brake smart /trailer wheel lock up

[lorirobert]

I have a question about the brake smarts ability to lock up the trailer brakes, either by manual override or by setting the gain at the highest setting. On my rig I cannot get the brakes to lock up, the stopping power is marginally alright but I can't get any more out of it. I have an 04 drw 3500 and pull a 12,000 lb. 5th wheel. Is the unit operating nomal ?



Thank you for your input,

Robert Held

 

[JKeith]

I am not sure about brake smart, but electric trailer brakes have many places too fail. You might check the adjustment of the brake shoes first. Then check the trailer wiring for any bad connections at the axels ect.

 

[Dieselnerd]

I don't think the Brakesmart is the problem. As said in an earlier post the first thing to do is adjust the brakes. If that doesn't work you need to inspect the linings for grease contamination and also put a straight edge on the magnets to check for wear. As the magnets become rounded they don't grip as well and your brakes become less effective. The Brakesmart usually indicates a bad circuit but as a last resort you can check the grounds for a good connection including the connections on the plug in the truck that you plug the trailer into.



You will probably get a lot more help if you post this type of question in the "Towing, hauling and RV forum"