Trailer brakes quit completely! Warranty claim or should I fix it?

[Goneracin]

Back in 2020 just before the pandemic we purchased a new Forrest River Salem 26 DBUD. I track the mileage religiously, so besides what was put on it for transport we have only put 2590 miles on the trailer since new.

Its already been in for an inoperable fireplace and broken microwave, (the microwave is broken again as of this last trip). And now I have a much more serious problem, no trailer brakes.

Left the house this weekend and brakes tested as normal. Drove for 4 hours, mostly highway with no braking, it wasn't until we were pulling into the campground that I noticed the truck really didn't stop well. I came to a stop, let off the brake, applied the trailer brakes, and nothing happened.

Checked the power at the truck, good ground in the plug, and voltage when we apply the truck brakes.

Checked the junction box under the trailer, good ground and voltage.

Checked at the axles, good power and voltage.

Tried just hooking up one axle, it didn't matter, no matter which axle we hooked up, the lights dimmed on the brake controller (when brakes applied), a slight noise from the brakes on the trailer, but no brakes.

Pulled the emergency disconnect, nothing happened.

So what do you think is going on? I have worked as a mechanic and I understand braking systems, but never worked on an electric one. I'm guessing some type of a short. With only 2500 miles the brakes cant be worn out.

Can they be adjusted like normal drum brakes? Or are they self adjusting?

I did buy the extended warranty, but I think its a bit BS to have to pay a deductible for a failed safety part after such a short amount of time.

What's your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

[Old-Biscuit]

Electric trailer brakes only engage when in motion

They are just standard drum brakes that use a magnet to engage the shoes
*energize magnet...it sticks to face of drum and as drum rotates the magnet follows engaging the brake shoes

Emergency disconnect will only energize the magnets but if trailer isn't moving it does nothing but overheat magnets if left on too long


Self adjusting brakes 'adjust' when braking while moving forward
They can/use be manually adjusted ...same as any drum brake assembly
Rotate star wheel but will need to push self-adjust tang out of the way

Voltage good......but how is the amperage at each magnet
Brake Controller Manual lever fully engaged S/B 2.5-3A per wheel position

Should pull one wheel position and visually inspect and test voltage/amp at magnet

Here is a Manual by Dexter that has really good info about Brakes
http://www.dexterpartsonline.com/fil...c%20Brakes.pdf

[Goneracin]

Thanks for the quick reply, it sounds like it works just the way I expected.

I didnt go so far as to check amperage since we were at a campground in the dirt, but that is good information to know.

I will read that article after I post this, thanks for the info.

I am waiting to hear back from the dealer first, I don't want to start taking more apart and void the warranty if something is broken.

[HarryStone]

You could always jack one wheel off the ground, have someone engage the trailer brakes and try to turn the wheel by hand. You shouldn't be able to turn it much.

[Goneracin]

Originally Posted by HarryStone

You could always jack one wheel off the ground, have someone engage the trailer brakes and try to turn the wheel by hand. You shouldn't be able to turn it much.

Agreed, but I know they do not work at all.

Truck in neutral rolling at less than a mile per hour on level ground, full manual trailer brake did nothing.

[HarryStone]

Yes, but you will also find out if the magnet is energizing as well. You will hear it humming, and feel the drag. Your problem may be as simple as the brakes are out of adjustment. Some of those brake assy's are not self adjusting.

[Goneracin]

Originally Posted by HarryStone

Yes, but you will also find out if the magnet is energizing as well. You will hear it humming, and feel the drag. Your problem may be as simple as the brakes are out of adjustment. Some of those brake assy's are not self adjusting.

I see what you mean.

The camper is already put away on its pad, but I suppose I could pull the emergency to test this without bringing the truck back there again.

[carybosse]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

...


Self adjusting brakes 'adjust' when braking while moving forward
They can/use be manually adjusted ...same as any drum brake assembly
Rotate star wheel but will need to push self-adjust tang out of the way
...

I haven't worked on drum brakes in over 20 years, but typically, they adjust when backing, not going forward. Are trailer brakes that different?

[mokurt]

The dealer may consider the brakes a wear item and may not cover the repair.
I would call first.

[Goneracin]

Originally Posted by mokurt

The dealer may consider the brakes a wear item and may not cover the repair.
I would call first.

Agreed, if it is that the pads are worn. However there are 2 issues I see, how did the brakes wear out in 2500 miles? (granted they will say I drove with them stuck on or something). The other issue being, based on the electrical tests we did, they aren't even activating, so its a faulty part, not worn.

[Cumminsfan]

Blown bearing seals? Grease on the pads or drum will make them slick.

[Goneracin]

That could be an option too, but didn't see any grease. It would also be rare for all 4 to blow at the same time.

Still, its worth looking at. I'll try to pull a wheel tonight and see what it looks like under the drum.

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by carybosse

I haven't worked on drum brakes in over 20 years, but typically, they adjust when backing, not going forward. Are trailer brakes that different?

I had forgotten....Dexter adjust either direction
IIRC so do other MFGs

[carybosse]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

I had forgotten....Dexter adjust either direction
IIRC so do other MFGs

Interesting, I need to learn more.

I tried to download the link you posted, but it would not open properly. Probably my computer.