Testing trailer brakes

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Apr 12, 2008 | 04:01 PM

Dave977

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Testing trailer brakes

I am in the process of testing to see if my brakes on my trailer work. Being that I am doing this alone, if the drum is off and I pull the breakaway switch, shouldn't the brakes be locked open? I do have electricity to the brakes and by me pushing the brakes in the truck, I can't see or hear if anything is happening. Hopefully this all makes sense to you guys.

Also, from a safety/regulations standpoint, shouldn't there be brakes on both sides of the trailer. This trailer has brakes on all four wheels but only two wired up, both on the same side of the trailer.

Thanks!

Apr 12, 2008 | 07:33 PM

gbadgley

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check to see If the battery powering the break a way system has a charge, or the switch could be bad. If you have 4 wheel brakes the all need to be wired in, 2 on one side will get you in trouble FAST!! Greg

Apr 12, 2008 | 07:43 PM

Toyman

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Wayland, MI

You won't see anything move, but you should hear a click sound of the magent. The magent actually attaches itself to the hub/drum, as it rotates it twists the arm and forces the shoes apart making contact with the surface of the drum. You should be able to check with a meter if you have power going to the magnets by pulling the emergency cable, provided that there is power in the battery. One thing to look at is the connections by the backing plates, usually they are "scotch lock" and don't keep a good connection. I replace mine on every new trailer I have bought with good heat shrink butt connectors.

Good luck.

Toyman

Apr 12, 2008 | 07:44 PM

99whiteford

Tuned

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 338

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From: Barbourville Ky

If you have the drum off the barkes CANT work.on most electric brakes they use a magnet that ,,when powered is applied ,,tries to stick to drum.read on here somewhere the other day to use a compass..hold it next to wheel and when power is applied the compass will move.

Apr 12, 2008 | 07:46 PM

Delawhere?

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2003

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From: newark,de

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave977

Hopefully you have found out by now that if you have four wheels they all have electric brakes and are hooked up. If they aren't you definetely have a problem. You can test the brakes for proper working order by checking the amp draw at each wheel. You will have to put an amp meter inline with one of the electric wires going into the brake. You can also test for voltage at the brake as well. Not sure where you are located but if you have a Camping World store close by I can say they have done a great job for me fixing some of my RV problems. Happy Camping!

Apr 12, 2008 | 10:31 PM

firedewd

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 202

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From: Arvada, Colorado

For the wiring to only one side, my brake wires comes back along the driver's side of the trailer to the axles, then split and run through the axle to the other side. So on the passenger side, there is very little visible wire.

Apr 12, 2008 | 10:51 PM

MisterCMK

Fleet Owner

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 24,724

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From: Blue Hill Township

Lift each side of the trailer when you are testing the breakaway. Pull the cable to engage it (with the tow vehicle disconnected)and try turning a wheel. It should turn a little bit and then engage the brake as it comes around. If the brakes engage, great. If not you will have to start troubleshooting. Check the battery in the breakaway as they can be neglected.