DYI Electric brakes

gkainz wrote:

SDcampowneroperator wrote:
...
Simplest method to verify brakes are working is to use a compass. with the brakes engaged, the north needle will lock onto that wheels magnet.

What if I have to stop while traveling any direction other than north? :)

That sounds like a person I was traveling with one time that couldn't figure out why the campgrounds only had sites facing East, West and South non facing North. LOL

SDcampowneroperator wrote:
...
Simplest method to verify brakes are working is to use a compass. with the brakes engaged, the north needle will lock onto that wheels magnet.

What if I have to stop while traveling any direction other than north? :)

SDcampowneroperator wrote:
Adjust electric drum brakes every. 2k miles, even if the mfgr says they are self adjusting. We have poor experience with self adjusters
. Have a helper apply the brakes in the tow, its better than pulling the pin on the breakaway switch. use a V/A meter to insure application at each wheel. Volts and amps. Undersize or poor connections in wiring will still show voltage but not the amperage to fully engage the brake.
12 v dc needs a fat wire with strong connections to carry the current to those magnets.
Simplest method to verify brakes are working is to use a compass. with the brakes engaged, the north needle will lock onto that wheels magnet.

I held my iPhone up to the wheel and the compass did nuthin'...

Just kidding - using a compass is a great tip thanks.

^^^^^ Good advice^^^^^^

Planning a long trip? Or any trip? I always think about what can stop the trailer from being towed. 1)Tires 2)lights 3)bearings 4)brakes 5)accident
(1) Carry a spare, and the tools to change. Also the understanding that the spare is not to get me home, but to a place to get the tire fixed or replaced.
(2)Lights, I carry replacement bulbs spare plug and socket, some wire, tools to diagnose and fix any problem I could have.
(3)Bearings are maintained more often than needed. And when I pack the bearings, I pack a extra set, and put them in the WB grease tub, and in the incase box. Races, seals, cotter pins, nut and washers, well packed in a box also go for a ride. Of course, I have tools and knowhow to change if needed.
(4) brakes. Shoes and drums are wear items, and if inspected when doing bearings, are unlikely to fail. Springs will last the life of shoes if shoes stay in adjustment. Magnets, the wire could break off, but if you pay attention to how routed, it is unlikely. If it does, I have a spare. Any other brake problems can be fixed with same tool and skill set as lights.
(5)Accident is the hard one. By keeping up on the others on the list, and understanding that I'm not the best driver on the road, I must pay attention, I have so far avoided that issue
Many people, including my wife, think I carry so much, I must expect to have trouble. But in millions of miles of driving, other than a burned out light, I have never had all the tools and parts to properly do the repair. So I think more things I can fix, less likely to have trouble. Often I have managed so get things rigged to get home.

Clean all grease from bearings, pack with quality synthetic grease and use US Made National/SKF seals then adjust brakes.

Adjust electric drum brakes every. 2k miles, even if the mfgr says they are self adjusting. We have poor experience with self adjusters
. Have a helper apply the brakes in the tow, its better than pulling the pin on the breakaway switch. use a V/A meter to insure application at each wheel. Volts and amps. Undersize or poor connections in wiring will still show voltage but not the amperage to fully engage the brake.
12 v dc needs a fat wire with strong connections to carry the current to those magnets.
Simplest method to verify brakes are working is to use a compass. with the brakes engaged, the north needle will lock onto that wheels magnet.

take the time to pull the drums and inspect shoes, drums, bearings and magnets. Also at least clean and repack bearings. Along side the road in Timbuktu is no place to be broke down because of lack of maintenance

Do they seem to work? Otherwise simply adjust and go.