How To Adjust Trailer Brakes the Easy Way

[@ReadySetAutismFamily]

We are full time RV traveling. Almost 4 years 37 states & we have never done this. I literally just turned the brake controller up to 9.5 from 6.5. You have probably saved this traveling family from a nightmare. People rarely talk about brakes in the many RV Facebook groups. Somebody shared a link to your video! Thank You!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Oh goodness! I’m sure glad to hear the 1. Someone shared our video and 2. You watched it and hopefully it helped you out! We also have a video on burnishing your brakes in, which is essential to making sure that brake adjustment works as it should. Here’s a link to it in case you haven’t already watched it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33TkGh3pbudfMUsi=0O7ta4H3p77xbpN6 We are in North Texas so if you’re ever in the neighborhood give us a shout if you have time to stop and say hello!

[@Godscullers]

One of the best break adjustment videos I've seen as far as the amount of drag that the wheel hub should have. Thanks. Great video!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate the comment!

[@ronaho8940]

Been pulling a fifth wheel for 8 yrs never knew you had to do this just turned up the controller,best video I’ve seen.Thanks

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Larger hubs have room for self adjusting drum brake hardware,i.e. 10 inch and larger drum inner diameter.

[@johndias6614]

I've done plenty of adjustments on older cars so I figured it was the same... then I pulled the hubs to grease the bearings and realized this is a whole different animal. Time for youtube. Thanks for the visuals and all the good information. You earned my subscription!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you for the kind words! I'm so glad to hear my video helped you out. The subscription is much appreciated!

[@richschoonover8887]

Needs to be watched by anyone who owns a trailer with electric brakes! If nothing else you know what to check after getting your rig out of the shop. Didn’t have time to do the work myself before tow season so took it to a national RV dealer. $380 later for a repack and brake adjustment I still ended up readjusting.

[@rogeramoore1951]

Extremely well done, loved the cut-away wheel assembly - had watched other videos and had no idea that I was rotating a toothed wheel. Good work!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you for watching! I'm happy to hear the cut-away was a good visual tool! We truly appreciate the kind words and hope you'll check out the other videos on the channel

[@searay422011]

Thanks for the all the precise information you’re giving us. I am just in the process of fixing my bearing after having a blowout on a highway on my Pace trailer. You are a gentleman. Have a nice day thanks.

[@TheClampettmobile]

THANKS! This video SOLVED my trailer brake problem. SCORE!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Awesome! Glad to hear it!

[@shaboyprince]

Thanks for the video. The cutaway of the drum was super helpful!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@IdealZeal]

Thank you very much for sharing - I needed to adjust my 5th-wheel trailer brakes before a cross-country trip. You provided everything I needed to get the job done.., I didn't even know what a brake-adjusting spoon was before seeing your video. The cheap one worked like a charm. Kudos to you!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

I am so glad the video helped you out! Thank you for watching! Hope you have a good & safe trip!

[@machine7767]

Holy crap!!! I had no idea how important this is and how it can lead to magnet failure and premature drum wear.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

@machine7767 unfortunately, many people don't realize the importance of the brake adjustment for their trailers. Regular maintenance on a trailer can literally save it's owner thousands of dollars in repair costs later down the road. That's the reason we started this channel. To share knowledge and to hopefully show how to save time, trouble, and money just by doing preventative maintenance. And to also show why it might cost so much or take a while at the mechanic shop. Thanks for watching!

[@TheTrailzmp]

Thank you sir! The cut away is a great way to show what's happening. Sharing this with my race car friends as most of have trailers or are new to owning a trailer.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you for watching & thanks for sharing! I’m glad to hear the video & the cut away were helpful to you!

[@AP-qc7dy]

Just bought my first horse trailer and the front wheel brakes are too tight while the back ones are lagging. Best video I've found to explain how to do it and seeing the inside with the cut away was super helpful! Easiest tutorial to follow, definitely preventing me from having to spent more money down the road

[@SedroWoolley100]

Excellent information! Now I know why my daughter's magnets and hubs look worn out, but the brake shoes look new! Thank you!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad to hear the video helped you out! Thank you for watching!

[@caver6292]

THANK YOU!! I'm a noob and it seemed scary to be messing with my teardrop electric brakes. You have changed that.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

So happy to hear I could help! That’s our goal with this channel-to empower others with the knowledge they need to either do their own work or to understand the value of what they are paying for if they have to take it to a shop. Thanks for watching and for letting us know how we have helped!

