Trailer Brakes

[Priority1]

Your rig is already to go. You may have even made a trip or two. Most of us remember to grease the wheel bearings and check the lights. How many of you checked the trailer brakes and adjusted them? This is something that needs to be done at least every year. All the tandem and tri-axle trailers have brakes, and some single axle trailers do also. Check the fluid in the master cylinder.

The procedure for adjusting trailer brakes. Jack up the trailer and block it or place a jack stand under it for safety. There is usually a rubber plug near the bottom of the brake backer plate, remove it. Insert a brake spoon and move the adjustment wheel with an upward motion of the spoon handle. Keep moving it upward until the wheel locks. Back off the adjustment wheel 10 clicks by moving the tool downward. Make sure the brake isn't dragging, and if it is give it another click or two downward with the tool. You may want to have someone actuate the master cylinder to see if the brakes work. If you are in doubt about how to do this, take it to a mechanic. You are required to have these brakes in working order. If you can't stop and are involved in an accident your equipment will surely be scrutinized. Note the above procedure is for drum brakes only.

[Boltman]

Oh TRust me mine are done, and I even bought a new triple axle brake controller....

[anthonyyost]

I have a triple axel trailer that I adjusted the brakes on a couple of weeks ago, first time out after adjusting, blew a wheel cylinder. By keeping the brakes adjusted, it keeps you up to date on other problems that may creep up on you.