Wiktor Wise
Electric trailer brakes are an important safety feature, but they can sometimes malfunction or require adjustment. In some cases, it may be necessary to back off or release the brakes, such as when the breakaway switch cable snags or the trailer brakes lock up. This can often be achieved by backing up a short distance, unplugging the trailer wiring harness, or disconnecting the brake controller. Adjusting electric trailer brakes involves jacking up the trailer, accessing the brakes, using an adjustment tool, and testing for tire lockup. Regular maintenance and calibration of the brake controller are also crucial to ensure the safe operation of electric trailer brakes.
Characteristics and Values of Backing Off Electric Trailer Brakes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of brake controller | Time-delay or proportional/inertia-based |
| How to disconnect brake controller | Unplug or cut the brake output wire |
| How to release brakes after breakaway switch activation | Reinsert plunger, remove breakaway battery or cut wire |
| How to check if breakaway system is working | Pull pin from switch box and move tow vehicle forward |
| How to adjust brake tightness | Turn adjuster wheel upward to tighten, downward to loosen |
| How to adjust brake pads | Use trailer brake spoon, brake adjustment tool or flathead screwdriver |
| How often to check and adjust trailer brakes | Every 3,000 miles or 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Using a trailer brake controller
There are two basic types of brake controllers: time-delay and proportional or inertia-based. Time-delay brake controllers activate the trailer brakes as soon as the driver presses the brake pedal, applying an increasing amount of power over a fixed period. The gain setting on these controllers can be adjusted to accommodate different trailers, but they are not as precise as the proportional method. Proportional controllers use an accelerometer to sense changes in momentum and apply power to the trailer brakes in proportion to the vehicle's momentum, providing smooth and efficient braking.
To use a trailer brake controller, first ensure that your vehicle and trailer are parked on a level surface in a safe, open area. Then, connect the trailer wiring harness to your vehicle. Allow the brake controller to calibrate, and adjust the trailer gain settings to regulate the amount of braking power.
It is important to note that not all trailers require a brake controller. Some trailers are equipped with surge brakes, a hydraulic braking system that uses the trailer's weight and momentum to activate the brakes. These systems do not require a brake controller or an electrical connection to the vehicle.
Regular maintenance and adjustment of your trailer brakes are crucial for safe towing. It is recommended to check and adjust your trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or 3 months. You can adjust the brakes by using a brake adjustment tool or a flathead screwdriver to turn the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber. This will help ensure that your trailer brake pads are properly engaged, providing optimal stopping power when needed.
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Adjusting brake pads
Adjusting the brake pads on electric trailer brakes is important for towing safely. It is recommended that you check and adjust your trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or 3 months. This process involves using a trailer brake spoon, brake adjustment tool, or flathead screwdriver to turn the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber. The adjuster is typically located below the brake drum. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to adjust the brake pads:
Step 1: Chock the Trailer Wheels
Begin by chocking the trailer wheels and jacking up one side of the trailer. Remember to place the jack under the trailer frame, not the axle. This will ensure stability and safety during the adjustment process.
Step 2: Locate the Star Wheel Adjuster
The star wheel adjuster is typically located inside the brake chamber, below the brake drum. It is responsible for adjusting the tension on the brake pads.
Step 3: Use a Trailer Brake Spoon or Adjustment Tool
Using a trailer brake spoon, brake adjustment tool, or a flathead screwdriver, pry down on the star wheel adjuster to tighten the brake pads against the brake drums. Turn the adjuster one click at a time.
Step 4: Spin the Tire and Check Resistance
After each click, spin the tire to ensure it still spins freely. You should also listen for a slight scraping sound or slight drag, indicating that the trailer brake pads are properly engaged. Once the tire becomes difficult to turn, stop tightening the adjuster.
Step 5: Loosen the Adjuster if Necessary
If the tire is too difficult to turn, use the adjustment tool to pry upward on the star wheel adjuster, which will loosen the brake pads. The goal is to find a balance where the tire has some resistance but still spins freely.
Step 6: Final Checks and Adjustments
Once you've adjusted the brake pads, replace the cover on the trailer brake access point. This is also a good time to check the torque on your trailer tire nuts and ensure they meet the manufacturer's specifications.
