Properly adjusted electric trailer brakes are essential for safe towing, ensuring that your trailer stops smoothly and efficiently. If you’re wondering, how do you adjust electric trailer brakes to get the best performance, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. Whether you’re new to towing or looking to fine-tune your setup, understanding how to adjust these brakes can make a significant difference in your driving experience.
Why Adjusting Electric Trailer Brakes Is Important
Electric trailer brakes are designed to provide additional stopping power, reducing the strain on your vehicle’s brakes and ensuring better control. However, if the brakes are not adjusted correctly, you may experience issues such as:
- Poor braking performance: Brakes that are too loose won’t provide enough stopping power, making it difficult to slow down or stop your trailer.
- Brake drag: Overly tight brakes can cause the brakes to drag, leading to excessive wear and reduced fuel efficiency.
- Uneven braking: If the brakes on your trailer are not adjusted evenly, you may experience jerky stops or a trailer that pulls to one side.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Electric Trailer Brakes
Follow these steps to adjust your electric trailer brakes for optimal performance:
1. Gather the Necessary Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Jack and jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Brake adjusting tool or flathead screwdriver
- Torque wrench
2. Secure the Trailer
To safely adjust the brakes, first secure your trailer:
- Park the trailer on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Place wheel chocks around the trailer wheels to prevent movement.
3. Lift the Trailer
Using a jack, lift one side of the trailer until the wheel is off the ground:
- Place jack stands under the trailer’s frame for support.
- Ensure the trailer is stable before proceeding.
4. Access the Brake Adjuster
Most electric trailer brakes have a star wheel adjuster located inside a slot on the back of the brake assembly:
- Remove the rubber plug covering the access slot if necessary.
- Insert the brake adjusting tool or flathead screwdriver into the slot to engage the star wheel.
5. Adjust the Brakes
Turn the star wheel to adjust the brake shoes:
- Tighten: Turn the star wheel until you feel slight resistance when rotating the wheel by hand. This indicates that the brake shoes are engaging the drum.
- Loosen: If the brakes are too tight, turn the star wheel in the opposite direction to loosen them slightly. The wheel should rotate freely with minimal drag.
6. Test the Brakes
After adjusting the brakes, lower the trailer and perform a road test:
- Start by driving at a slow speed and apply the trailer brakes using the brake controller.
- Adjust the brake controller settings if necessary to ensure smooth and even braking.
7. Repeat for All Wheels
Repeat the process for each wheel on the trailer to ensure consistent braking across all wheels:
- Lift each side of the trailer and adjust the brakes as needed.
Tips for Maintaining Proper Brake Adjustment
To keep your electric trailer brakes functioning correctly, follow these maintenance tips:
- Regular Inspections:
- Check the brake adjustment periodically, especially before long trips, to ensure the brakes are not too loose or too tight.
- Monitor Brake Wear:
- Over time, brake shoes and drums will wear down, affecting the adjustment. Regularly inspect these components and replace them as needed.
- Test the Brakes Frequently:
- Perform regular brake tests to ensure the brakes are responding correctly to the brake controller’s input.
Conclusion
Knowing how to adjust electric trailer brakes is a vital skill for any trailer owner. Proper adjustment ensures your trailer stops safely and efficiently, protecting both your vehicle and your cargo. By following the steps outlined in this guide and regularly maintaining your brakes, you can enjoy worry-free towing with confidence.