RV Electric Brakes Manual vs Self Adjusting, How To (RV Living) 4K

3 out of 4 of our trailer brakes were not working -
luckily we found out before it was too late. One of my worst nightmares - Brakes not working while towing 15,000 pounds down a highway!
We were able to make it to our next campground. The wires on 3 out of 4 of the camper brakes were detached or broken? We fixed it at the campground, but knew we wanted all new brakes - after all, we have driven from Florida to Canada and back 3 years AND over to Colorado and back to Florida - that's a lot of miles with a full load (we weigh at Cat Scales regularly).
We also found out we had 3 self-adjusting trailer brakes and 1 manual adjusting brake on our fifth wheel? We bought it used - dealer forgot to mention this
Does your RV have manual adjusting or self adjusting electric brakes. You need to know. How often do you test your brakes?
In this video, I show how to tell the difference between self-adjusting trailer brakes and manual and how to adjust both. In a future video, I will show how replace the brakes and bearings.
Chapters
0:00 Intro
2:06 Comparing Both @Lippert.
6:37 How to Adjust Brakes
8:45 Manual Adjusting Brakes
10:06 Self Adjusting Brakes
Link to parts, supplies and tools used in this video.
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Our short when we first discovered bad trailer brakes:
• RV Trailer Brakes Not ...
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#rvliving #trailerbrakes #brakesystems

[@paulbenoit1351]

Trailer brakes have always been somewhat of a mystery to me. But after watching this, I feel much more confident in maintaining and adjusting them. Thanks, Larry!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. That’s exactly why he makes videos like these. While researching, he felt there was a lot of info missing

[@joshyb8312]

I have watched numerous videos on trailer brakes and I have to say that this video is by far the most informative. Good job sir. New subscriber!

[@PierreMichael2020]

you created an excellent video, it certainly took you a lot of time to film all these steps, thank you so much for sharing your work, VERY helpful.

[@leewilkinson8328]

The trick for telling if you have a self adjusting or a manually adjusting brake probably works for Lippert, but I have seen manually adjusted brakes that have two holes, so it doesn’t work for all brands. Good video! Thanks for your thoroughness.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I agree, i hope i made it clear in the video that the rule applies to lippert brakes only. Most RVs have lippert or dexter axles and brakes i have found. Larry

[@jjvegas2727]

Excellent instructions, camera work and helping us stay safe. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad we could help. And thanks for appreciating Larry’s hard work

[@georgewheeler3731]

Thank You Larry, Very Good job on the way to adjust the brakes and difference between manual and self adjusting. I do all the maintenance on the brakes & bearings for years now, even carry spares of bearings, magnets, & shoes wherever we go Rving.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. That’s a great idea. We do carry an extra leaf spring

[@Markpatrickrich]

Great episode. And perfect timing I’m working on checking my brakes you are very good at making it easy to understand and very thorough with your explanation and demonstration. I always enjoy your channel I’m preparing to go full time. I hope you’re feeling well and getting better ❤️‍🩹. Thank for all your help and your tips and information. Hope to see you on the road safe travels 🙏🏼❤️🤙🏼

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you so much. Larry really tries to include info that he would want to see. He still has a lot to show in at least one more video. And good look going full time. 🤗

[@jaygoolab4737]

You are a true teacher..not just a regular guy..thank you Sir

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jay, Larry does his best to be thorough yet concise. He really enjoys making DIY videos Alice

[@rickgriffith1]

Thank you for another absolutely outstanding tutorial! The Doctor is in the house once again! Class is in session.👍🏼😎

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

🤗 You have the best comments

[@sherriweber7105]

Thank you Larry for doing this video on Rv brakes. I always wanted to know how it was done. You do an awesome job on these videos. I’m glad you know how to fix the brakes. It looks hard to do. Thank you again Larry. Hope all is well with you and Alice. See you both soon!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

It really helps to know in case you are in a situation where there is no one to help. Plus, Larry saved us a lot of money

[@lelandfranklin3487]

Wow! This is a GREAT video! Didn't know I had self adjusting brakes until seeing thus video! Had really struggled until seeing this. Thought it was manual and couldn't figure out why I was having issues!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

You are not alone. Many people don’t know. Glad we could help

[@patzbit9562]

VERY good video! Explained all aspects of how and why. Thanks for your time in making it.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dfwoutdoorrentals7336]

Great video and explanation. Thank you.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andyphuong4826]

