Sadly , my 2012 Coachmen Apex 18bh has a vibration when I apply the brakes. The dealer told me that this was normal. Being new at travel trailers I took them for their word and brought the camper home (740+ miles away). Why did I do that? :h (I know why, just can't admit it.) We’ve only been on two camping trips and on our last camping trip we were going down some good grades and hitting the brakes did not make me feel comfortable. The camper is stopping and I can feel the brakes pulling to slow down, but the vibration and tugging (tug-release-tug-release, etc..) on my truck right before stopping drives me nuts. I have a feeling that maybe the drums are out of round. I've also read that the drums could get warped if the wheels are improperly over torqued during installation.I do not want to drive 740+ miles back to the dealer and have to drop of my camper for repairs. I've called the dealer a few times but it has gone nowhere. I am going to try one more time and force the topic. My dealer has not asked me to bring my camper in, but if they do I would rather prefer to take my camper to a local shop and have them look at it and possibly repair it. Driving that 740+ miles is a major inconvenience and a major cost. Worse case, if I can’ t get anyone to fix it for free what is the going rate to have the drums replaced? At least its only two wheels and not four.Hopefully I can get this issue resolved and its covered under warranty and I'm praying my dealer works with me. I was wondering what others thought.

Your brakes and axles are covered by the mfgr. of them, like Dexter or Alko. Look in your warranty packet. They will send you to a local shop.

I had similar situations, After a re-read the lit, and watching the video that came with my brake unit. It indicated that I should readjust the pressure in numbers minus. I had too much pressure to the trailer. 5.0 and now am running about 1.9-3.0 which cut out my vibration and shuddering . You might try to cut back on the regulator for the trailer. Just an idea.Chuck

I've tried adjusting my brake controller until I'm blue. It doesn't matter what its set to.

What kind of controller do you have? That could also be your problem. And no it is not normal for it to tug, shudder, vibrate. Typical dealer answer.

If you have a Voyager brake controller, I'll bet that is the problem. I threw mine in the garbage after our first big trip. My Prodigy works great.

Brake vibration / tugging | Good Sam Community

SDcampowneroper
Explorer
Nov 22, 2012
If you are getting an OL code then momentary brake, then OL code again, you have a short. My prodigy controller showed this. Twice, 2 different wheels. Both times it was a wire come loose from its clips and rubbing on the drum Dexter axle was very good about sending new magnets and upgraded wire clips.
In the meantime, I just taped and rerouted the wires to continue our trip.
A compass is your simplest diagnostic tool, in an intermittent case like mine, you may have to pull wheels and hope the first is the culprit.
Almot
Explorer III
Nov 22, 2012
Chuck&Gail wrote:
If you have a Voyager brake controller, I'll bet that is the problem. I threw mine in the garbage after our first big trip. My Prodigy works great.

Jerking and tugging - my first suspect would be a controller, but who knows, could be something else...

It's not Voyager vs Prodigy, but about "timed" vs "inertial". Models under $80 are usually timed. Prodigy has one $80 timed model, and it's not any better than $40 no-name timed models. Meaning - not too good, though it's OK for a small trailer.

The problem with some timed models is that pulsating current from turn signals is making its way somehow into the controller circuit, causing the brake vibrate/tug when you turn. But if it's vibrating on straight sections, then I don't know. Timed models produce the power after half a second delay, quickly but gradually increasing breaking power from 0 to max setting of the controller. The higher the setting, the harder it will press the brake pads when it reaches the full power. You can also adjust the time setting (on all but very cheap timed models), i.e. how fast this max power is achieved after you've pressed the pedal.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Nov 22, 2012
I'm guessing you have a timer based controller. When you activate the brake lights the trailer brakes come full on at whatever setting you are using. If you want to continue using that controller you need to learn to step on the brake pedal and stay on it. Every time you let up and then step on the brake pedal the controller starts over again.

An inertia controller like the Prodigy will make the jerking go away.

What brand and model brake controller do you have?
Chuck_Gail
Explorer
Nov 22, 2012
If you have a Voyager brake controller, I'll bet that is the problem. I threw mine in the garbage after our first big trip. My Prodigy works great.
chinook507
Explorer
Nov 21, 2012
What kind of controller do you have? That could also be your problem. And no it is not normal for it to tug, shudder, vibrate. Typical dealer answer.
docnascar
Explorer
Nov 21, 2012
I've tried adjusting my brake controller until I'm blue. It doesn't matter what its set to.
janechucknicode
Explorer
Nov 21, 2012
I had similar situations, After a re-read the lit, and watching the video that came with my brake unit. It indicated that I should readjust the pressure in numbers minus. I had too much pressure to the trailer. 5.0 and now am running about 1.9-3.0 which cut out my vibration and shuddering . You might try to cut back on the regulator for the trailer.
Just an idea.
Chuck
SDcampowneroper
Explorer
Nov 21, 2012
Your brakes and axles are covered by the mfgr. of them, like Dexter or Alko. Look in your warranty packet. They will send you to a local shop.

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