Checking the electric brakes on your travel trailer is crucial for safe towing and preventing accidents. The most reliable way to test them involves a combination of visual inspection, manual brake testing, and, ideally, a brake controller output voltage check while in motion, ensuring each brake is engaging and providing adequate stopping power.
Why Regular Brake Checks are Essential
Towing a travel trailer significantly increases the weight your tow vehicle needs to manage. Functioning electric brakes on the trailer assist the tow vehicle’s brakes, distributing the stopping load and preventing excessive wear on the tow vehicle. Neglecting brake maintenance can lead to brake failure, increased stopping distances, and dangerous situations on the road. A well-maintained braking system protects you, your passengers, and others on the road.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your Electric Brakes
Here’s a breakdown of how to thoroughly check your travel trailer’s electric brakes:
1. Visual Inspection
Begin with a comprehensive visual inspection of all brake components.
- Brake Drums/Rotors: Examine the brake drums (or rotors, depending on the trailer’s brake system) for signs of wear, scoring, cracks, or excessive rust. These imperfections can significantly reduce braking effectiveness.
- Brake Shoes/Pads: Check the thickness of the brake shoes (inside the drum) or pads (on disc brakes). If they are worn thin (less than 1/8 inch of material remaining), they need replacement.
- Wiring and Connections: Inspect all wiring connections to the brakes. Look for frayed wires, corrosion, or loose connections. Clean corroded connections and secure loose ones. A multimeter can be helpful in confirming continuity and voltage at these points.
- Brake Magnets: With the wheel removed and the drum exposed, visually inspect the brake magnet. Look for excessive wear, cracks, or uneven wear patterns. Worn or damaged magnets won’t generate sufficient friction to activate the brakes properly.
- Springs and Hardware: Ensure all springs, levers, and other hardware are in good condition and properly installed. Missing or damaged hardware can prevent the brakes from functioning correctly.
- Bearing Grease Seals: Check the bearing grease seals for leaks. Leaking grease can contaminate the brake shoes/pads and significantly reduce braking performance.
- Actuator Arm: Inside the brake assembly, ensure the actuator arm that moves the magnet is free and uninhibited.
2. Manual Brake Activation Test
This test helps determine if the brakes are engaging.
- Elevate the Trailer: Using appropriate jacks and safety stands, elevate the trailer wheels one at a time. Ensure the trailer is securely supported before working underneath.
- Activate the Brake Controller Manually: Use the manual override on your brake controller to send power to the trailer brakes.
- Attempt to Rotate the Wheel: While the brake controller is engaged, try to rotate the wheel by hand. If the brakes are functioning correctly, the wheel should be very difficult, if not impossible, to turn.
- Repeat for Each Wheel: Repeat this process for each wheel on the trailer to ensure each brake is engaging.
3. On-Road Testing
The on-road test is crucial to assess braking performance under real-world conditions.
- Find a Safe Location: Choose a safe, open area with minimal traffic.
- Low-Speed Test: Drive the tow vehicle and trailer at a low speed (around 5-10 mph). Use the manual override on the brake controller to apply the trailer brakes. You should feel a distinct braking action from the trailer.
- Increased Speed Test: Gradually increase your speed to around 20-25 mph and repeat the manual brake activation. The trailer brakes should provide noticeable stopping assistance.
- Regular Braking Test: During normal driving conditions, pay attention to how the trailer brakes work in conjunction with your tow vehicle’s brakes. There should be a smooth, balanced braking action.
- Adjust Brake Controller Settings: If the trailer brakes are too aggressive (causing the trailer to jerk) or not aggressive enough (not providing sufficient stopping power), adjust the gain setting on your brake controller accordingly. Refer to your brake controller’s manual for specific instructions.
4. Voltage Check at the Brakes (Recommended)
This requires a multimeter and provides the most accurate assessment of brake performance.
- Access the Brake Wiring: Locate the wiring connection at each brake assembly.
- Connect the Multimeter: Connect the multimeter to the positive and negative wires leading to the brake magnet.
- Activate the Brake Controller Manually: Use the manual override on the brake controller to send power to the trailer brakes.
- Check the Voltage Reading: With the brake controller activated, the multimeter should read a voltage close to your tow vehicle’s battery voltage (typically around 12-14 volts). A significantly lower voltage reading indicates a problem with the wiring, connections, or brake controller.
- Repeat for Each Brake: Repeat this process for each brake on the trailer. The voltage readings should be consistent across all brakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: How often should I check my travel trailer’s electric brakes?
