Brake Adjustment Plugs

[Srfdawg81]

I bought my 2013 281QBXL Wildwood in April. This last weekend I took it out on its maiden voyage to Skinner Lake. Prior to embarking I had been reading my owners manuals and noticed the suggestion to adjust the brakes after 200miles. So i decided to pop my head under the trailer and find where the adjustments slots were. After inspection I noticed there were no plugs covering the adjustments slots. You could see straight in and see the star wheel. Using the advice of a local RV supply employee, I covered the slots with duct tape to avoid getting moisture and dirt in brakes. My questions are, shouldn't my brakes have came with plugs in the slots? Why are there two slots per brake? Should I contact the dealer, the brake manufacture, or just try and find them on my own?

[SaskCampers]

If your dealer did a proper PDI, they should have adjusted the brakes. That said they probably pulled all the plugs prior to doing the work and forgot to put them back in. I would go and ask the and get replacements.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Srfdawg81

...Why are there two slots per brake?...

There are 2 slots because even tho the backing plates are symetrical and can be used on both ends of the axle the brake actuating mechanisms are not symetrical and must be positioned on the backing plate in such a manner that the magnet can be drawn to the rear when power is supplied which places the star wheel for adjusting in a slightly different position. Rather than redesign the shoe mechanism, it is more economical to just punch 2 holes as punch maintenance is inexpensive in the manufacturing of the backing plate.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Srfdawg81

I bought my 2013 281QBXL Wildwood in April. This last weekend I took it out on its maiden voyage to Skinner Lake. Prior to embarking I had been reading my owners manuals and noticed the suggestion to adjust the brakes after 200miles. So i decided to pop my head under the trailer and find where the adjustments slots were. After inspection I noticed there were no plugs covering the adjustments slots. You could see straight in and see the star wheel. Using the advice of a local RV supply employee, I covered the slots with duct tape to avoid getting moisture and dirt in brakes. My questions are, shouldn't my brakes have came with plugs in the slots?

I keep plugs in my brake adjustment slots, but I don't know if that is absolutely a necessity. If you think about it, the drum rides around the backing plate, without any kind of seal. Water will get into the brake area regardless if the plug is in the brake adjustment slot or not.

Regardless, get them replaced when you can, but I don't think I would be too concerned in the mean time.

Originally Posted by Srfdawg81

Why are there two slots per brake? Should I contact the dealer, the brake manufacture, or just try and find them on my own?

Hmmm.....my backing plate only has 1 slot......I think.

I betcha the local parts store can sell you those plugs for about $1 ea.