Weak Brakes
I have a 2020 No Boundaries travel trailer with a Lippert torsion axle w/ 15" wheels. The brakes are pretty weak even with the camper empty. I've towed numerous campers so I understand how the brak...
Forum Discussion
Mike134 wrote:JIMNLIN wrote:
Good ideas to work on.
Another is many trailer mfg use some type of clamshell wiring connectors. Over time and miles water corrodes those connections to the point proper amps doesn't reach the magnets even though a dwell meter says 12v.
When I was on the road and put a new or used trailer in service the first thing I did was R&R the brakes/bearings/suspension and removed all clamshell connectors and bad or smallish wiring. I soldered all joints and made them water proof as much as possible. This ensures full amps from the controller to all the brakes.
Ironic you mention the self stripping electrical connectors because this weekend pulled the camper out from alongside the house and had no brakes.
It was that type of connector that failed.
If you’re referring to Scotchlok, they are worthless for critical things like brakes, IMO. Our flatbed trailer brakes failed because of those also. I soldered and taped everything after that.
Regarding wire gauge: That’s a biggie. The flatbed used what looked like 16 or 18 gauge and the brake controller never got more than 1/2 of the LED’s to light. I assumed half was normal for a single axle since the controller can also run 2. Then I added brakes to our little cargo trailer. The kit came with the heavy, double shielded, paired brake wire. All of the LED’s lit up and I had to back the controller way off.