[@mikeleo5990]

This is the best brake adjustment clip yet - really appreciate the cut off view on the adjustment screw 👌👌👌🖖

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching! We're happy to hear the video has been helpful! Thank you for the positive feedback!

[@bubby1966922]

This guy is the best instructor on KZbin!!! Great videos!👍👍👍

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Wow, thanks for that vote of confidence. We appreciate you watching.

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Who knew? Now i do, thanks to you. Perfect timing, since just yesterday I noticed that my tandem axle utility trailer’s brakes weren’t grabbing. Thanks for showing us how it’s done.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

So glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for the feedback and for watching!

[@crenorocksandrolls]

Thanks for the info .. We pulled into our stop today and heard a screeching noise.... We are taking the assembly off today. This gives us something to look at and inspect. We have never adjusted the brakes and we are full time RVers.

[@SuperSnallygaster]

Thanks for this. I purchased my first car hauler, and the dealer said the brakes were self-adjusting. But there was only a tiny bit of drag on one axle and zero drag on the other. The trailer wouldn't stop the first time I hauled anything. Thanks to your video, I think I have it sorted out now.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Make sure to check out the burnishing brakes video, as well! That will be key to making sure your brakes are fully functional.

[@scottst302]

great video very helpful and love the cut out. you have to watch his other videos

[@flyboy682]

Thank you for the outstanding video. Your explanations as well as descriptions of what to look/hear for were very helpful. Excellent job!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you for watching! Glad to hear this video was a help! Be sure to check out other videos on the channel for any other issues that may arise with your trailer.

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

???? Great video. Every word and action was correct. I always look for videos where I can learn more and see if I’m getting lazy. Well done. Is there a video on self adjusting brakes? Video on Spring maintenance?

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYbUp6ulq79kbJYsi=7M_2hWhvBvGP-XsV We have this video on self-adjusting brakes. But no video on spring maintenance.

[@michaele979]

Best brake adjust video I've seen. The cut away drum really helps understanding what's going on in there interactively. One thing that I wonder about.... How much braking action should I expect with properly adjusted brakes? Is there a way to quantify this from a driver's standpoint sitting in the truck? I just installed all brand new (Southwest) running gear and adjusted the brakes but I feel like it's still not giving me enough stopping power even with the controller set to maximum. Another issue I'm having it seems like the wheels on the right side are adjusted out the maximum that the adjuster will turn and I'm still not feeling as much spinning resistance on the tires as I did on the left side. Left side adjusts just like you have shown, no problem.... right side, not so much. Cant get right side to engage the brakes enough- barely touching for part of the revolution.

[@erasgonehistoricalmolds2400]

Great content. I appreciate you making the "training aid" to better describe the process.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for the feedback! We're glad to know the training aid was a help!

[@onefastcyclist]

Good work for those who didn't own a '60 VW which required the same service in the same interval

[@TheTrailerSmith]

👍

[@hoytarcher10]

Thank you for making this video

[@lysjones]

Very good video. I was concerned to hear ANY friction because I assumed it would cause overheating between the shoes and the hub. Glad to know there should be some.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad to hear the video helped you out! Thanks for watching!

[@twodogswalking840]

This is the best video I've come across on this subject. Thanks.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching! I’m glad it was a helpful video. I really appreciate the feedback!

[@richiemattingly7413]

Thanks for the educational video. It was very helpful for me and I'm sure many others.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful!

[@WildBill541]

This is the best brake adjustment video I’ve seen. Thanks for your thorough walk through I have 2 10k Dexter axles under my flatbed. I noticed one axle seems to run hot, even though it has adequate oil. I felt like the brakes are out of adjustment, can that cause the hub to run hot?

[@Thomas-fo9zu]

Very instructive video, explained very well. Showing what's going on while adjusting was a big help. Tks for sharing your knowledge and time.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@Arkapigdiesel]

Perfectly executed instructional video.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@stephenellis2000]

Thanks for this video! It was very informative, I will be adjusting my 5th wheel brakes today for sure. I have had my brake controller turned up more than normal and just put front brakes on the tow vehicle! (Pricey)

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching! I’m glad it helped you out.

[@PT1040]

Great job with the video and I'm impressed how responded to everyone's questions. I'll be viewing more of your videos

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you for watching! I look forward to having you as a viewer! Having a full-time day job and doing KZbin keeps me plenty busy so there have been some comments that have slipped through the cracks. We try to keep up with them as best as we can, while also putting out helpful videos.

