I have a 97PS F250 extended cab and am towing a 20 ft Road Boss Gooseneck loaded with firewood from Pioche, NV to Vegas. Weight of wood and trailer is around 16k. I have a John Wood E4OD tranny with two coolers ( one with a pusher fan that comes on at 175 degrees, for backing up) Here's my problem. I have a Primus Tekonsha brake controller which I used to set at around 4-6 volts and the brakes worked great both loaded and empty. Last trip to Vegas I had to crank the control up to 10-11 volts and the brakes felt like they were grabbing, especially when I was empty. We have not looked at the trailer brakes yet as I have some time before I will haul the full load to Vegas again. Would appreciate any imput before we start looking. I have just put new pads on the front of the truck when I had the bearings packed. Thanks in advance

 

so, are you saying that when you set the gain higher, the trailer brakes apply harder?


...because that is normal.

 

Adjusted those trailer brakes lately?

Steve

 

They are not applying harder but are grabbing. Steve you have hit on what I am thinking about. I said something to the mechanis who takes care of all of our vehicles and trailers and he told me that there was no adjustment on the trailer brakes, only a magnet. If that is the case then possibly we just need to replace the brakes??? I just thought it was odd that there was no adjustment. I appreciate the imput guys.......Thanks, Dennis

 

I would find a new mechanic. The adjustment is in the very bottom of the brake drum. You pop out a rubber grommet and take a special drum brake adjustment tool and spin the adjuster. With the wheel jacked up of course. I like mine to free wheel while adjusting, then grab and back them off just a hair.

here is a link to a pic. it will show you what the inside looks like. the adjuster in right below the oval magnet on the bottom.

10" Electric Brake Assembly - Right Hand Dexter Trailer Brakes 23-27

 

Hayes/AL-KO 12" x 2" Electric Brake Assembly RH Hayes Trailer Brakes 185150

a better pic. the adjuster is right above the yellow spring. just mouse over the pic and you can see it close up

 

Whoops, got on amd old post and don't know how to delete.....

I used to tow heavy with a 1985 F250 with a 460, like 5 to 8,000 pounds (right at the gcwr)

I bought a "cheap" 2008 with a 6.4 in it.

I could not believe the difference, the new pickups pull so much better than the old ones.

I still tow recreational boats and such with a 1979, but if you are really doing 10,000 pound trailers long distances often and can swing a 6.0 or a 6.4 diesel you won't believe the difference it will make. I have two 6.7s now and they are even better but need to be running 5 days a week to pay for themselves.

The 7.3s are good too, but no where near the next generation for towing.

If you get your truck pushed by a trailer when stopping short once and the extra money is worth it.