Weak Braking Power On Midsota 26' TBWB Series Trailer - What Should I Check?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello Eric, thanks for reaching out. Are the brakes on your trailer new by chance? New brakes need to be properly bedded, and if the bedding process is not done you will get weak braking pressure like you are describing. Also if the brakes are very old and worn, the same thing could happen.

To bed your brakes what you do is drive the trailer out into an open area, like an empty parking lot. Get up to around 40 MPH and apply the manual override on your brake controller. Make sure the brake controller is set high enough where it will fully engage the trailer brakes (usually the middle setting will be just fine). Do not hit the brake pedal during this time, as you want to slow down your vehicle and trailer with only the trailer brakes. You’ll most likely have to do this about 20 to 40 times to properly seat the brakes. Doing this will allow the brake shoes to properly seat into the drum and you will see increased stopping power.

It could also be that your brakes are under tight and the adjustment screw on the backing plate needs to be adjusted. The ideal adjustment is where the wheel can be turned by hand, but does not spin freely. Check each of your hubs and make sure the brake shoes are properly adjusted.

If all of this checks out we could be dealing with an electrical issue on the trailer. Try taking a circuit tester and verify you are getting 12v to each brake assembly when the manual override on your brake controller is pressed. If you are not getting 12v check the trailer wiring for any damage or shorts or corrosion or anything like that.

If you try all these steps and are still having issues, feel free to reach out to me and I am happy to help you troubleshoot further.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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