Trailer Brakes

pandkm · 05-31-2011, 06:18 PM

Took our new trailer out for the third trip this past weekend. When I was getting started I had turned the brake controller up a couple since I was in Atlanta stop and go traffic and had the trailer actually fully loaded like it will be going forward. When I braked the TV was pulled to the left. It continued so I turned the controller back down.

Did I have the controller turned too high or is there something wrong with the trailer brakes, the trailer brakes did not lock up.

If something with trailer brakes before need to have corrected before our 2 week trip to Yellowstone and Glacier.

sherdep · 05-31-2011, 06:28 PM

what brake controller are you using?

it doesnt pull when you have it set to the lower setting does it?

pandkm · 05-31-2011, 08:33 PM

It is a Husky Escort.

It does not pull at the lower settings.

sherdep · 05-31-2011, 08:43 PM

Let me say this - I am no trailer brake expert by no means

Might be worth a shot to call and ask about the controller since you have a 2012 Trailer - my guess would be in the controller

Was the controller bought new?

Possible other cause - Could have a brake out of adjustment (too tight) and you really only notice it when the brakes are applied harder then normal.

**Herk7769** · 05-31-2011, 08:45 PM

OK, does it pull on the truck when you brake? or left or right.

If it feels like the camper is "tugging" on the truck when you brake it is too high. If it pushes the truck it is too low. If you don't notice the camper braking it is just right.

If it pulls the truck left or right, one or more of your brakes are not working and they should be checked.

donn · 05-31-2011, 09:13 PM

Try adjusting the brakes first. If you do not know how to do it, maybe it is time to learn as this is at least a yearly maintenance job.

LadyWindrider · 05-31-2011, 09:15 PM

Agree with Herk. Should be even at any setting. May have a brake on one axle not wired right/not working. Take it down a dirt stretch, turn the controller all the way up, and use the manual control to activate the brakes and see if all 4 wheel lock. DO this at a slow speed, 10mph or so.

pandkm · 05-31-2011, 10:17 PM

controller was purchased from the dealer when we purchased the trailer.

Just really feel it pull the tv to the left, do not really feel a tug

Since it is still under warranty I will try and see if the dealer can get it in and out before our trip. Other wise guess it is time to learn how to inspect and adjust them myself.

Thanks everyone for their input.

M109Rrider · 06-01-2011, 07:24 AM

It's not the controller. The controller controls all brakes at the same time evenly. How far did you pull it? If my old trailer would sit for a while the brakes sometimes would work funky. Think it had to do with corrosion on the electro magnet surface and brake surface of the brake drum. After a couple miles they would be fine But definitely adjust the brakes and make sure all the wires to the electro magnets are connected

SaskCampers · 06-01-2011, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M109Rrider

It's not the controller. The controller controls all brakes at the same time evenly. How far did you pull it? If my old trailer would sit for a while the brakes sometimes would work funky. Think it had to do with corrosion on the electro magnet surface and brake surface of the brake drum. After a couple miles they would be fine But definitely adjust the brakes and make sure all the wires to the electro magnets are connected

Ditto,

Pin 2 in the plug is the only brake wire coming from the TV so if it is braking then the circuit is good, must be one of the brakes or a bad connection to a brake and it is not braking as hard. My flat deck had loose connections and it did not brake as hard as it should, redid all the connections and all worked as advertised. You can always take it on a deserted road and bring it up to abt 30mph and use the manual override as hard as possible and see if it still pulls just to verify the issue.

flyrotor · 06-01-2011, 09:51 PM

You should hear the brakes hum when activated, stand next to the trailer, listen closely, then have someone press the manual control, you should hear them on both sides of the trailer, this may be a place to start

MtnGuy · 06-02-2011, 07:24 AM

Agree with others. Either 1 or more of the brakes are not working on 1 side, or not adjusted properly.

You don't feel the pull at lower settings because the functioning brakes are not working as hard.

BTW, I set my controller down instead of up when entering stop and go traffic. That keeps the trailer brakes from grabbing during the constant stopping. When back on the road, I will again set the controller back up for more power to the brakes......it is harder to stop the trailer at 65 mph than at 25 mph.

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