How do you test/check Trailer brakes

(plhorn) · (plhorn) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 02-28-2007, 7:44 AM

My trailer has seen alot of salt water and I'm not sure if the brakes are actually doing anything at this point. How do you test them?

(showtime) · (showtime) **Join Date: Nov 2005** 02-28-2007, 8:51 AM

connect the trailer to the towing vehicle, start the combo rolling and use the manual override lever or switch on you brake controller

(toneus) · (toneus) **Join Date: Feb 2007** 02-28-2007, 9:17 AM

Are your brakes electric, or are they hydraulic driven?

Electrics typically have a brake control unit in your tow car. Hydraulic are actuated when a piston in the front of your trailer is compress due to the slowing of the tow vehicle.

Electric brakes typically have a level that you can move on the controller to fully engage the brakes. Thus testing them.

Hydraulic brakes can be tested by backing up a hill with the trailer attached. Because the trailer wants to roll down hill, or toward the tow vehicle, it will compress the piston, causing the brakes to actuate. If they actuate, and cause resistance, then they are working.

How to troubleshoot. http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#trouble_shooting

Note that most trailer brakes are adjusted by spinning an adjuster on the inside hub of the trailer wheels.

How to adjust. http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#adjust_brakes

Lot of good information...
http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html

Toneus