Are All Electric Trailer Brakes Self-Adjusting
Question:
Are trailer brakes self adjusting? I have a 2015 Grand Design Fifthwheel and need to adjust my brakes. Wondering if backing up and tapping the brakes will do the job.
asked by: Lee
Expert Reply:
Trailer brakes can be either self-adjusting like the Dexter # 23-468 or may require periodic manual adjustments like # 23-27, depending on the particular model assemblies you have installed on the trailer. An easy way to tell if you have self-adjusting units is to pull the hub/drum off the trailer spindle and check for an adjustable cable that would extend across the brake assembly (see attached picture). If this is present, then you have self-adjusting brake assemblies that will adjust themselves as you apply the brakes during normal travel. Keep in mind though that even self-adjusting brakes do require an initial adjustment after installing new units.
Otherwise, if you find you have brake assemblies that do require manual adjustments (there is not an adjustment cable present), they will indeed need to be adjusted periodically. I have attached an installation video that you can check out. At around the 4:40 mark of the video, you can see the process for adjusting electric brakes that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 3500 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- LH
- 3500 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- 5200 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 7000 lbs Axle
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
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