You are life saver my friend, very deeply detailed for every one understand, I'll keep all your Bible under my pillow. 🎉stay safe travels.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad we could help. Hope to have part 2 out soon

[@bryanwood84]

Another amazingly informative video Larry. Thanks for another thing I will check before we head out on our Canadian East Coast trip this summer!! Cheers,

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes - that’s why we are doing it now. We are about to head from Florida to Utah. And thank you

[@BBPeele]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danielreed9734]

Terrific. Thank you taking the time and caring enough to make this video.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks, I appreciate it Larry

[@Hugo-Hernandez]

Awesome video. Im glad i saw your video. I have a RV with the self adjusting but my enclosed trailer has the manual adjusting.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Larry is working on part 2 of the video. Glad we could help

[@Alex-bl7cf]

Explained very well. Nice job buddy.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks. We hope to have the second half of the video out soon

[@michelmichael8957]

Always great to watch your videos. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. PS. Do not lift trailer on axle ever. 🙏

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Good point on the axle, i alway usually lift on the frame some of those shots were taken when i was taking out the shackle bolts and needed to lift the axle a bit separately to get the shoulder bolt out, Larry

[@thetravelingbrowns]

We have drum brakes, but plan on getting disc brakes before we head out on the road. Great "how to" video as always!👍

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. Lots of prep before you hit the road

[@JohnnyLawBMC]

Excellent info. I have been using a Temp laser to measure the temps of the drums when I stop. I have 4 different temps ranging from 90° - 180° which shows I do not have even braking. I have the self adjusting brakes but can't see my star adjuster, I have two slots too. Now your gonna make me lift the trailer so I can test each tire and get a better look inside the drums for the adjuster. Thank you so much for this great demonstrative (been dying to use that word) explanation of brake adjustments and how they work. You got me, new sub

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I also use a IR temp gun to test tire and wheel temps when we stop to rest on travel days. I also used it when burnishing my new brakes, tried really hard to get them hot to burn in the new drums. we are out west right now always going up and down big mountains and glad to have the new brakes and a better understanding how they work and how important they are to safe fifth wheel traveling. Thanks for the sub. Larry

[@gwilli1754]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hope it helps

[@donm722]

Very informative video. I repacked my bearings this spring but I never thought of checking what kind of brakes I had. I have a Reflection 150 series 295 RL so thanks for the information because I going to go check it out right now.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We were so surprised they were mixed. We thing the previous owner needed a new one and they were just given what was on hand. Typical. If people get anything from this - check your trailer break wires & the type of breaks you have. And thank you.

[@donm722]

@@DownsizingMakesCents just checked. I have two holes in the back which means self adjusting and all the wires look good. Thanks for the barrio again have a good day.

[@premman6052]

very thorough and informative, thank you. so far, I manage to replace and repack my bearings, successfully I may add, thanks to you, now I dare to touch the brake disk.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad we could help. Larry actually has the brake disk video - but hadn’t finished it 😁 Message him if you have questions Alice

[@premman6052]

@@DownsizingMakesCents I will do, thanks Alice

[@maksim_semenov]

Thanks a lot! Very informative and useful.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnclancy7607]

Great video with a lot of good info. One thing I noticed in your first pic of the brake assembly and spring is the reverse arch at the end of the leaf spring. That is where these springs usually break. I had that issue on my trip,e axle solitude after a year and a half. My brakes and springs were being inspected and I was getting an axle alignment done at a local truck shop. Lippert paid the bill for new brakes as they were shot and new springs. The truck shop added an extra leaf that went almost to the end close to the bolts. I could send u some pics if u like.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Interesting, are you saying the brakes were assembled wrong by lippert. Larry

[@johnclancy7607]

@@DownsizingMakesCents I’m referring to the end of the leaf spring just before the shackle

[@deepforestspices8383]

Great explanations and demonstrations, thanks for sharing

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. Hope it’s helpful Larry

[@deepforestspices8383]

@DownsizingMakesCents definitely very helpful, thought I had manual brakes until I watched your video and realized they are SA, got my trailer a few months ago, doesn't seem like prev owner did any maintenance whatsoever, the brakes grabbed really well when I first got it, we did a 3500 mile round trip and now I crank my controller to 9 and they're still barely grabbing, going to inspect today and see if there's any pad left and if there is...I'll begin the fun task of trying to adjust my "self adjusting" brakes

[@robertosgood961]

Solid props used and visuals for seeing the difference.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you for noticing that, I really wanted to visually compare the differences in a way that people understood how they worked, but it was tough getting the right camera, angles, and lighting and close to see it right, thanks again for noticing. I appreciate it. Larry

