Brakes not working - Update

Gdetrailer wrote:


I bought NEITHER of my trailers new, and NEITHER of the sellers ever "disclosed" all the bad points and non working things..It was used and cheap so I UNDERSTOOD that I would have to fix things.

I drove several hours on the promise of: "My dad always makes sure everything is in proper working order".

That little pop-up was worth the cash, so I bought it.

Good thing I took enough tools to wire turn-signals and brake lights. Fixed the marker lights when I got home.

One man's "working order", is another man's "need to fix".


EDIT: In his defense....everything else worked as advertised. Bearings, tires, etc... were ready to roll. He just never thought it needed brake/turn lights because you could see the lights on his pickup.

clumsy fingers

It would be pretty easy and fast to just jack up one wheel at a time, pull a drum and see what there is to see. Could just need a good cleaning and adjustment. Or perhaps you might even find grease in there from a blown seal(s) in which case you will know more needs to be done.

tomkaren13 wrote:
Sold it to a man who will be setting it up and using it as a home base. he travels for work. He knows the brakes do not work.

Glad you told the purchaser..

Probably shouldn't have posted anything on the forum about selling it..

Now there will be pages of outraged folks posting all kinds of mean things..

Folks around here don't understand selling "used" and "as is" and often mistake it for new that EVERYTHING should work like new.

I bought NEITHER of my trailers new, and NEITHER of the sellers ever "disclosed" all the bad points and non working things..It was used and cheap so I UNDERSTOOD that I would have to fix things.

Seller has no "obligation" to disclose problems but SHOULD have some "courtesy" to the buyer by disclosing.

You DID, and that is what should be done.. Wished more people would be honest like that.

Beauty...

Sold it to a man who will be setting it up and using it as a home base. he travels for work. He knows the brakes do not work.

There could be other reasons that the brakes are not working like excessive grease intrusion, worn parts, broken parts, etc. Diagnosing the exact issues is difficult without lifting the trailer and pulling drums. If nothing has been done for axle end maintenance, the correct service would be to pull the hubs/drums, inspect, and service. Some of us do this on a routine basis to insure proper brake and bearing function.

What I'm having trouble understanding is that the OP states a 2003 trailer (his profile shows a 2005) and either of these would have a NADA value of > $7K with typical amenities and in fair condition. Having inoperable brakes would lower the value considerably and is a safety hazard for anyone trying to tow it.

Then again, there are some that trade in their car if the cigarette lighter breaks...

Lantley wrote:
I guess the real question is how can anyone no what it's gonna cost via the internet? We have no idea what is wrong. Could be simple adjustment. Broken wire, bad connection. Problem with controller. Or the brakes may need a total rebuild.
Puts you in the $75.00-$600.00 range. How's that for an uneducated guess?
I suggest taking it in for an estimate and then decide how much you are willing to spend/invest.
If the trailer is in decent shape otherwise I would not let a brake job be the deal breaker.

Trouble shooting the brakes does not require a rocket scientist.

OP already has determined it is NOT the vehicle.

It IS NOT the brake controller.

Break away switch does not apply the brakes (that SHOULD LOCK UP THE WHEELS)

Brake controller does make the magnets "humm" (a good sign that the magnets HAVE some sort of electrical connection)

That pretty much narrows it down to stuck/frozen parts on the backing plate..

OR the brake shoes are severely out of adjustment..

Given the age it is most likely stuck or frozen parts on the backing plate.. That would be the WORST and most expensive possible problem..

If it as simple as adjustment it will be the CHEAPEST possible fix.

See, now was that so darn hard to determine via internet?

It is all about asking the RIGHT questions and drilling down until you eliminate all other possibilities.

Besides I DON'T think the OP was looking for an detailed EXACT PRICE OF REPAIRS.. Just nothing more than a "ball park" estimate..

Better to have an idea that parts might be $200 and perhaps labor may run $200-$300 BEFORE they commit..

After all the place they are taking it too WANTS a NON REFUNDABLE DIAGNOSTIC FEE UP FRONT..

Personally I would look for another repair shop that doesn't charge an upfront fee.. That simply LOCKS the customer into that shop..

There are many LEGIT repair shops that do not charge diagnostic fees, instead they will write up an estimate and will wait for your approval before doing any work.

I guess the real question is how can anyone no what it's gonna cost via the internet? We have no idea what is wrong. Could be simple adjustment. Broken wire, bad connection. Problem with controller. Or the brakes may need a total rebuild.
Puts you in the $75.00-$600.00 range. How's that for an uneducated guess?
I suggest taking it in for an estimate and then decide how much you are willing to spend/invest.
If the trailer is in decent shape otherwise I would not let a brake job be the deal breaker.

Will be getting fixed or getting out out of camping. Would not sell without disclosing any and all problems!!!