Boy you got that right. I am fixing up a used trailer I recently bought and found the rear axle brakes not working. Figured out this evening the problem was with the splice where the power wires are spliced to the rear axle brake wires. The feed wires were not stripped before being put in a crimp slice and sealed in heat shrink. Verdict: The rear brakes probably have never worked. BTW The trailer is a 2004 Double A made in Texas. I can't locate any evidence this company still exists, so they probably went out of business.I have seen a few but never had on in my possession. As stated they are made well but the paint and wiring as with most trailers sucks.
Chris