[@SevenBears1]

Larry is brave to take all that apart. I'd end up with an extra part or two when I'm done.. Thanks DMC

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

He’s working on the other side now. I’m surprised he’s up to it - he just had another infusion

[@SevenBears1]

@@DownsizingMakesCents Larry is looking so good and active I forgot about his health issue. That's great !!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@SevenBears1 when he’s good - he’s GOOD 🤗

[@philstucker1312]

Excellent video explaining the adjustment of Manuel / self adjusting brakes. I’m getting ready to replace the brakes on our 5th wheel. I was hoping to see more information on the wiring of the brakes. Will you be doing a video covering this? Glad to see you’re going well. Thank you!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. There will be at least one more video. But check our short when he fixed the wires. kzbin.infoRTwe0pRAlb4?feature=share

[@randyslider9261]

Excellent job best I’ve seen

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Randy, Thanks. Always looking for ways to help others

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad to hear it

[@stevevalencia854]

Awesome video you're very informative thanks

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. Larry still has the second half to edit and publish

[@watercolourlandscape]

Excellent video thank you.🖐🏼

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you too! 🤗

[@richardbertrand2770]

This is a great video and explanation , It appears I have the self adjusting type , my magnetic arm is just floating freely and not sure that is a good thing but this helps , thanks

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

It floats unless magnet is activated and is breaking

[@lurereviews5164]

Thank you

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad we could help. Part 2 has been delayed. 😉

[@timf6916]

Good information

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks. He did a lot of research. And got really dirty 😁

[@BruceSmith-cf5yk]

Should I be carrying left and right complete rebuild components with me when I travel, including wheel bearings and grease? Do you have a recommendation? I loved your video. I haven’t changed my own brakes on my cars in 30 years and I am thinking of resurrecting that skill so I can do my own brake maintenance on my RV travel trailer.

[@nealcoppola9963]

The Front Brake Shoe is Called the Primary Brake Shoe (Shorter Lining) and the Rear Brake Shoe is call the Secondary Brake Shoe (More or Longer Lining). Self Adjusting Brakes have been around for 60 plus years , And they can and Should be Adjusted from time to time by a Qualifed Person. As for Rotating Adjuster - it either goes Clockwise or Counter Clockwise.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I didnt want to say clockwise or counter clockwise in the video because I was showing the adjuster from the other side and didnt want to confuse people. Larry

[@keithpayne8943]

Grrat video. Thanks

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Keith, Glad we could help

[@ondemandtransportlogistics]

I have a issue have Kaufman Mini 5 trailer with 6 wheel with electric brake system, for some reason magnet seem weak I’ve set truck trailer braking max( set to grade 10.00 on heavy electric mode still seem not to brake the trailer,I’ve jack up the trailer in jack stands if I adjust more it lock wheel won’t spin freely when truck off. I’ve check voltage all wheel measurement 10.5-11.9 volts I’ve change two magnets still have same issue only thing have left to change the drum but they seem fine

[@davidarmstrong4363]

Great video! I bet you go through a lot of hand cleaner though!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

David, thank you. And Larry does - but I wish he used more 😆, Alice

[@wood98357]

My “NEVE R ADJUST” Dexter brakes are not adjusting automatically. One even fell apart last year, all the parts were in the bottom of the drum. Replaced it last year and adjusted all of them… maybe 2,500 miles ago?? Last week they would not stop the trailer and the truck had 100% load on its brakes 😡

[@milleniumann28]

Thank you im new to the self adjusting brakes, my new gooseneck dump just doesnt brake with alot of power. Unloaded its ok but loaded i can just barely feel them.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

The reason i did my brakes is because we test our brakes by hitting the brake controller at about 15 mph every time we leave a campground. Even at the highest gain, the brakes were beginning to feel very soft, hardly providing any braking. I tried adjusting the brakes but they still felt soft. I have had the new brakes for about 5000 miles and now they are awesome. Even though i burnished the breaks heavily after i installed them, it took a couple of months for them to really feel strong. We are in the UT mountains right now and having good RV brakes makes me feel much better about long steep descents. Larry

[@user-vl6ex4ou6b]

Great video. How do you know how tight to make the brake adjustment. I had the tire on while adjusting and will spin it. But I never know how tight the brake adjustment should be. What are your thoughts ?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I spin the tire and keep adding clicks to the wheel until i feel just a bit of resistance, sometimes i go over and have too much resistance then back off a notch or two. Larry

[@704arturo]

Hi very good video, i have one question. My axle does not have SA in the model but my breaks do have 2 holes. It should not have an issue correct??? Will it affect ajy break system??

