3811MS brakes

[Woodworker]

Montana 3811MS.
My trailer brakes quit working. The electrical piece of it is working because the brake lights come on. The brakes work occasionally, but don't give much stopping power. I've adjust them in following a UTube video by turning the little wheel on the backside of the drum. From what I understand, there are magnets in the brake drum that pull the shoes into contact with the drum.

My other thought is that I've had a seal blow out and have pumped grease into the brake drum. Although when I see the excess grease come out the front I stop pumping.

I haven't found a decent UTube video for this problem.

Looking for advice from a seasoned camper who might have some insight.
please and thanks.

[AZ Traveler]

Steve,

You likely have grease on your brake shoes. You will need to replace your shoes if that is the case.

I would recommend removing a couple of drums to see what you have. In the future, recommend packing your bearings by hand which will also permit regular brake inspections.

[jimcol]

Your brake lights coming on doesn't mean the brakes are being energized. They work off the brake light circuit of your tow vehicle. Check pin two on your truck with a volt ohm meter while someone applies the brakes, If you have voltage there follow the circuit on the 5'er via the pig tail cable into the kingpin junction box. Should be the blue wire.

[jimcol]

This might help!

[DQDick]

In the old days, I'm not certain now, Keystone ran the wires thru the axles which caused the rough inside of the axle to wear the insulation off the wires occasionally and then short out the power going to the magnets.

[Chalkie]

Originally Posted by DQDick

In the old days, I'm not certain now, Keystone ran the wires thru the axles which caused the rough inside of the axle to wear the insulation off the wires occasionally and then short out the power going to the magnets.

Not quite the same but we had a trailer where the brake wires must have had some secret sauce on the but the mice and ground squirrels loved to nibble. I have l learned to check all exposed wiring now.