[@joewhite4038]

Good advice. Simple and complete with understandable points.

[@talawaman]

Great advice, very well presented. Thank you!

[@joewest4697]

Thanks for the reminder.

[@jeffcourtney8101]

Very informative. I have recently purchased an older equipment trailer and was experiencing little to no braking without cranking up the controller. A quick visual inspection shows the backing plates were in new condition leading me to think that an adjustment could be the remedy. I new what to do to adjust them but I learned how much drag they should have. Quick and specific information. Thanks

[@TheTrailerSmith]

I'm so glad this video was a help to you! Thanks for checking it out.

[@jeffcourtney8101]

@@TheTrailerSmith Update: I adjusted the brakes and seen an improvement.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for the update! I'm so glad this video was a help to you!

[@PierreMichael2020]

Excellent video, thanks very much for sharing, definitely 5 stars :)

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@Wrighmachining]

Thanks buddy, headed out to have a look at it today :) just bought a small dump trailer and am having this exact issue with it

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching & good luck!

[@wademizelle3433]

How to replace the brake assembly on good trailers with old mobile home wheels and brakes. Good videos and thanks

[@TheTrailerSmith]

👍 Thanks for watching!

[@alsims8280]

Great info presented in a very smooth way. Thank You!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

You are welcome! So glad you found the information helpful! Thank you for watching

[@2Atreehugger]

Awesome. Finally found someone not using a screwdriver

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@maicokid]

So with self adjusting brakes do you need two screwdrivers to keep the star-wheel "stop" out of the way? Great info about the magnets/drum wear. Thank you.

[@ohbrother3792]

dang ..... thank you for taking the time to make this video. I learned something today.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you so much for watching & taking the time to leave this comment! My goal is to share what I know in order to help others. I'm so glad this video helped you. Feel free to check out my other videos to see if there's anything else that might be of value to you. 🙂

[@NCElectrician]

Thank you for such a helpful video! Subscribed

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@edciasiii3308]

Great video. Gave me exactly the info i was looking for.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@TerrydeAlaska]

Great video, love the cut away...its nice to know which way is tight and which way is loose from outside the hub... It would be great if you would do a video on hydraulic brake adjustments on a Master Tow tow dolly. Thanks

[@jimcushman5060]

Great explanation on adjusting brakes. What do they say? A picture is worth a thousand words. Nice shop by the way. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video! Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[@jimsjacob]

Thank you! That was great info. Been getting a feeling that I need to visit this so very helpful!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@jimsjacob]

@@TheTrailerSmith On a trip right now. Looking forward to a complete axel/bearing/brake overhaul. 👍

[@lelandfranklin3487]

SAVED our vacation! The ebrake controller would error because brakes were not making contact! Couldn't leave driveway!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Wow! Glad to hear this video helped you out. Happy vacation & safe travels to you & yours!

[@michaelzlab]

Thank you!!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

You’re welcome! And thanks for watching!

[@eddiec4860]

Thank you for your very informative video.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertallen7186]

Great video, thank you. I would love to have you make a video about SELF-ADJUSTING electric brakes. Do they actually work, etc.? I'm sure you've seen some of these in your shop and would love your thoughts. Bob in Grand Rapids, MI

[@TheTrailerSmith]

You're in luck! We recently just did a video on self-adjusting brakes. I'll leave a link to it. Thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYbUp6ulq79kbJY

[@robertallen7186]

@@TheTrailerSmith Yea !!! Thank you ! Bob

[@JonesNate]

Thank you for making this so well!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

You're welcome! And thank you for watching!

[@yogibear9607]

FYI, I suggest you always remove the drum and dump the old ‘brake dust’ out of the drum first! The worn brake shoe material doesn’t just disappear… It lays in the bottom and is still friction material, just no longer on the shoe itself. It needs to be removed to not effect the adjustment! And repack the and adjust the wheel bearing preload. (Plus visually seeing how much the brake shoes are worn, and that the hardware, magnet, and springs, etc are all good and in place nicely will give you peace of mind. 👍🏼)

[@benbowes4181]

Could you do a video on self adjusting brakes and the pros of those on a replacement install versus replacing with manual adjust brakes?

