Weak Brakes

[climb_on]

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 brakes should feel. I have my controller maxed out and on max boost. I just gave a quick visual inspection and there are no obvious issues. How do I figure out what is going on? Some sort of voltage test?

I bought the camper used, so it's not a thing for the dealer.

[JIMNLIN]

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.

[Flute_Man]

You might just jack up each wheel apply the brakes and see if you can turn the wheel by hand.

[climb_on]

dodge guy wrote:
My 07 had a similar problem. My issue ended up being weak magnets in the brake assemblies! I replaced those and the braking was unbelievable!!!! Between the truck and trailer it would stop very well.
Just something else to check.

How did you determine that? Or did you just swap out the part and found it worked?

[dodge_guy]

My 07 had a similar problem. My issue ended up being weak magnets in the brake assemblies! I replaced those and the braking was unbelievable!!!! Between the truck and trailer it would stop very well.
Just something else to check.

[climb_on]

BarabooBob wrote:
First adjust the brakes. If that does not give you the braking that you think you should get, look at the wires that are used on the trailer brakes and see what gauge wire was used. I have seen some pretty wimpy wires on some trailers.

Thanks. Not sure why adjusting them didn't occur to me...guess I assumed since it was new. Will start with that.

When inspecting, I thought those wired looked pretty light.

[Mike134]

What they said above plus pull the drums and check the shoes for grease contamination, etc. Plus since you bought it used a good time to check the bearings, clean and re-lube so you know the maintenance history.

[BarabooBob]

First adjust the brakes. If that does not give you the braking that you think you should get, look at the wires that are used on the trailer brakes and see what gauge wire was used. I have seen some pretty wimpy wires on some trailers.

[ScottG]

I would adjust the brakes first.