies. Fast forward to the 4:30 mark to see how to adjust the assemblies.

expert reply by: Jameson C