New Brakes Requires

MFL wrote:
Wow...now it's time to disagree, lots of errors due to huge blanket statements!!! Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but too many things are not equal, as well as many manufacturers using just barely capable axles/springs/brakes. Hopefully the OP understands that internet shouting usually means LOOK AT MY POST, I KNOW EVERYTHING. Shouters like to hear themselves, LOL.

Jerry

Disagree if you like.

Break away system must not only slow down the trailer but stop it under full max load.

Lighter brakes on lighter axles are appropriate and correct and the manufacturer of the trailer must apply the correct axle with the correct brakes for the absolute max GVWR they are willing to give said trailer.

That is why you do not see 12" brakes on a 2000-3500 lb axle. 12" brakes on 2000-3500 lb axles would end up being too touchy and grabby.

I know that for a fact, my TT has 2of 3500 lb axles with 10" brakes for 7K GVWR, my 10K GVWR 18ft open flat bed utility trailer 2 of 5200 lb axles and has 12" brakes.

The 18ft utility trailer weighs 2400 lbs with no load, the TT weighs 4500 lbs no load. The 18ft utility trailers brakes ARE grabby with no load..

The manufacturer certifies that all running gear at least meets the minimum DOT requirements. That does include the ability of the breakaway system to stop the rolling trailer at speed.

However, with that said, some manufacturers often under spec some by using the tongue weight (adding tongue weight to the axle(s) )as part of the GVWR when specing running gear. In other words, two 2 of 3500 lb axles gives you 7,000 lbs but manufacturer states 7,500 lbs as the GVWR.. 500 lbs over the axles but they are figuring 500 lbs of that weight will be handled by the TV.

This situation can result in under performing brakes if your TV is on the borderline in payload capacity.

Regardless, your break away system should be able to slide the tires when engaged and you are pulling forward. If it doesn't then you do need to investigate the electrical connections. If the break way does not function correctly, then your TVs brake controller can never be at its best.

Folks that complain about weak brakes and attribute it to the size of drums/brakes often have never looked at the electrical connections, it is basic electricity. Often these folks are the ones that scrap the entire system and install disc brakes..

Sure that fixes it but it is pretty much the same as using a cannon to swat a fly..

Gets results but could have been fixed with a small fly swatter (IE fix the wiring before considering $2K in disc conversion).

Sorry that you didn't like me quoting you :R

On edit..

By the way Jerry, if you do not have a IBC then you would not understand.. If you do, READ THE MANUAL, in the manual for MY trucks it clearly states that the IBC REDUCES the output at slow speeds.

The only way to sort of bypass that is to apply the manual brake lever and even that is reduced..