electric brake refub

[tbeau]

The used trailer I got has electric brakes, but I do not know if they work or the last time they were used. The wires are there but the connection on the end has been cut off. What do I need to do to test them and get them ready?

[G-force]

Truthfully, if its a standard size, it is often cheaper and less frustrating to just replace the entire backplate and assembly. Usualy 4 bolts holding the whole thing on. If the old ones dont look too bad, perhaps just clean the up and rewire them. They work like normal drum brakes if your familiar with them. However, the difference is instead of a hydraulic cylinder, or cable accuated arm that spreads the pads apart, there is an electric magnet. When the brake controller in the tow vehicle sends current to it, it "sticks" to the metal drum and the drag accuates a lever arm that spreads the pads apart.

The used trailer I got has electric brakes, but I do not know if they work or the last time they were used. The wires are there but the connection on the end has been cut off. What do I need to do to test them and get them ready?

[Dale M.]

Inspection and cleaning of brakes may reveal nothing wrong with them...

This site has about everything you need to know about testing and repairing electric brakes...

http://www.championtrailers.com/brkart.html


A simple test would be to jack up trailer, take 12 volt battery with a 10 or 15 amp fuse inline and connect it across trailer brake wires. If brakes lock in and wheels will not spin , then they are "working" .. How good will be determined by actually inspection of components and replacing worn or defective parts...

Dale

[Nitetimes]

You can simply hook the clamps of a battery charger to both wires, neg and positive don't matter. If you have the drums off you should be able to hang a screw driver from the magnets.

[tbeau]

After taking apart the wheel, I think my decion was made. I must replace. So where should I start. Where is the best and cheapest place to get brakes?

[Dale M.]

After blowing up picture and looking at it, I don't see much of a problem, yes magnet has scrape marks, but that is normal, shoes look like they have plenty of lining.... Unless lining is separating from shoe they should be good... What is see is a bit of time with a wire wheel and a bit of paint....

If you actually need parts, here is a whole wide world of internet .....

Start by searching (Google) " electric trailer brake parts" or a similar search string... There is dozens of trailer parts sources....

I particular like this parts description here..

http://lowcostusa.com/trailer-parts-eb.html

Here others.....

http://shop.easternmarine.com/?gclid=CN ... awodzl6FQg
http://www.etrailer.com/trailer-parts.a ... iQodYBdKMQ
http://store.towshop.com/store/products ... gory_ID=65

And it goes on....

Dale