Forum Discussion

Daveid01's avatar
Daveid01
Explorer
Nov 13, 2020

Brake question

I just purchased a 24 foot Komfort kampsite trailer and while getting new tires put on, I noticed that the driver side axles have wires running to the brakes but the passenger side wires have been cut and capped. Is this normal or do I need to get those wires on the passenger side hook back up? When I use the trailer brake in the truck while driving it home, the brakes did work on the trailer but I am guessing they are only coming from one side?
Thank you in advance for any help. I appreciate it.

David
  • Fisherman's avatar
    Fisherman
    Explorer
    Nov 13, 2020
    The wires need to be connected for that side to work. Imagine your tow vehicle only having brakes on one side, you're either going to have a bad pull to one side or the other.
  • corvettekent's avatar
    corvettekent
    Explorer
    Nov 13, 2020
    Take a closer look. On a lot of trailers the brake wires will run inside the axle tube from one side to the other side.
  • CarnationSailor's avatar
    CarnationSailor
    Nomad
    Nov 13, 2020
    Have someone actuate your brakes while you listen and feel for the brakes to operate on both sides.
  • Daveid01's avatar
    Daveid01
    Explorer
    Nov 13, 2020
    Thank you all. This will give me a great place to start. I will take a look this weekend. We haven't taken it out yet so I want to make sure nothing is overlooked or a suprise.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Nov 13, 2020
    You can very easily test that by jacking up one side of trailer, spinning a tire by hand, and using the manual trailer brake override.
  • wnjj's avatar
    wnjj
    Explorer II
    Nov 13, 2020
    No need to jack anything up. The brake coils will sing when activated and are easy to hear. Just put your head down near each wheel to confirm them.
  • wanderingbob's avatar
    wanderingbob
    Explorer II
    Nov 13, 2020
    WNJJ is correct . You should be able to hear the magnets sucking the shoe levers up .
  • JRscooby's avatar
    JRscooby
    Explorer II
    Nov 13, 2020
    I would think somebody that just bought a used trailer would want to look at the bearings and brakes before pulling it. At bare minimum, make sure of adjustment and function.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 13, 2020
    No, it is not normal or safe to have trailer brake wires cut and capped.
    Does seem odd so double check to verify what you think you saw.

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