Electric trailer brakes and adjusting

[kevinj]

I see where the main wire harness went over to the left side to connect the brakes and tail lights at the back. There was no evidence of a wire pair going over the the right side at all which makes me wonder. At least the wires were coming out of the backing plates to about 6" on both brakes. That is a good idea to enclose the wire harness. Also a good idea to maybe replace all brake hardware. Once I get the other set's off and see what kind of shape they are in. I don't want to have something happen like running over some yahoo that stops in front of me too close. I feel bad enough for the Semi drivers that have to hit the binders because some nitwit stops in front of him. I just had to shake my head at what could have happened with only the left set of brakes being hooked up.

The wire should be INSIDE the axle tube for the right brakes.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

The axle tubes are sealed closed. So routing the wires inside the frame rails will be the best bet.

 

[kevinj]

The axle tubes are sealed closed. So routing the wires inside the frame rails will be the best bet.

They normally have a small gromet on each end and the right brake feeds from the left thru the tube. What brand are your axles?

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have a 2003 tandem with Dexters and it has the wire run through conduit and then strapped to the axle with wire ties. Not sure if there is a wire in the tube or not but that is how the trailer manufacturer did it.

Chris

 

[kevinj]

I have a 2003 tandem with Dexters and it has the wire run through conduit and then strapped to the axle with wire ties. Not sure if there is a wire in the tube or not but that is how the trailer manufacturer did it.

Chris

Do you have torsion axles? I have to look under the Corn Pro and see how they done the wiring with the torsion. My small trailer has the wires in the tube as did my last 10,000# fifth wheel.

 

[Bird]

They normally have a small gromet on each end and the right brake feeds from the left thru the tube. What brand are your axles?

In 1990, we were enroute to Alaska with our 32' fifth-wheel, and one of my brothers and his family were traveling with a little older 35' fifth wheel when he lost the brakes on his trailer. It took us a little while to figure out why, but the wires ran through the axle tube and vibration, sway, or whatever movement had rubbed the insulation off some wire and then he also had gotten a little water and corrosion inside the tube, so that shorted things out.

 

[kevinj]

In 1990, we were enroute to Alaska with our 32' fifth-wheel, and one of my brothers and his family were traveling with a little older 35' fifth wheel when he lost the brakes on his trailer. It took us a little while to figure out why, but the wires ran through the axle tube and vibration, sway, or whatever movement had rubbed the insulation off some wire and then he also had gotten a little water and corrosion inside the tube, so that shorted things out.

Funny ya bring that up..........I have one of mine routed on the outside for the same reason! They must put the wire in before the end plates are welded cause there ain't no pulling in new wire..

 

[Bird]

You're right. Inside the tube sounds like a good idea, but the replacement will be outside.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Nope, the axles are the old spring type with load levelers between them.

Chris

 

[Bird]

Nope, the axles are the old spring type with load levelers between them.

Chris

Chris, those "load levelers" are called "equalizers" if you ever need the right word to buy or order any new ones.