Are trailer brakes working??

Here's a possibility-
When I bought a used truck to tow my 5th wheel. I tested the controller output at the 7 pin plug. It was sending the correct voltage. For years I tried several things because I felt I wasn't getting enough braking from the 5th wheel. Adjust the brakes, check the output, clean electrical connections, inspect the brake internals and magnets...all were OK. So I learned to live with it.

A few years ago I bought a new truck that had been customized to tow heavy trailers. It had an electronic brake controller installed (DrawTite). The first time I towed the 5th wheel with the new truck, I couldn't believe how great the trailer brakes worked. The new controller made the brakes work the way I had always expected them to. I guess even though the old controller was putting out the correct voltage maybe it wasn't supplying enough AMPs.

I'm happy now...

Anytime you can't do a "lock up" is a good time to adjust your FWs brakes. Lippert recommends you adjust them every 3000 miles.

Here's a couple of videos on how to do it:

Lippert Brake Adjustment Video

Another Brake Adjusting Video

Jim

Your brakes may be fine. Some IBC's will not apply full power under certain speeds. Test each wheel independantly if possible, adjust if needed.

I jack a tire slightly off the ground, pull the emergency cable, rotate the tire to see if it locks, put the emergency cable back in, lower the tire, and repeat with the other 3. After verifying all 4, I hook up to the truck, start rolling 4-5 mph, and manually activate the brake controller to make sure the truck controller is working correctly. Gravel at the storage facility so when I activate the controller to max the tires easily skid. When I have a chance, I do the same on pavement to make sure of the stopping power.

When I noticed my brakes getting weak like that, I adjusted the brakes (manual adjustment) and there was a major difference in stopping power.

Sounds like your brakes need adjusting. Even though self-adjusting drum brakes have been around for 75 years, they are not standard on RVs. Easy to do with a screwdriver if you know how. Otherwise Google "drum brake adjustment".

You can 'test' if magnets are energizing by holding a compass next to wheel and then activate brakes by puling emergency brake cable out of switch (Applies full battery voltage)....compass needle will deflect when magnet energizes

With a meter you can test voltage to each individual brake assembly at wire connections when activated.

You can 'test' braking by jacking each wheel up, spinning it and then activate brakes

Might just be time for adjustment of brakes.

I can only 'drag' my 5vr on dirt/gravel.


NOTE: DON'T PULL EMERGENCY CABLE OUT WITH TRUCK/TRAILER CONNECTED
Some brake controllers can be damaged

You can have someone activate them and walk around each wheel and listen. You can usually hear the magnets working or put your hand on them and feel a slight buzz.