Otis Singleton
Electric trailer brakes use electrical signals, electromagnets, and brake pads to help the trailer stop while towing. The built-in electromagnets draw power from the vehicle to squeeze the brake pads. As power increases, the electromagnets apply more stopping force. To regulate the power to the electric trailer brakes, a brake controller is used. This is an electronic device that allows the driver to monitor and control the trailer brakes. This article will discuss how to adjust electric brakes on an RV.
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What You'll Learn
Manually adjust new trailer brakes
To manually adjust new trailer brakes, you will need to follow these steps:
First, jack up the trailer and access the brakes. You can use a trailer brake spoon, a brake adjustment tool, or a flathead screwdriver to turn the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber. The adjuster is typically located below the brake drum. Push down on the brake spoon handle so the adjuster wheel is pried upward, tightening the brake pads or shoes.
Next, turn the wheel one click at a time. Spin the tire between each click to ensure it spins freely. Once the trailer tire becomes difficult to turn, stop tightening the adjuster. If needed, you can pry upward on the adjustment tool to loosen the adjuster wheel. The tire should spin freely but still have a slight scraping sound or drag, indicating that the trailer brake pads are properly engaged.
After adjusting the brakes, replace the cover on the trailer brake access point. It is also recommended to check the torque on your trailer tire nuts, following the manufacturer's specifications.
Additionally, you may need to perform a break-in process for new brakes. Drive your trailer to an open area and reach a speed of around 40 mph. Apply the manual override on your brake controller, ensuring it is set high enough to fully engage the trailer brakes. Avoid using the brake pedal and rely solely on the trailer brakes to slow down. Repeat this process about 20 to 30 times to properly seat the brakes.
Remember to adjust your trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, depending on usage. This process ensures safe towing and optimal brake performance.
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Adjusting self-braking systems
First, it is important to check if your RV has self-adjusting brakes. These brakes typically have a manual lever on the brake controller. If your RV has self-adjusting brakes, you can adjust them by operating the manual lever while driving at a slower speed of around 20 mph. Fully apply the brakes with the lever and release, repeating this process several times without overheating the brakes. You will feel when the adjustment is adequate.
If your RV does not have self-adjusting brakes, you will need to manually adjust them. Start by chocking the trailer wheels and jacking up one side of the trailer, ensuring the jack is placed under the trailer frame and not the axle. Once the trailer is securely suspended, you can access the brake adjuster, typically located below the brake drum. Use a trailer brake spoon, brake adjustment tool, or flathead screwdriver to turn the star wheel adjuster. Push down on the brake spoon handle to tighten the brake pads against the brake drums, and turn the wheel one click at a time. Spin the tire between each click to ensure it spins freely. Repeat this process on the other side of the trailer.
It is recommended to adjust your trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, depending on usage. Additionally, when installing new brakes, a break-in process is necessary to allow the brake shoes and magnet to seat into the drum. Drive your trailer to an open area and reach a speed of around 40 mph. Use the manual override on your brake controller to slow down, repeating this process about 20 to 30 times to properly seat the brakes.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your RV's self-braking systems are adjusted properly, maintaining the safety and functionality of your vehicle.
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Using a brake spoon
Firstly, locate the star wheel adjuster. This will be inside the brake chamber, which can be accessed by removing the cover, cap, or plug. The star wheel adjuster is a spikey gear wrapped around a long cylinder spool.
Next, use the brake spoon to turn the star wheel adjuster. Place the brake spoon on one of the ridges of the star wheel adjuster and push it up to tighten the brake pads or press it down to loosen them. You should turn the wheel one click at a time, spinning the tire between each click to ensure it spins freely.
If your brake has two plugs, the star wheel adjuster screw could be on either side, depending on which side of the trailer you are on. You can identify the screw by looking for small teeth that go all the way around it.
When adjusting the brake spoon, you will feel a slight resistance, but be careful not to overtighten, or your brakes will lock up. A correctly adjusted brake will turn the trailer tire freely with a slight scraping sound or slight drag, indicating that the trailer brake pads are properly engaged.
It is important to adjust your trailer brakes regularly, approximately every 3,000 miles or annually, to ensure they work effectively.
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Checking for wear on brake shoes or drum
To check for wear on the brake shoes or drum of your RV, you must first remove the brake drum. Once the drum is off, you can inspect the brake shoes and magnet as well as all their attachment hardware.
If you have disc brakes, you can inspect the pads and rotor disc without further disassembly. However, if you have drum brakes, you will need to remove the drum to inspect the brake shoes.
There are several signs that your brake shoes may need to be replaced. One is if the pad material is riveted on and you can see the rivets. Another is if the brakes have been adjusted and are still weak. If you are experiencing specific braking issues, such as weak brakes or one wheel locking up, it may be time to replace the brake shoes.
It's important to note that brake shoe wear-out is rare with sensible defensive driving. Regular maintenance is key, and the more you use your RV, the more often you will need to maintain your brakes and wheel bearings. It is recommended that you check and adjust your RV brakes every 3,000 miles or 3 months.
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Adjusting brake controller settings
First, it's important to understand the role of the brake controller. The brake controller is an electronic device that regulates the power sent to your electric trailer brakes. It allows you to monitor and control the deceleration of your RV, ensuring a smooth and safe braking process.
When adjusting your brake controller settings, begin by checking the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific controller model. Each controller may have unique calibration procedures, so referring to the manual is essential. However, some general guidelines can be provided:
- Chock the trailer wheels and jack up one side of your trailer, ensuring the jack is placed under the trailer frame for stability.
- Access the brake controller's settings. This process may vary depending on the controller model.
- Adjust the brake controller's sensitivity or gain setting. This setting determines how aggressively the brakes respond to your input. A higher sensitivity setting will result in stronger braking force for a given input, while a lower setting will provide a more gradual deceleration.
- Test the settings by driving your RV at a slow speed, around 20 mph, and applying the brakes gently. Observe how the RV responds to the adjusted settings.
- Fine-tune the controller settings based on your observations. If the RV decelerates too quickly or too slowly, adjust the sensitivity accordingly.
- Repeat the testing and adjustment process until you achieve the desired braking performance.
It is important to note that brake controller settings can be influenced by various factors, including the weight of your RV, the terrain, and your personal driving style. As such, you may need to periodically re-adjust your controller settings to maintain optimal braking performance. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspection of your RV's brakes, as recommended by the manufacturer, are crucial for your safety on the road.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you check and adjust your electric trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or 3 months.
You can use a trailer brake spoon, a brake adjustment tool, or a flathead screwdriver.
First, jack up one side of your trailer and remove the rubber plug at the bottom of the brake backing plate. Then, use your tool of choice to turn the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber. Push down on the brake spoon handle to tighten the brake pads or shoes. Turn the wheel one click at a time, checking that the wheel spins freely between each click. Once the wheel becomes difficult to turn, stop tightening the adjuster and loosen it until you hear a slight scraping sound, indicating that the trailer brake pads are properly engaged.
Self-adjusting electric brakes can be adjusted by operating them with the manual lever on the brake controller while travelling at a slower speed of around 20 mph. Apply the brakes fully with the lever and release, repeating this process several times without overheating the brakes. You will feel when the adjustment is adequate.
