Electric trailer brakes and adjusting

[Treemonkey1000]

I just bought an 19' homebuilt trailer to haul my Kubota L3750. I tried to push on the electric brake activator in the cab. I couldn't really feel it slowing me down any as I pulled it across the lawn. I thought maybe they need adjusting. After getting out and looking at the lawn I see they may have slid the tires a little on the grass. This has probably been discussed before on here. Is there a rule of thumb for adjusting the brakes? Or just verify the shoes all activate and have about the same amount of wear on them? It has been too nasty out to take the wheels off to see what the brakes look like right now. This is a dual axle trailer by the way in case that changes things at all. It would not be pleasant to be going down one of the many steep hills around here and find that the trailer isn't braking with the truck.
Jim

 

[kevinj]

I just bought an 19' homebuilt trailer to haul my Kubota L3750. I tried to push on the electric brake activator in the cab. I couldn't really feel it slowing me down any as I pulled it across the lawn. I thought maybe they need adjusting. After getting out and looking at the lawn I see they may have slid the tires a little on the grass. This has probably been discussed before on here. Is there a rule of thumb for adjusting the brakes? Or just verify the shoes all activate and have about the same amount of wear on them? It has been too nasty out to take the wheels off to see what the brakes look like right now. This is a dual axle trailer by the way in case that changes things at all. It would not be pleasant to be going down one of the many steep hills around here and find that the trailer isn't braking with the truck.
Jim

Does it have brakes on both axles??? I think you can downlaod a manual from Dexter.
http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/1080235/f/6_8k_service_manual_4_06/Electric_Brakes_2-07_72_res.pdf

 

[drtydeed]

Is your actuator adjustable? If so, crank it up a bit. I keep mine adjusted so that I can stop the rig (truck and trailer) with the "panic button" on the actuator. You can check this while driving at low speed and apply the actuator only, you should feel the trailer brakes being applied.

When the weather is cooperative, jack up the trailer axles and spin wheel by hand, there should be a slight drag on the wheels (same applies to your towing rig). Too many folks riding around with improperly adjusted rear (drum) brakes on towing vehicle and trailers.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I am not sure if there are brakes on both axles. I didn't look when I bought it. For the money I paid I was happy with the deal and the condition of the trailer. I figured hey it has brakes that is all I need. But I do want them in top condition no matter. I will try to crawl under and take a look when I get the chance.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

The actuator in the cab is adjustable. I did hit the panic lever on it when I was pulling it and like I had said really didn't feel it slowing the truck down. Then when I went back and looked at the lawn (wet from all of the rain) I could see where it looked like the wheels had dragged a bit. Still I expected more slowing down with the trailer doing the braking. I agree that towing vehicle needs to be adjusted properly as well. The truck I know needs adjusting. I don't plan on towing the tractor soon so will get the truck brakes set up proper before any trips. As far as adjusting my thought was that the wheels should free spin a little while they were lifted.

 

[Builder]

The actuator in the cab is adjustable. I did hit the panic lever on it when I was pulling it and like I had said really didn't feel it slowing the truck down. Then when I went back and looked at the lawn (wet from all of the rain) I could see where it looked like the wheels had dragged a bit. Still I expected more slowing down with the trailer doing the braking. I agree that towing vehicle needs to be adjusted properly as well. The truck I know needs adjusting. I don't plan on towing the tractor soon so will get the truck brakes set up proper before any trips. As far as adjusting my thought was that the wheels should free spin a little while they were lifted.

You can't measure the effectiveness of your trailer brakes on a surface like grass, snow, wet pavement. You must measure it on dry level pavement. The reason your brakes felt ineffective is because they locked up on the grass and slid. Once tires start sliding, they won't help stop you or feel effective.

Pull the trailer on a flat road drive about 10-15 MPH. Apply the trailer brakes. There should be no lock-up, but the brakes should slow the trailer & truck to a stop.

 

[Egon]

If they are Dexter brakes they adjust like any other drum brake. And yes they can need adjustment at times.

Jack up the trailer and have someone apply the brakes. Then try turning the wheels. That will tell the tale.

 

[davkir]

I have purchased several used trailers and all of them needed some work on the brakes or wiring.
The owner of the last horse trailer I bought assured me the brakes were fine. When I pulled the drums off, the shoes were bare metal against the drums and the linings were in pieces.
If you are going to trailer anything of value, I would recommend inspecting everything. Bearings, grease seals, wiring, loose bolts, then adjust the shoes.
I like to run the controller so none of the wheels will skid at max. voltage, which depends on the weight and road conditions and set it so the trailer brakes don't grab before the truck. Of course every controller has it's own setup procedure.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

After reading that link to Dexter brakes I have a good idea of how they work now and what to look for. It did mention that as you step on the peddle the brake voltage should ramp up from 2 volts to 12 volts. So with that in mind I can check the system out. I do want to pull off the drums and have a look at what is really there. As mentioned finding metal to metal would be pretty scary. Then go out and try it out on dry pavement without a load on the trailer at first. They pretty much operate like hyrdraulic systems on vehicles. I don't mind getting a bit dirty doing this kind of work. I wasn't sure if they should be adjusted the same as regular vehicles or maybe there were other trains of thought on setting up the brakes correctly. Thanks for all of the info. Better to find out before I hit the brakes and end up in the ditch or plowing into someone..

 

[Egon]

If you do need brake repairs Dexter has bolt on kits for the complete brake unit that are reasonably priced.