How to Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes: A Simple Guide

To adjust electric trailer brakes, start by locating the adjustment hole on the brake assembly. Insert a brake adjustment tool and turn it until the wheel can’t rotate, then back off slightly.

Properly adjusted brakes ensure safe and efficient towing. It’s essential to maintain and adjust electric trailer brakes to ensure safe and efficient towing. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or new to trailer maintenance, understanding how to adjust electric trailer brakes is crucial.

By following a few simple steps, you can keep the trailer’s braking system in top condition, providing peace of mind as you hit the road.

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Electric Trailer Brakes

Electric trailer brakes consist of two main components: a brake assembly mounted on the wheel hub and a brake controller in the towing vehicle. When you press the brake pedal, the brake controller sends an electrical signal to electromagnets on the brake assembly. These electromagnets engage the brake shoes against the drum, slowing the trailer.

As brake shoes wear down over time, they move further away from the drum, reducing braking efficiency. This is why regular adjustments are necessary to maintain consistent and reliable braking performance.

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How to Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes

Before you begin adjusting the electric trailer brakes, gather the following tools and equipment:

• Jack and jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Brake adjustment tool or flat-head screwdriver
• Torque wrench
• Multimeter (for testing the brake controller)

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Electric Trailer Brakes

Properly adjusted electric trailer brakes are crucial for ensuring safe towing, controlling the trailer’s stopping power, and extending brake life. Here’s a step-by-step guide to adjust electric trailer brakes efficiently:

Step 1: Safety First – Park and Prepare the Trailer

Start by ensuring that the trailer is parked on a level surface. Chock the wheels that you won’t be working on to prevent the trailer from rolling. Disconnect the trailer from the towing vehicle, and if possible, secure the trailer to prevent any unwanted movement.

Step 2: Jack Up the Trailer

Use a jack to lift the trailer wheel that you’ll be adjusting. Place a jack stand underneath to support the weight of the trailer while you work. Once the trailer is securely lifted, ensure the wheel spins freely without any resistance.

Step 3: Locate the Adjustment Port

On most electric trailer brake assemblies, there’s a small rubber plug on the back side of the brake drum. Remove this plug to access the adjustment star wheel. The star wheel adjusts the distance between the brake shoes and the drum.

Step 4: Adjust the Brake Shoes

Using a brake adjustment tool or a flat-head screwdriver, rotate the star wheel inside the adjustment port. Turn the wheel upwards to expand the brake shoes until they lightly touch the drum, preventing the wheel from spinning freely.

Step 5: Fine-Tuning the Brake Adjustment

After expanding the brake shoes, back off the star wheel by turning it downwards just enough to allow the wheel to spin with a slight drag. This ensures that the brake shoes are close enough to the drum for immediate engagement but not so tight that they cause excessive drag or overheating.

Step 6: Test the Wheel Rotation

Spin the wheel manually. It should rotate freely but with a slight resistance or drag from the brake shoes touching the drum. If the wheel is too tight or difficult to turn, back off the adjustment further until the desired amount of drag is achieved.

Step 7: Repeat the Process for Each Wheel

Repeat the adjustment process for each trailer wheel. It’s essential to adjust all brakes evenly to ensure balanced braking performance. Adjusting only one or two brakes can lead to uneven stopping, which can cause instability or increased wear on the braking system.

Step 8: Test the Brakes Using the Brake Controller

After adjusting all the trailer brakes, reconnect the trailer to the towing vehicle and test the brakes using the brake controller. Start by driving at a slow speed (about 20-30 mph) and apply the manual override on the brake controller to engage the trailer brakes.

Check to ensure that the trailer slows down smoothly and evenly. If the trailer brakes engage too abruptly or not enough, you may need to fine-tune the brake controller settings. Most brake controllers have gain and sensitivity settings that allow you to adjust how aggressively the trailer brakes engage.

How to Tell When the Electric Trailer Brakes Need Adjusting

Adjusting electric trailer brakes should be part of regular trailer maintenance. However, there are specific signs that indicate the brakes need attention:

1. Braking feels uneven: If the trailer pulls to one side when braking, this could indicate that one set of brakes is tighter than the others.
2. Reduced braking power: Over time, brake shoes wear down, and you may notice that the trailer takes longer to stop.
3. Squeaking or grinding sounds: Unusual sounds during braking often signal that the brake shoes are either too tight or too loose.
4. Excessive heat from the wheels: After a long trip, if the wheels are unusually hot to the touch, this could be a sign of over-adjusted brakes causing constant friction.

Maintaining the Electric Trailer Brakes

Beyond adjustments, proper maintenance is crucial to ensuring the longevity of the electric trailer brakes. Here are some tips:

• Regular Inspections: Check the brake shoes, drums, and magnets for wear. Worn components should be replaced to maintain braking efficiency.
• Lubrication: Ensure that moving parts, such as the star wheel and adjuster, are adequately lubricated to prevent sticking.
• Electrical Testing: Periodically test the brake controller and wiring for continuity. Use a multimeter to check for proper voltage at the brake magnets.
• Brake Shoe Replacement: When brake shoes wear down to about 1/8 of an inch of thickness, they should be replaced.

Troubleshooting Common Electric Trailer Brake Issues

Even with regular maintenance and adjustments, electric trailer brakes can sometimes experience problems. Here are a few common issues and ways of electric trailer brakes troubleshooting:

1. No Brakes or Weak Brakes: If the trailer brakes aren’t engaging, check the brake controller and wiring for loose connections or damage. Also, ensure the brake magnets are receiving the correct voltage.
2. Brakes Locking Up: If the trailer brakes lock up when engaged, the controller’s gain setting might be too high. Try lowering the gain or check for damaged brake magnets.
3. Uneven Braking: If one wheel seems to be braking harder than others, it could be due to an improperly adjusted brake or a faulty magnet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs about adjusting the electric trailer brakes –

How often should I adjust my electric trailer brakes?

It’s recommended to adjust electric trailer brakes after the first 200 miles of use (especially on new trailers or after brake shoe replacement) and every 3,000 miles thereafter. Frequent adjustments ensure consistent braking performance and help to extend the life of the brake shoes.

How do I know if my electric trailer brakes are working properly?

You can test the brakes by using the manual override on the brake controller while driving at low speeds (about 20-30 mph). The trailer should slow down smoothly without pulling to one side or locking up.

What causes electric trailer brakes to wear out quickly?

Several factors can cause premature wear, including improper brake adjustment, overloading the trailer, or using low-quality brake components. Regular maintenance and adjusting the brakes to the manufacturer’s specifications can help prevent early wear.

Can I adjust electric trailer brakes without jacking up the trailer?

While it’s technically possible to adjust electric brakes without lifting the trailer, it’s not recommended. Jacking up the trailer ensures that you can properly spin the wheels and feel for the correct amount of drag, making the adjustment more accurate.

Is it difficult to adjust electric trailer brakes myself, or should I hire a professional?

Adjusting electric trailer brakes is relatively simple and can be done at home with basic tools. However, if you’re unsure about the process or don’t have the necessary equipment, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure the brakes are adjusted correctly.

Conclusion

Maintaining and adjusting the electric trailer brakes is an essential part of trailer ownership. Properly adjusted brakes ensure safe towing, reduce wear on the towing vehicle, and help prevent accidents. By following this step-by-step guide and staying proactive with regular maintenance, you can keep the trailer braking system in top condition for years to come.