Electric brakes can be controlled using a brake controller installed in your tow
vehicle’s cabin. When needed, this controller sends 3-12 volts directly to each
magnet in your trailer’s brake system.
To monitor system voltage and current, disconnect one of the magnet lead wires
and use an ammeter to measure current. This allows you to test individual magnets
as well as assess overall system health.
Self-Adjusting
Trailer brakes require regular maintenance in order to work effectively, with many
manufacturers suggesting adjusting every three months to account for frictionsurface wear and tear. Although it’s no fun task, regular adjustments will ensure the safety of your trailer.
Standard electric trailer brakes consist of two shoes lined with friction material
connected by an adjuster wheel. When an electric signal from the tow vehicle’s
brake controller reaches the trailer brake assembly, electromagnets within it
activate the braking mechanism by pushing outward on the shoes that line them.
Lippert Forward Self-Adjusting Brake Assembly adds an adaptive mechanism to
optimize shoe locations during each forward stop and match friction lining wear on
drums, leading to longer-lasting, more efficient braking performance. It fits 3,500-lb
axles with 4-hole brake flange mounting. This kit contains all required parts.
Reverse Lock-Out
With this replacement solenoid for surge actuators, easily add a reverse lockout
solenoid. It works by shutting off the brake fluid port when shifting into reverse
mode on your towing vehicle – preventing its electric brakes from activating as you
back up without having to get out and switch every time! You’ll save yourself both
time and effort each time!
Most electrical problems with electric trailer brakes cannot be remedied with brake
adjustments or synchronization adjustments alone, but rather are often linked to
improperly functioning or nonfunctioning controllers. A voltmeter can help
troubleshoot such situations by measuring system voltage and individual magnet
lead wire amperages – disconnect one of the magnet lead wire connectors and insert
an ammeter series-connected to that wire to quickly locate its source of problem.
Disc brakes provide short stopping distances and consistent braking to ensure safe
towing. Perfect for saltwater boat trailers, these hydraulic brakes feature corrosionresistant composite master cylinders. Additionally, quick release coupler
mechanisms make installation quick and easy.
Vented Rotor
Your brakes must be able to dissipate heat generated by them for maximum
performance, and vented rotors provide much more effective heat dissipation than
their solid counterparts.
Solid rotors are comprised of one disc of metal, while vented ones feature an air
vent in their center to quickly dissipate heat and reduce brake fade when driving
hard – this makes vented rotors especially beneficial in passenger car applications
where their brake systems rarely experience high levels of stress.
Vented rotors are significantly thinner than solid ones, making them harder to warp.
As such, they are less affected by temperature fluctuations and can accommodate
for a greater range of braking conditions. Drilled rotors offer another step up from
vented models by having diagonal slots machined into their faces; this style of rotor
further dissipates gasses built up during hard braking while simultaneously improving pad wear.
Brake Controller
Most electric brake controllers include a modulation feature that adjusts the output
voltage of their braking system in response to changes in brake pedal pressure or
tow vehicle deceleration rate, providing smoother braking action while eliminating
wheel lockup or fade risks.
Some controllers lack this capacity and only supply full voltage output at all times.
To test for this issue, disconnect the blue wire from your brake controller and
connect an ammeter in series with it to measure system amperage; any high
readings indicate an inability to modulate between your trailer and tow vehicle.
If your brakes are slow to respond, first check caliper for proper clearance, followed
by inspection of brake shoe linings for wear or improper installation. If these
adjustments fail to improve performance, see troubleshooting charts for additional
solutions.