Trailer brakes weak, a few questions:
32 foot TT, about 7000 pounds plus our gear and stuff: I've noticed the brakes are underperforming substantially. Got the gain on the Prodigy turned all the way up, when I grab the lever and throw ...
Forum Discussion
3 amps or 3 volts? previous poster said this… Should not matter unless you suspect issue with wiring or controller. Brakes work off a 6 volt system, not 12, according to one manufactures, but 12 on most.according to one manufactures, but 12 on most.… edit
I recently let trailer sit for a couple of months then the brakes were very, very weak at first. I had the controller set to max and still was not great breaking. 2 hrs drive and I could gradually lower the controller setting and the drive back I was back to normal with the controller set very low to get the power out of the brakes I wanted.
Maybe the drums rusted over and it took that long to wear it off and evacuate the debris from the inside of the drum? I don't know.
The trailer should at least be able to stop its own weight.
How long did / have you driven your trailer with unsatisfactory brakes?
Brake pads should be able to sit for 12 years and still work, though the steel parts might see some rust and need exercising or brake grease to move easily.
Easier to lock up one wheel on a tandem than on a single axle trailer. Easier still on gravel.
They need to be adjusted, as stated above, as the brake pads wear out and to keep all wheels performing at the same level. Typical drum brake adjustment rules apply. See any of the many instructional videos or post on topic.
I recently let trailer sit for a couple of months then the brakes were very, very weak at first. I had the controller set to max and still was not great breaking. 2 hrs drive and I could gradually lower the controller setting and the drive back I was back to normal with the controller set very low to get the power out of the brakes I wanted.
Maybe the drums rusted over and it took that long to wear it off and evacuate the debris from the inside of the drum? I don't know.
The trailer should at least be able to stop its own weight.
How long did / have you driven your trailer with unsatisfactory brakes?
Brake pads should be able to sit for 12 years and still work, though the steel parts might see some rust and need exercising or brake grease to move easily.
Easier to lock up one wheel on a tandem than on a single axle trailer. Easier still on gravel.
They need to be adjusted, as stated above, as the brake pads wear out and to keep all wheels performing at the same level. Typical drum brake adjustment rules apply. See any of the many instructional videos or post on topic.