[@TM-ss1xn]

Great video mate, I will be doing mine tomorrow, It’s a new van (trailer) so I will know where I’m at after the adjustment. Cheers Mate.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikebeardsley595]

Thank you for what your doing. you are very good at explaining in a easy to understand way ! Question; I adjust my brakes like you say till a little drag is felt. when finished I go for test pull and brakes still very weak,won't hold back Duramax at idle on #5 gain !,barely will hold truck back on #10 gain. Jack up wheels again and now no dragging at all ? should I readjust again or will this result in brakes too tight ? How many re-adjudtments are needed ? Thank you, I'm learning a lot from you ! Mike.

[@romneystubbs3150]

Excellent videos,thanks!

[@waynekirk9942]

Excellent, thank you.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

You are welcome! Hope it was a help to you.

[@user-kc6ts6ow3w]

Nice job on the video. Clear and to the point. Good videography.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

The feedback is much appreciated! Thanks for watching!

[@jimusnet1ret.929]

Thank you for the in depth information. Was Greatly appreciated.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you for watching! So glad you found it helpful!

[@sled7782]

Great videos!! Thanks for sharing

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@facemuseum6609]

Awesome and complete explanation !! Years ago with hydraulic drum breaks I drove in reverse & braked to adjust. Elect. is obviously not that way. Quick question.. 10K axel Dexter drum bolt rounded. I'm now drilling out to remove bolt head to get drum off. I suspect welding a nut on stud after drum removal is the best way to extract? Ever seen this? Thank you again.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Yes, welding it on there will work. Most drum mounting bolts use lock tite. Hub has to be heated to release the lock tite. Whenever you weld your nut on, it will be sufficient to release that bolt. Thanks for watching!

[@peyton.c8399]

I'm a transport trailer tech for a living. I had no clue that trailers like campers, cargo ECT trailers needed brake adjustment... The more you know.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

There are A LOT of misconceptions & misinformation concerning utility & recreational trailers!

[@vicpetrishak7705]

I have drilled 1” diameter holes 180 degrees across from each other on the face of the brake drum to adjust my trailer brakes .

[@bobbyntammy]

Thank you .

[@TheTrailerSmith]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@tomfrantz]

Awesome video thank you SO MUCH!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you for watching! We hope it was a help to you!

[@tomfrantz]

I ordered a Brake spoon adjustment made in USA on Amazon, @@TheTrailerSmith

[@michaelyoung8966]

Thank you thank you that was awesome video you helped me out a lot

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Glad I could help! Thank you for watching!

[@72superlead]

Great tutorial, thanks! Can this also be done with the wheel and tyre still on and jacked up?

[@TheTrailerSmith]

The brake adjustment can & should be done with wheel & tire in while jacked up & stabilized. Thanks for watching!!

[@72superlead]

@@TheTrailerSmith Thanks so much. Can I please also ask what's the name of the adjustment tool?

[@TheTrailerSmith]

@@72superlead You're welcome! Yeah, it's just a brake adjusting tool. You can find them on Amazon. Lisle is a good brand.

[@user-tb7gs4jq2o]

Very helpful thanks 👍🕺

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thank you for watching and leaving a comment! We’re happy to hear the video was helpful for you!

[@brovachawslemons]

Best trailer brake adjustment video out! #subscribed

[@TheTrailerSmith]

That means a lot. Thank you for watching! And I appreciate the subscribe!

[@rickdesrosiers186]

Should the Jack point be the axle or the frame and why/why not? Seeing both used and trying to find out the proper procedure. Thx and great tutorial on the adjusting process.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching! I prefer to jack the trailer frame up so that the axle is not under a load and so the jack stand doesn’t interfere with access to the brake adjuster.

[@joerouth6255]

Adjustment is a pita on dropped axle trailers. Not easy to get to hole

[@gregmather7169]

Grreat video and instruction!

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching! Glad you found the video helpful, that's what we like to hear! Thank you for the positive feedback!

[@danielrenovetz5721]

I have 3500 lb axles with raised spindles, dropped tubes that are in the way of adjustment holes. There's just not an easy way , so I've been removing the hb in a trial and error way to try to get minimal clearance . 1987 and 88 Holiday Rambler trailers .

[@EverydayProjects]

Very good. I just went through the brakes on a travel trailer on my channel. I'll be getting in there to do a fine tune adjustment from the back. I've Subscribed. I'm a KZbin creator located in British Columbia, Canada. I fix my own cars and do a whole bunch of other stuff. Take care and I'll be keeping any eye out for your videos.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Hello, fellow KZbinr! Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@EverydayProjects]

@@TheTrailerSmith yOU'LL FIND i AM A WISE GUY THAT IS ALWAYS CRACKING JOKES-yOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!Hahahaha

[@bertdiver3708]

Thank You

[@MrBoomSkate]

Great video!!! Want to comment for you. New sub here

[@billdennis2993]

Thx TTS for an informative and interesting video.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@rosedaug666]

Thanks, great information. Do you also have a video specifically on new install adjustments?