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Should be ok. But you can test them as shown in the video. Get wheel off ground then spin

[@mozberg2191]

Hey Larry, question, I see you are using red n tacky grease, it's not on any of the recommended grease list for dexter or lippert, what's your experience with it? It's easier to get than the stuff they recommended

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Larry has the used it ever since he saw the pros use it at Texas Trailers where we had our leaf springs replaced. He asked the Lippert guy and watched tons of videos.

[@SteveMenger]

Thanks you for this video. I was trying to adjust like a manual adjustment and now I know the difference. I have the self adjusting brakes and was just clicking away not getting anywhere. Now I know I was trying to go the wrong way. All the wheels rotate the same with just a little drag so I don’t think I did any damage. lol. Should I be concerned about it

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

No a little drag is normal, but I definitely recommend pulling the wheels and brake drums to inspect the brakes and bearings at least once a year. Lar

[@richardromine9658]

Might be a silly question, but is it necessary to jack the wheel up off the ground, or can I make adjustments to tighten while on the ground? Just In case I'm on the road and need to hurry.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

You have to spin the wheel. So, you have to left it up enough to do that

[@tomahawksteak6672]

I've seen manual adjusted brakes have 2 holes in the backer plate. Not necessarily just the self adjusting brakes .

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Interesting, maybe dexters do that. Larry

[@dcurry8147]

I know you have a 2019 ram but how is the high output Cummins and Asian transmission holding up for you? I'm looking at a 2023 3500 high output Cummins all I keep hearing is negative.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Ours is a 2018 ram HO with the asien trans, we have about 70k miles on it and so far it has been running strong. I have the 3.43 rear end and still have great pulling power with the RV in tow. I was worried that the 3.43 would have bad acceleration towing but it is really strong from a dead stop. The 3.43 also gives me great gas mileage when not towing. I would recommend the ram personally but I am no truck expert, haha. Larry

[@MotoFish45]

Might be too late to the party…. I have a 2021 Ram 3500 Long Bed with HO/Aisin… I have 3.73 gearing with single rear drive (non-dually). Absolutely LOVE this truck. Had a 2003 Ram 2500 which I bought new 18 years prior, so a huge upgrade and massive improvement over the older model. Everyone is a critic or has an opinion, but I am extremely happy and truck is a beast. About at 30k with lots of towing a 40’ 5th wheel with 3 pop outs and toy hauler. Run around 16k loaded. Tows it with ease. Best of luck!

[@dcurry8147]

@@MotoFish45 thanks

[@MotoFish45]

@@dcurry8147 Glad to help!

[@richardbertrand2770]

So this arm only grabs and moves in Reverse for adjustment because the action sets up that way as near as I can tell

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes. Sorry for late response. Just saw the question

[@zachsinshoreadventures8711]

How can you tell if the self adjusting are to tight?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jack wheel off the ground and spin with your hand. How much resistance is there? We should have covered that in the video

[@SmallSpaceLiving]

Wow one was manual. I bet the manufacturer just put on what they could get or had at that time to get the rig out the door. I don't have any faith in these manufacture at all. None of the brands. Low to high end they are all built like crap. Lucky you know how to fix this stuff. The time and money to have someone else do it can get pricey. Brakes are something for sure you want to have right on these things. They don't stop on a dime as it is and bad breaks could ruin a good day. Good share. I would think this will help a lot of people.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks, William. We think the previous owners might have had one replaced. It was built in 2017 - so pre pandemic. We’ve had issues with the breaks. I feel better it’s all fixed before our big trip. We do hope this helps others - at least to know what to look for 🤗

[@alfonsogonzalez6412]

Ur the man thxs🫡🫡

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Alfonso, Glad Larry could help, Alice

[@alfonsogonzalez6412]

A lot thxs again just install new assemblies now got to adjust them and try them let's see how everything goes.

[@jaygorakht5135]

✌️😍

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

🤗 🌴

[@jaygorakht5135]

@@DownsizingMakesCents love from. Nepal all time✌️😍

[@valaki-ph1hd]

et a figyelmeztetest nem veszem tudomasul mivel a szakmam !!! es nem tanulok a kezdoktol es a hobby szereloktol

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

So, most of KZbin you don’t watch?