Electric brakes issues Info need

oliver1555 · Mar 15, 2015

Diamondpilot said:
12x2 are standard size on 5.2K, 6K, and 7K axles. You have the right sized brakes.

I'm wondering if the axles are not installed backwards having the right brake on the left and vise versa.

Chris

Definitely something that could cause the problem. I looked at CornPro's website and they list Dexter axles as standard. Dexter has a great resource for anything concerning axles and brakes. If you go to this page and look at the pull down menu, you can find a troubleshooting chart listed under trailer brake resources. It may help you.

Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - Resource Library

I would also call Dexter and talk to someone directly. There are lots of parts changers out there who just guess and hope they have found the right problem. I'm not saying that's what your RV guys were, but I'd take the problem to Dexter. They are considered the best product for a reason.

Something else I'd do is check the amperage draw at each magnet to eliminate a wiring problem. Just because the voltage is there does not mean the proper amperage is getting to the magnets. Where do the grounds from the brakes go? If they are just grounded to the frame, that can be a problem - lots of shortcuts are done on wiring. The grounds should go to a common ground wire that passes all the way through the plug and directly to the tow vehicle negative side of the battery.

crazyal · Mar 15, 2015

Did you pull the brake drums to see if grease is still leaking out onto the shoes and drums? Maybe it's a problem with the axle shafts not being machined properly allowing grease to leak out. If the grease is still leaking out maybe you could tray putting bearing buddies on the axles. They are designed to prevent pressure from building up and forcing grease past the seals. If it's not grease then it could be the wiring. Make sure the ground wires are making good contact with the frame and check to make sure the wire they used going to the brakes is large enough gauge or isn't damaged.

I would suggest checking with Dexter (think I read that they made the axles) and find out how much current should flow through each coil. You would need to put an amp meter in-line with each brake and you should be able to tell how much current they are drawing. It would be easy to do. Just make up a short cable that has both the male and female ends on it, an extension and put it between the trailer and truck. Cut the brake wire and connect an amp meter between the two wires. I think I remember something like each brake should draw about 3 amps. So that would be 12 amps for a 2 axle trailer.

I'm not sure if having the dealer sell the trailer to someone else is a wise idea. If that person gets into an accident and they find out that the brakes weren't working correctly they will most likely look for someone to sue. The dealer would be an easy target but since you owned the trailer and you know about the problem they could try to sue you. Even if they fail it's still an issue you don't need to deal with.

HK45 · Mar 15, 2015

Dealer has trailer he is going to sell it and get my money back at this point. They replaced everything accept the complete axle and they still don't work well. They have no clue why. The shop that worked on it said the break are to small for my load and the trailer size and believes thats why they don't work well. When I first took it to them, He crawled under and got back up and said brakes are to small for the trailer size and you will never be happy with them. He said they should be at least a 12x3. I also talked to a local PJ dealer and he said the same thing 7k axle brakes just don't work well. If your going with 7k and told me to go with electric/hydro disc brakes. At this point Im going to order A new trailer with the 8k axle so i have bigger brakes and get the disc. Hopefully they will stop the load.

tcartwri · Mar 15, 2015

I know you're tired of hearing this, but it still does not make sense. With the gain on 10 you should be able to drag those tires across dry pavement with no load on the trailer.

Diamondpilot · Mar 15, 2015

Once you have disc brakes you will kick yourself for ever fooling with drums.

Chris

JimRB · Mar 15, 2015

I would trust no dealer who is willing to sell a trailer with no working brakes.

Soundguy · Mar 16, 2015

Diamondpilot said:
12x2 are standard size on 5.2K, 6K, and 7K axles. You have the right sized brakes.

I'm wondering if the axles are not installed backwards having the right brake on the left and vise versa.

Chris

agreed. and a no load trailer should be easy to lock the brakes on as a test.

soemthing is not correct here.

I have dexter axles on some trailers and have no problem, as others said. making them skid unloaded.

good grounds are needed.

oliver1555 · Mar 16, 2015

Grounds are often overlooked as the cause of a problem. Dexter recommends grounding through a wire all the way to the tow vehicle battery. I have all grounds on my trailers tied to a common ground wire in this manner. The ground from the plug on my pickup goes all the way to the battery. All connections are soldered with adhesive shrink tube. I have hauled 5 tons of hay on my tandem trailer with 7K axles. Total weight (pickup and trailer with hay) is a little over 22,000# and the brakes work great. I have used the same pickup/trailer combo for 11 years with no problem. Grounding to the frame just gives a place for corrosion to cause a bad connection. Good luck with your new trailer when it arrives. Hopefully, it will serve your needs.

Soundguy · Mar 16, 2015

I agree. I've had a 14k trailer loaded to the hilt using plenty of pin weight on the truck to make it legal. My prodigy controll provides plenty of braking.