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Hi! Thanks for watching! New install adjustments will include the process seen in this video, along with burnishing in the breaks. I have a video for that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33TkGh3pbudfMU I also have a video for new brakes & drum install, in case you find that you would like to see something like that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIKzhGqInKiggM0 I hope you find this information helpful!

[@martinparmer]

Great video. Is there an easy way to tell what lb your axle is?

[@richardradcliffe6047]

Very helpful. Thanks. You kind of touched on it, but can you go into a little more detail about the relationship between the brake adjustment and the gain setting on your brake controller? I have a brand new TT and in trying to adjust the gain, I had it turned up all the way and I could not get the trailer wheels to lock up with just the controller at 20-25 mph. Also, the brakes were really grabby when I used them in normal driving.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Hi! Gald you found the video helpful! You don't ever want your trailer brakes to lock up. If you can get them to lock up, they are probably over adjusted. The electric trailer brake is only meant to assist in slowing the vehicle, not for stopping. If your brakes are functioning and adjusted properly, they will usually work fine at 6 & under on the brake controller. The brakes could be grabby because you may have the gain up too high OR there may still be some burnishing that needs done on the brakes. Check out the burnishing brakes video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33TkGh3pbudfMU

[@richardradcliffe6047]

Thanks for the great advice. I just asked basically the same thing on your burnishing video, also really useful. But you can ignore my comment… 😊

[@stevewilliams7710]

I read you said you should never adj you electric brake controller to the point the brakes lock up. Yet the instructions on my controller said go 25 mph and adj till you see them lock up. I did that and have been using them that way for some time. Have I damaged the system. When I checked them a while ago everything looked good. Just need to know what is best. Thanks great video by the way.

[@TheTrailerSmith]

I’ve never seen a controller manufacturer recommend that you adjust until they lock up. I certainly would never recommend that b/c there are so many issues that can come from locking up your brakes. I would love to know which brand & model controller that is so I could dig into that a little more. Thanks for watching!

[@46fd04]

One of my brakes was so far out of adjustment, it began locking up. I took the drum off to inspect it and the magnet was toast. I replaced the entire brake assembly. It cost $80 CAD plus tax. I did the work, so no labour charges.

[@bryanhicks7729]

Recently worked on a trailer with Dexter 12K Axles and Disk Breaks. The Hubs came off with not much problem but fought all the way going back on. Do you have Tip and Tricks for this scenario? Never had this problem with Drums.

[@keving530]

Very good! Learned a lot! Do you have anything on axle alignment on 5 th wheel trailers/ tire wear , etc.? I’ve seen straight edge across tires to see if any difference.

[@mrblanche]

Do the star wheels move the same direction on each side? And what if there is a self-adjusting lever on the star wheel?

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Hi! Thanks for watching!! The star wheels do move the same direction regardless of which side they are on. If there is a self adjusting lever, the only issue you would have is if you adjusted it too tight and had to back it off, you would have to use something to release the adjuster arm in order to back the star off. A small welding rod always works well for me for this purpose. Good luck!

[@TraconWizard]

Thank you. How different are Nev-R-Adjust brakes?

[@jonbukowy2799]

Question, how about the never adjust self-adjusting electric brakes? How often should I double check?

[@nw5189]

Hey no LOOKING at the star wheel. Model T technology in the 21st century. I jacked up my trailer and put jack stands on four corners,lioke you suggested, but did not expect that the shakles would twist down and the axles would drop, so I jacked the unloaded axles up and blocked to finish the adjustment. Could you please advise others of this hazard. Scared the $%#@ out of me. The manual states, "Do not jack under the axles". I appreciate and have learned a valuable lesson about how to get a trailer lifted, Thanks.

[@tacticalbreadman7409]

thankyou

[@DWeirich76]

I heart the easy way ❤

[@nickb5084]

Great video keep em coming thnks

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@timothyhelf6144]

Good video

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@King_TuTT]

Good stuff

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@omarperez9121]

Hi thanks great video,any tips why when I have the trailer lift up everything works fine, but as soon I put it down and pull the safety brake away won’t luck?

[@brandonloeffler3499]

My tensioner seems to be the opposite? Down make it so the wheel won't turn at all up is looser but still can't get the wheel to spin freely