Testing Brakes on Trailer

[Capebuild]

My trailer has magnetic brakes on a Dexter torsion axle. In trying to adjust the brakes and make sure they are functioning properly I had this idea of lifting the side of the trailer off the ground just enough so the tire could spin freely. I then connected the 7pin connector to the car. Spun the tire by hand and had someone then apply the brake pedal in the car. This allowed me to see that the brakes were actually stopping the rotation of the tire. I was curious if anyone else does this and if this testing method seems like an acceptable way to test the brakes.
Thanks for any thoughts.
John

[Tom&Shelly]

My trailer has magnetic brakes on a Dexter torsion axle. In trying to adjust the brakes and make sure they are functioning properly I had this idea of lifting the side of the trailer off the ground just enough so the tire could spin freely. I then connected the 7pin connector to the car. Spun the tire by hand and had someone then apply the brake pedal in the car. This allowed me to see that the brakes were actually stopping the rotation of the tire. I was curious if anyone else does this and if this testing method seems like an acceptable way to test the brakes.
Thanks for any thoughts.
John

Hi John,

We don't do that. We learned when we first wired in the brakes that they make a buzzing sound when energized, so now part of our connection check, along with checking the brake lights and turn signals, is that Shelly applies the brakes and I stand back there and listen to each one to make sure they are energized. That just checks electrical continuity.

We then find a straight(ish) piece of road with no traffic, as we start out, and apply the brakes so the driver can feel how well they grab. Sometimes that involves adjusting the brake controller.

Tom

[GTS225]

Stopping that free-wheeling wheel at a low speed is quite a bit different than stopping it, with a load, from 60mph. There's a LOT more kinetic energy involved in the process. What you're doing, basically, is a function check. I might suggest you adjust them as you might any other drum brake, then fine tune it at your brake controller.

Roger

[Capebuild]

Thanks for your thoughts, Tom. I remember you pointing out a while back the high pitched noise when the brake pedal is applied, so we now do listen for that “signal”.

And yes, Roger, my thought exactly, which is why I asked the question. I realize hand spinning the wheel and applying the brake pedal is very different than being on the road moving along and applying the brakes. I suppose what I did is just making sure the brake pads are actually engaging and coming up against the hubs.
Thanks.