5th wheel brake adjustment!.

[illflem]

Not sure about your trailer, but bet it's the same as my GN flatbed with Dexter axles/electric brakes. It has two out of four wheels where the brakes don't self adjust properly with a reverse stop. I lift the trailer up with a fork lift, but you could also just use a jack. Adjust the brakes just the same as any drum brakes via the star wheel till you feel a slight drag. If they all adjust about the same you will know that your self adjusters are working. Beware that if the brakes still don't work correctly that the magnets may be worn down, or shoes may be worn. I replace the whole set up at once. If the drums need turning I have found it cheaper to just replace the drums, I've found it hard to find a place equipped to turn the surface where the magnet rides.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 04-26-2001). ]

 

[JAshcraft]

Bob - I have a 32 ft. Carri-Lite 5th wheel with dexter axles and all four wheel have to be manually adjusted. Also while you are under the trailer it is a good time to check the wiring for rock dings and and all connections and if you find and clamp type wire connectors I would remove them an solder the connections. Also I've always been told to raise the trailer by putting the jack under the frame of the trailer and not the axle. I've always done this and it seems to work well. You can use a brake spoon or a good screwdriver will also work. Hope this little bit of info helps. The wife and were in you Beautiful State last September and had a great visit. I was really inpressed with the large wheat fields along state highway 2 in eastern Washington. We have big wheat fields in Texas, but nothing like that.

james

 

[illflem]

james, the average wheat farm in E. WA is 12,000 acres. Wheat is the state's number one crop. When people think of WA they think trees and rain, over half the state is desert.

 

[brobeson]

Are the drum brakes on a 5th wheel (1996 TravelEZE by Thor) adjusted like the old drum brakes on cars?

That is, are the brakes self adjusting only during backing up?

If so, I will need to find a spot to backup enough, putting the brakes on and off, to get them adjusted.

How do you adjust your 5th wheel brakes?

Thanks

Bob


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1998. 5, 2500, SLT, Red over Driftwood, 24V, 4X4, Auto, 4. 10, Light Group, Camper Special group, Convenience Group, Travel Group, Trailer Group, Keyless entry, 5 band EQ and 6 disk changer, towing 35ft. Travel EZE 5er

On Order, due end of April, early May. 2001 3500, SLT+, Green/Tan leather, Duel Power Seats, HO, 6 speed, 4X4, 4. 10, Towing Package, Trailer Tow Mirrors, Camper Package, Sliding rear Window, Jacob’s E-brakes (Dodge), Electric Steps (Dodge), Mud Flaps on all 4s (Dodge) Every option offered by dodge except the snowplow, even has the front Air Dam.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I heard on the radio a few months ago about wheat farmers who were BURNING their wheat in their heating stoves because wheat was so cheap, and fuel oil was so high...

As for the Dexter axles, I have to adjust the ones on my '88 Kit fiver by hand - no automatic adjusters...

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http://community. webshots.com/user/davison71 Early '91 250, 727 AT, 307 rear... Banks Stinger exhaust, intercooler... US Gear OD... Tweaked pump, upgraded radiator... MORE than a match for every new PS Ford encountered so far...

"Dura" WHAT? NOW I know where all those recycled beer cans go...

 

[rob10858]

just make sure that youre turning the adjuster the right way, otherwise it will come apart and you have to pull the wheel and start all over again. lets see, is it up or down wtih the adjuster tool? ive heard a million different "right ways" to do it. if the adjuster is on upside down on one wheel, youll be going the wrong way with the tool. the best way to know for sure is to get a shoplite and look at the threads on the adj as your turning it. you want to make sure that there is an even amount of thread showing on both ends, and the adjuster is getting longer as you turn the starwheel. i hope this helps,... and i hope im right, i still screw up doing this every now and then.

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