Properly adjusted brakes are paramount to safe travel trailering. The process involves ensuring each brake assembly engages effectively and evenly, contributing to balanced stopping power and preventing dangerous swaying or lock-up during braking. This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to adjusting your travel trailer brakes, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey.
Understanding Travel Trailer Brake Systems
Travel trailer brakes are typically electric drum brakes, activated by a signal from the tow vehicle’s brake controller. When the tow vehicle’s brakes are applied, the brake controller sends an electrical current to the trailer’s magnets. These magnets are located within the brake drum and when energized, they are drawn to the rotating armature surface. This contact creates friction, which then pushes an actuating arm, which in turn spreads the brake shoes against the drum, slowing or stopping the trailer’s wheels. Knowing this mechanism is key to understanding how to properly adjust the system.
The Importance of Regular Brake Adjustment
Ignoring brake adjustments can lead to several problems:
- Reduced Stopping Power: Unevenly adjusted brakes can significantly reduce overall stopping ability, increasing stopping distances.
- Uneven Wear: Over-tightened brakes can cause premature wear on brake shoes and drums.
- Brake Lock-Up: An overly tight brake can lock up during normal braking, leading to skidding and loss of control.
- Brake Fade: Overheated brakes due to excessive friction can experience brake fade, where braking efficiency decreases significantly.
- Trailer Sway: Unevenly adjusted brakes can cause the trailer to sway during braking, a potentially dangerous situation.
Step-by-Step Brake Adjustment Process
Before beginning, gather the necessary tools: a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, screwdriver, brake adjustment tool (also known as a brake spoon), wheel chocks, and gloves. Safety is paramount; always use wheel chocks and jack stands.
Step 1: Preparation
- Chock the wheels: Securely chock the wheels opposite the side you will be working on to prevent the trailer from rolling.
- Jack Up the Trailer: Use the jack to lift the trailer’s wheels off the ground on the side you’ll be adjusting. Place jack stands securely under the frame for support. Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack.
- Remove the Wheel: Using the lug wrench, remove the wheel to expose the brake drum.
Step 2: Locating the Adjustment Slots
On the back of the brake backing plate, you’ll find one or two adjustment slots. These slots are typically covered by a rubber or plastic plug. Remove the plug(s) to access the brake adjuster star wheel.
Step 3: Adjusting the Brakes
- Insert the Brake Adjustment Tool: Insert the brake adjustment tool into the adjustment slot and engage the star wheel.
- Tighten the Brakes: Use the tool to turn the star wheel. The goal is to tighten the brakes until the brake shoes make contact with the drum. You should hear a scraping sound as you turn the wheel.
- Check for Drag: Rotate the drum by hand. As you tighten the adjuster, the drum will become harder to turn. Continue tightening until the drum is difficult to turn and has a noticeable drag.
- Loosen the Brakes: Now, carefully loosen the adjuster by backing off the star wheel. The goal is to back off the adjuster until the drum can rotate freely with a slight drag. A good rule of thumb is to back off 6-8 clicks on the adjuster. The drum should rotate almost freely but with a faint brushing sound from the shoes touching the drum.
Step 4: Repeat for All Wheels
Repeat steps 1-3 for all wheels of the trailer. It’s crucial to adjust all brakes to achieve balanced braking.
Step 5: Test the Brakes
- Reinstall the Wheels: Securely reinstall the wheels and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
- Lower the Trailer: Carefully lower the trailer back to the ground.
- Initial Test: After the trailer is lowered, take it for a slow-speed test in a safe, open area. Apply the brakes gently and check for any pulling or uneven braking.
- Brake Controller Adjustment: If necessary, adjust the gain setting on your brake controller in the tow vehicle. This allows you to fine-tune the braking force applied to the trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should I adjust my travel trailer brakes?
Regular brake inspections and adjustments are recommended every 3,000 miles or at least once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently tow in mountainous terrain or experience heavy braking, more frequent adjustments may be necessary.
2. What are the signs that my travel trailer brakes need adjustment?
Common signs include increased stopping distance, uneven braking, trailer sway during braking, a spongy brake pedal feel in the tow vehicle, and unusual noises (squealing, grinding) from the brakes.
3. Can I adjust my trailer brakes myself, or should I take it to a professional?
If you are comfortable working on mechanical systems and understand the process, you can adjust your trailer brakes yourself. However, if you are unsure or lack experience, it’s best to have a qualified mechanic perform the adjustment. Improperly adjusted brakes can be dangerous.
4. What is a brake controller, and why is it important?
A brake controller is an electronic device installed in the tow vehicle that sends an electrical signal to the trailer’s brakes. It is crucial for safe towing as it allows the tow vehicle and trailer brakes to work in coordination.
5. How do I know what the correct torque specification is for my trailer’s lug nuts?
The correct torque specification for your trailer’s lug nuts can typically be found in your trailer’s owner’s manual or on a sticker near the wheels. Using the correct torque ensures the wheels are securely attached without damaging the studs or rims.
6. What is “brake fade,” and how can I prevent it?
Brake fade occurs when the brakes overheat, causing a reduction in braking effectiveness. It can be prevented by avoiding excessive braking, using lower gears when descending steep hills, and ensuring the brakes are properly adjusted and maintained.
7. What is involved in replacing brake shoes on a travel trailer?
Replacing brake shoes involves removing the brake drum, disconnecting the brake shoe retaining springs and hardware, installing new brake shoes, and reassembling the system. It’s a more complex procedure than a simple adjustment and often requires specialized tools. It’s crucial to inspect the entire braking system when replacing brake shoes.
8. How do I inspect the brake drums for damage?
Inspect the brake drums for cracks, scoring, excessive wear, and signs of overheating (bluing of the metal). If the drums are damaged, they should be resurfaced or replaced.
9. What type of grease should I use on the brake adjusters?
Use a high-temperature brake grease specifically designed for brake components. This type of grease can withstand the high temperatures generated by the brakes and will help prevent corrosion and seizing of the adjusters.
10. My trailer has self-adjusting brakes. Do I still need to manually adjust them?
Even with self-adjusting brakes, periodic manual adjustments may be necessary, especially if the self-adjusters are not functioning correctly. Regular inspections are still crucial.
11. What is the best way to test my brake controller settings?
The best way to test your brake controller settings is to perform a slide test in a safe, open area. While driving at a low speed (around 20 mph), manually activate the trailer brakes using the brake controller lever. The trailer brakes should engage smoothly and slow the trailer down without locking up the wheels. Adjust the gain setting on the brake controller until you achieve optimal braking performance.
12. What is electric over hydraulic braking system and how does it differ from electric drum brakes?
Electric over hydraulic braking systems utilize an electric signal from the brake controller to activate a hydraulic pump on the trailer. This pump then applies pressure to hydraulic brake calipers, which clamp down on rotors (similar to car brakes). This system provides significantly more stopping power than traditional electric drum brakes and offers better modulation and control. It is typically found on heavier trailers. The adjustment process is different; this system usually incorporates automatic adjustment.
Proper brake adjustment is a vital aspect of travel trailer maintenance. By following these steps and understanding the principles involved, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable towing experience. Remember, when in doubt, consult with a qualified professional.