2017 3661RL Trailer Brakes

[GHallof]

Hello All,

At the end of the season last year. I began to notice that my trailer brakes weren't working as efficiently as they once were. Tow vehicle at that time was a 2007 Dodge 3500 with aftermarket trailer brake.

Put the trailer in storage figuring I would look at it next year. Well its next year and yesterday was the day.

Exposed the brake assembly on the right side first. RR Assy toast, and the wiring for the magnet had worked its way loose and rubbed thru exposing the copper, so as to right against the drum. On to something for sure. RF, Same thing but not as bad, plus the magnet arm was flopping around.

LF - Magnet arm flopping around.

At this point called the local trailer dealer and purchased 4 new complete assemblies.

Did all the work. Adjusted appropriately and gave it a shot.

Since last year I replaced my O7 Dodge with a new 2020 Ram 3500.

Right out of the gate and with brake sensitivity set on 10. All I could feel was a faint drag. No where near what it used to be.

Noticed that my brake control was set to light electric. Switched to heavy electric. A bit better but again, no where near what it used to be. I am used to the trailer brakes being very responsive. I used to feel the trailer, when braking, in a way that I was confident they were doing their job. Now no dice.

Went back and readjusted the new assemblies. Again a bit better, but no where near what they once were.

All assemblies are brand new dexter 12". Brake control is built in to new truck. Sensitivity set on 10 and brake itself configured for heavy electric.

What in the heck might I be missing??? Thank you in advance! Frustrated at this point beyond belief.

TY
Gordo

[DadsHemi]

Did you adjust your trailer brakes manually so they have a pretty good drag when spinning the tire on each one.

[GHallof]

Yes sir. At this point they are adjust to where you only get a half a turn on the wheel.

[Montana Man]

Also, did you get new drums? A little break in time and readjustment may help. In my case, the Ram trucks were notoriously weak in the braking department. I had to upgrade the TV brakes and that helped solo and towing. Not sure about the new trucks.

[GHallof]

Drums were in good shape.

[GregN]

I had new brakes put on. Picked up the trailer and did a slow roll brakes test with just the brake controller. Nothing. Went inside to ask the service guys what the deal was. He said just get rolling and stomp on the brakes a few times. The brakes need to get seated. By the time I got to the traffic light before the freeway, it was all good, working like they should.

[GHallof]

I am going to try this. So far I have only tested in my long drive way. Ill give it a shot.

[rohrmann]

You will need to do maybe 10 or 12 firm stops from maybe 40 mph to get the shoes and drums acquainted, not emergency stops, just firm and allow time between those stops for the drums to cool off. Even though the drums look good, they aren’t making great contact with the shoes yet. If you are going to be doing a lot of traveling with this trailer and you want good braking, you might investigate upgrading to discs. I went with Performance Trailer Braking a couple years ago and the difference is amazing. Had the brakes installed at a rally in Coos Bay, OR. They come to you for the install. https://performancetrailerbraking.com/

[GHallof]

Hello All,

The drive/breakin did the trick. 2 separate 15 mile runs and all is good. Thank you very much! As always, the assistance is greatly appreciated.

TY
Gordo

[Montana Man]

Great! Thx for the update.