It is important to note that this guide provides a general overview of adjusting electric trailer brake pads. Depending on the specific make and model of your trailer, there may be slight variations in the adjustment process. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or consult a qualified technician if you are unsure about any steps.
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Cutting off power to the trailer brakes
Electric trailer brakes are regulated by a brake controller, which uses electricity from the tow vehicle to apply a specific amount of power to the trailer brakes. The controller allows the driver to activate and monitor trailer brake activity from the cab of the vehicle.
To cut off power to the trailer brakes, you can try the following:
- Unplug the brake controller. If the brake controller is disconnected, the brakes will not receive power.
- If the brake controller is hardwired and cannot be unplugged, you can cut the brake output wire anywhere between the brake controller and the trailer brakes. The brake output wire is typically blue, but this may differ depending on the vehicle and trailer manufacturer. Be sure to cut an area that would be easy to splice back together once the brakes are fixed.
- If you do not want to cut wires, you can remove the brake output wire from either the vehicle side or trailer side connector.
- If your trailer has a breakaway switch and the brakes have been activated, you can insert the plunger back into the switch to cut off power to the brakes. If you no longer have the plunger, you can remove the breakaway battery or cut one of the wires going to or from the breakaway switch. Do not cut the brake wire on the trailer, just the wire from the breakaway switch to the brake circuit on the trailer.
It is important to note that electric trailer brakes do not work without a brake controller. If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes, you will need a brake controller to tow.
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Testing if the breakaway system is working
Testing the breakaway system is a simple process, but it is important to get it right. Before testing, ensure the trailer is hitched to the tow vehicle.
Firstly, check the breakaway battery is fully charged. If it is not, recharge or replace the battery. Next, locate the breakaway switch and remove the pin. This may require some force, and it is important not to break the pin. Now, slowly move the tow vehicle forward. If the trailer brakes lock and the wheels won't turn, the breakaway system is working. If the trailer rolls forward freely, there is an issue with the breakaway system or the trailer brakes.
If the system fails, the trailer brakes may need servicing or adjusting. Once the trailer brakes have been serviced, repeat the test. If the trailer still fails the test, the entire system needs to be diagnosed, and the trailer should not be towed until the brakes are repaired.
It is important to note that removing the pin will deplete the battery, so it is recommended to clip the cable to the tow vehicle. The breakaway system will not work if the cable is not attached to the tow vehicle. After testing, reinsert the pin and reconnect the trailer plug to the tow vehicle.
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Backing up to release the brakes
Electric trailer brakes use electrical signals, electromagnets, and brake pads to aid the trailer in stopping while towing. The electromagnets draw power from the vehicle to squeeze the brake pads. As the 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.
A breakaway switch system is a safety feature that engages the trailer brakes when the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle. This prevents the trailer from rolling into oncoming traffic or a ditch. To release the brakes, you can insert the plunger back into the switch to cut off the power to the trailer brakes. If you no longer have the plunger, you can remove the breakaway battery or cut one of the wires going to or from the breakaway switch.
If you need to release the electric trailer brakes, one method is to back up the tow vehicle by about one to two feet to disengage the brakes. This method is useful when the trailer brakes have locked up due to the breakaway switch being activated.
To adjust the trailer brakes, you can use a brake adjustment tool or a flathead screwdriver to turn the adjuster wheel. Pushing down on the adjustment tool handle will tighten the trailer brakes, while pulling up will loosen them. It is recommended that you check and adjust your trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or three months.
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Frequently asked questions
A trailer brake controller is an electronic device that regulates the electric trailer brakes. It allows the driver to activate and monitor trailer brake activity from the cab of the vehicle.
Electric trailer brakes can be backed off by unplugging the brake controller or cutting the brake output wire between the brake controller and the trailer brakes. Alternatively, you can back up the trailer by about a foot to release the brakes.
To loosen the trailer brakes, turn the adjuster wheel by prying it downward with a brake adjustment tool or flathead screwdriver.
To tighten the trailer brakes, turn the adjuster wheel by prying it upward with a brake adjustment tool or flathead screwdriver.
It is recommended that you check and adjust your utility trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or 3 months.
