Your trailer electric brakes are actuated by an electric magnet which is modified by an electrical impulse from the brake controller. The trailer brakes will apply smoothly and slightly ahead of the truck brakes if all the brake components are installed and connected properly. The brakes are activated with the electrical impulse from the controller to the magnets which, when in contact with the armature plate will apply the pressure to the primary shoe and will engage the secondary shoe much like hydraulic brakes on a passenger vehicle. As brake pressure (applied by the driver) is increased the electrical flow to the magnets increases the pressure between the brakes and drums to meet the braking requirements of the driver.
Electric brakes have been used on a variety of trailers for many years and offer many benefits to the driver. Please refer to the brake controller information provided by the installer of your towing vehicle for procedure and operation of the controller.
DOUBLE CHECK!
- Make sure your controller is installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Make sure that the proper brake controller adjustments have been made to correctly engage the tow vehicle brakes and the trailer brakes to work together to providing safe and comfortable braking.
- Make sure that the brakes have been properly seated by applying the brakes repeatedly and lightly for about 20 to 25 times at a low speed (under 25 miles per hour) to begin the "seating in" of the brake to the brake drum components. Do this in a safe and low traffic area for everyone's safety.
Below is a view of the 10" brakes used on your trailer axles, depending on your trailer and manufacturer's specifications.
