Molly Ayala
Adjusting tandem electric trailer brakes can be a tricky process. It involves jacking up the trailer, accessing the brakes, using an adjustment tool, and testing for tire lockup. Electric trailer brakes use electrical signals, electromagnets, and brake pads to aid in stopping while towing. The process can vary depending on the type of brakes, with some being manually adjustable and others being self-adjusting. It is important to ensure that all brakes are adjusted equally to avoid issues with axle locking, and it is recommended to check and adjust trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or 3 months.
Characteristics and Values of Adjusting Tandem Electric Trailer Brakes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Trailer brake spoon, brake adjustment tool, flathead screwdriver |
| Steps | Turn the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber, push down on the brake spoon handle, tighten the brake pads, spin the tire, replace the cover, check the torque on the trailer tire nuts |
| Frequency | Every 3,000 miles or 3 months |
| Electric Trailer Brakes | Use electrical signals, electromagnets, and brake pads |
| Brake Controller | An electronic device that allows the driver to monitor and control the trailer brakes |
| Installation | Remove old hydraulic equipment, remove the surge coupler or actuator, remove lines, and brake assemblies |
| Initial Adjustment | Manually adjust the teeth of the adjustment wheel under the lever |
| Break-in Process | Drive the trailer to an open area, get up to 40 MPH, apply the manual override on the brake controller, do not hit the brake pedal |
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What You'll Learn
Jack up the trailer
Jacking up the trailer is an important first step in adjusting your tandem electric trailer brakes. This process will give you access to the trailer brakes so that you can begin making adjustments. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Park your trailer on level ground and ensure the area is spacious and well-lit. Engage the parking brake of the vehicle towing the trailer and place wheel chocks around the trailer tires for added safety. You should also wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, before starting.
Position the jack under the trailer tongue or axle. Consult your trailer's manual to identify the recommended jacking points. These points are designed to bear the weight of the trailer safely. Once the jack is in position, start cranking it slowly to lift the trailer slightly off the ground. Ensure the trailer is stable and secure before proceeding.
After the trailer is raised, place jack stands beneath the trailer frame for added support. These stands will provide a stable base while you work on the brakes. It is important to use jack stands that are rated to handle the weight of your trailer. Check your trailer's specifications to determine the appropriate jack stand capacity.
Now that the trailer is securely jacked up, you can proceed to access the brakes. Crawl under the trailer and locate the brake assemblies. The specific steps to adjust the brakes will depend on whether your trailer has manual or self-adjusting electric brakes. Refer to your trailer's manual or seek guidance from a professional if you are unsure about the brake type.
Remember to exercise caution throughout the process, and if you have any doubts or concerns, it is best to consult a qualified technician.
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Access the brakes
Accessing the brakes on your tandem electric trailer is a crucial step in ensuring safe towing. Here is a detailed guide on how to access and adjust them:
Accessing the Brakes:
Firstly, locate the brake chamber and adjustment wheel. This is typically found below the brake drum. To access the adjustment wheel, carefully remove the cover. You may need to use a suitable tool for this step, such as a trailer brake spoon, a brake adjustment tool, or a flathead screwdriver.
Adjusting the Brakes:
Once you have exposed the adjustment wheel, you can begin the process of adjusting the brakes. Using your chosen tool, turn the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber. Push down on the tool's handle to pry the adjuster wheel upward, which will tighten the brake pads or shoes. It is important to turn the wheel gradually, one click at a time, and spin the tire between each click to ensure it moves freely.
Fine-Tuning:
Continue tightening the adjuster until you notice that the trailer tire becomes challenging to turn. At this point, stop tightening and assess the drag. The tire should still spin freely but with a slight scraping sound or drag, indicating that the trailer brake pads are correctly engaged. If you overtighten and need to loosen the adjuster wheel, use the adjustment tool to pry it downward.
Final Steps:
Once you are satisfied with the adjustment, remember to carefully replace the cover on the trailer brake access point. It is also recommended to check the torque on your trailer tire nuts at this stage to ensure everything is secure.
Remember to perform these adjustments carefully and methodically, ensuring that you follow the specific guidelines for your trailer model.
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Use an adjustment tool
Adjusting tandem electric trailer brakes is important for towing safely. It is recommended that you check and adjust your utility trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or 3 months. To adjust your trailer brakes using an adjustment tool, follow these steps:
First, jack up the trailer and access the brakes. You can locate the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber, typically below the brake drum. Using a trailer brake spoon, brake adjustment tool, or flat-head screwdriver, push down on the adjustment tool handle so the adjuster wheel is pried upward. This will tighten the brake pads or shoes.
Turn the star wheel adjuster 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 you need to, 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.
Finally, replace the cover on the trailer brake access point. It is also a good idea to check the torque on your trailer tire nuts at this stage. Follow a star pattern and ensure each one is torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.
Note that adjusting the brakes on both axles is important. If you have problems with an axle locking, adjust the sensitivity on your controller.
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Test for tire lockup
Testing for tire lockup is an important step in adjusting tandem electric trailer brakes. Here is a detailed guide on how to perform this test:
First, it is important to understand how electric trailer brakes work. Electric trailer brakes use electrical signals, electromagnets, and brake pads to help the trailer come to a stop while towing. The built-in electromagnets draw power from the vehicle, which in turn accentuates or squeezes the brake pads. As the power increases, the electromagnets apply more stopping force. This process is regulated by a brake controller, which allows the driver to monitor and control the trailer brakes.
Now, to the test for tire lockup:
- Start by testing the brakes at a speed of 25 mph. This is important because, at higher speeds, it becomes more difficult to lock up a wheel. Testing at 25 mph ensures that you are applying the maximum possible brake pressure.
- If the trailer stops very slowly during the test, you will need to increase the trailer brake gain. The trailer brake gain is the setting that determines how much power the brake controller applies to the trailer brakes. For larger trailers, a higher gain setting is typically required, while a lower gain setting is used for smaller trailers to avoid brake lockup.
- If the brakes lock up during the test, you will need to decrease the trailer brake gain to prevent lockup. Adjust the controller sensitivity as needed to find the right balance and avoid lockup.
- Keep in mind that road conditions can vary, and the performance of trailer brakes can be affected by factors such as surface conditions, moisture, or frost. Ensure that you test the brakes under different conditions to find the right settings.
- It is recommended to test and adjust your trailer brakes periodically, such as every 3,000 miles or 3 months, to ensure optimal performance.
By following these steps and testing for tire lockup, you can ensure that your tandem electric trailer brakes are properly adjusted and functioning effectively.
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Check the torque on trailer tire nuts
Adjusting your trailer brakes is important for towing safely. It is recommended that you check and adjust your utility trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or 3 months. Once you have adjusted the brakes, it is a good idea to check the torque on your trailer tire nuts.
To check the torque on your trailer tire nuts, you will need to use a properly calibrated torque wrench. This will ensure that the nuts are tightened to the correct torque specifications. The torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer will depend on factors such as the stud size, wheel material, and wheel size. It is important to refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the correct torque values.
The three most common lug stud sizes for trailers are 1/2"-20, 9/16"-18, and 5/8"-18. For example, if your trailer has 1/2" lug nuts or wheel bolts, the recommended torque is typically between 90-120 ft lbs. However, it is important to consult a lug nut torque chart to determine the specific torque specifications for your trailer.
When checking the torque on your trailer tire nuts, follow a star pattern and ensure that each nut is torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. This will ensure even tightening and help prevent any issues with wheel balance.
By regularly checking and adjusting your trailer brakes and tire nut torque, you can ensure safe towing and prevent any potential issues on the road.
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