Ideally, you should inspect your trailer’s electric brakes before each trip, especially long ones. A more thorough inspection, including removing the drums/rotors for internal examination, should be performed at least annually, or more frequently if you travel extensively or in harsh conditions.
FAQ 2: What tools do I need to check my electric brakes?
You’ll need basic tools such as:
- Jack and Safety Stands: For safely lifting the trailer.
- Wheel Chocks: To prevent the trailer from rolling.
- Wrench Set: For removing wheels and brake components.
- Screwdrivers: Both Phillips and flathead.
- Pliers: For gripping and manipulating small parts.
- Brake Cleaner: For cleaning brake components.
- Multimeter: For checking voltage and continuity.
- Brake Adjustment Tool (if applicable): For adjusting brake shoes in drum brake systems.
- Gloves and Safety Glasses: For personal protection.
FAQ 3: What is a brake controller and why is it important?
A brake controller is an electronic device installed in your tow vehicle that allows you to control the electric brakes on your travel trailer. It senses when you are braking and sends a proportional amount of electrical current to the trailer brakes, synchronizing the braking action between the tow vehicle and the trailer. A properly functioning brake controller is essential for safe towing.
FAQ 4: How do I adjust the gain on my brake controller?
The gain setting on your brake controller determines the amount of braking power applied to the trailer brakes. Adjust it based on the trailer’s weight and the road conditions. Start with a low gain setting and gradually increase it until you feel the trailer braking effectively without jerking or locking up the wheels. Consult your brake controller’s manual for specific adjustment instructions.
FAQ 5: What does it mean if my trailer brakes are locking up?
If your trailer brakes are locking up, it indicates that the gain setting on your brake controller is too high, or there may be a problem with the brake controller itself. Reduce the gain setting. If the problem persists, inspect the brake assemblies for binding or damaged components.
FAQ 6: How do I know if my brake magnets are worn out?
Worn brake magnets will have reduced friction, resulting in weak or non-existent braking action. Signs of worn magnets include: reduced braking power, uneven wear patterns, or a glazing over of the friction surface. A resistance test with a multimeter can also indicate if a magnet is failing. Refer to the magnet’s specifications for the correct resistance range.
FAQ 7: What is the difference between drum brakes and disc brakes on a travel trailer?
Drum brakes are the more traditional type of brake system found on many travel trailers. They use brake shoes that press against the inside of a rotating drum to create friction. Disc brakes, on the other hand, use brake pads that press against a rotating rotor to create friction. Disc brakes generally offer better stopping power, are less prone to overheating, and are easier to maintain than drum brakes.
FAQ 8: How do I adjust drum brakes on my travel trailer?
Many drum brake systems have an adjustment mechanism that allows you to adjust the clearance between the brake shoes and the drum. This is typically done by inserting a brake adjustment tool through a slot in the backing plate and turning the adjustment wheel until the brake shoes are close to the drum without dragging. Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual for specific instructions. Self-adjusting brakes should be inspected for proper function, ensuring the adjustment mechanism isn’t seized.
FAQ 9: Can I replace my drum brakes with disc brakes?
Yes, it’s possible to convert from drum brakes to disc brakes. This upgrade can significantly improve your trailer’s braking performance and safety. However, it’s a more involved process that requires replacing the entire brake assembly, including the hubs, rotors, calipers, and brake lines. It’s often recommended to have this conversion performed by a qualified mechanic.
FAQ 10: What is “brake fade” and how can I prevent it?
Brake fade is a temporary loss of braking power caused by overheating of the brake components. It’s more common with drum brakes than disc brakes. To prevent brake fade, avoid excessive braking, especially on long descents. Use lower gears to control your speed and allow the brakes to cool down periodically. Ensure your brakes are properly maintained and adjusted.
FAQ 11: My brake controller is showing an error code. What should I do?
Error codes on your brake controller indicate a problem with the brake system. Consult your brake controller’s manual to identify the specific meaning of the error code. Common causes include wiring issues, faulty brake magnets, or a malfunctioning brake controller. Diagnose and repair the underlying problem before continuing to tow.
FAQ 12: Where can I find a qualified mechanic to inspect or repair my trailer brakes?
You can find qualified mechanics who specialize in trailer repair by searching online directories, asking for recommendations from other RV owners, or contacting your local RV dealer. Look for mechanics who are certified by organizations such as the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) or the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).
By following these steps and performing regular maintenance, you can ensure that your travel trailer’s electric brakes are functioning properly and providing safe, reliable stopping power. Remember, prioritizing safety is paramount when towing a travel trailer.