Outstanding - brief, but not too fast, and complete. All youtubers should have to view this before posting. I love it. And after several years on youtube still helping out. Thanks!
Thanks Rod! I know exactly what you mean. I watch tons of videos myself. Many are droning on and on and never seem to get to the point, and others are using so many jump cuts you don't have a millisecond to digest what's just been said. I do try to strike a balance between the two, but will admit I do get a bit verbose from time to time. Glad you found this video useful/informative. Good luck and take care, G.
I could swear this was narrated by Matthew McConaughey! That’s a compliment by the way, just a very distinct style of speech. Alright, alright, alright!!! Great video! Thanks.
Great video. I remember years ago, changing the shoes but not knowing why the smaller shoe was in front. I'm 77 years old and yes you can teach an old dog new tricks. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next video. Always something different and interesting. Ken..... Marina, CA
I made it through 75 years of life not knowing exactly how electric trailer brakes worked. I can now complete my life with that knowledge. Thank you !!!
This video gave me that "AHH HAA" moment, ya know when something finally clicks and you can wrap your head around how something really works! Thank you sir!
Excellent video on this. I am troubleshooting my trailer brakes, and your video is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for being knowledgeable, logical, and clear.
Excellent video. I have an older 1971 Prowler camp trailer and the magnet portion is almost a big as the inside of the drum. I was confused about how it worked, but your video has cleared up any confusion I had. Thanks a million for this video!
Superb Video and to the point. You talk at just the right speed and your explanations are great, as is the video quality itself. I am new at rebuilding trailer brakes and didnt know exactly how the electro magnet worked. This is excellent. Thank you....
thanks for a very simple and informative explanation ,i started watching to find out whether these brakes were polarity sensitive and it was one of the first things said,either way i kept watching thanks again.
That was a very good job explaining about the brakes but the brakes I also have never known really how they work you have helped a lot of us out here in RUclips land
"so much thing to go wrong..." that statement is empty. List what can go wrong with electric brakes and list why hydraulic are better. Include a list what can go wrong with hydraulic brakes for comparison to electric brakes.
skyline9789 semi trucks or properly tractor trailers use air brakes. Air pressure is used on both vehicles the tractor truck and trailer. I have no idea what has made you think commercial vehicles with high gross weight ratings use electric brakes but sir you’re are very wrong and I hope you have not been spreading that nonsense around.
I like that video you explain it very very clearly I understand it 100% and I’ve never worked on them before but I could definitely put them back together now thank you
If I am converting surge to electric do I eliminate the surge coupler. I must replace the existing shoes, wheel cylinder, etc.? All I need is a wire to the Magnet and no actuator? Great vid!
Curt, if you're going from surge to electric- yes, the coupler should be eliminated IMO. The backing plates, etc. should be replaced with the electric variety and be properly wired. You would need a controller/actuator to control the brakes. Hope this helps. Do more research. Take care, G.
Thanks Joel! I can't say at this point what the controller I have by brand- but I believe it was around $60. I would look into a proportional controller though. The one I have is fickle- especially with a load that changes frequently. Not much help, but hope this helps. Take care, G.
Great video. It's also important to run both wires to the front tow hitch, not run a similar size wire down to one brake side and then run it across the axle to the other side.
@@ghostses Another reason the short shoe is at the front is the effect of self servo action. When the drum goes over the top, so to speak, when the shoe is pushed into it at a lower level then there is a mechanical advantage to the amount of force that shoe goes into the drum as well as the shoe wanting to go into the drum by itself which then pushes on the other shoe to even it all out. So you are correct in what you state, I'm just adding some braking knowledge. Thats also why drum brakes usually work better going forwards then backwards. This servo action can be replicated. If you cup your hand left hand under your right hand , the rotate your right hand anti clockwise, your left fingers will bite into your right hand. But if you reverse your direction it take a lot more pressure to try and slow your right hand with your left. Sorry, I hope that doesn't sound to confusing.
Nice vid. Got a question for you if you don't mind. In your opinion, what would be best for my truck bed trailer? Electric over hydraulic, or ? Trailer is built from a f150 1/2 ton, has disc brakes and lines intact. A frame hitch. Not used for heavy hauling though, just green waste haul off. Though brakes aren't really necessary since it only hauls light loads, figured eh, I might add the actuator some day. Any input will be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance 😊
Thanks Charles. You can't run electric unless you have that setup on your stuff. I can't speak for electric over hydraulic. I don't know if that would work with original brake setups, or if there are some other requirements. Dig deeper is all I can offer. Good luck, G.
all 4 clips were missing when they repacked the bearings and replaced all 4 seals. just out of curiosity i pulled 1 hub and the clip was gone. im sure that is the case with the other 3 wheels. should I attempt to have the axles replaced due to bad engineering? i only put about 1100 miles on the RV since the job was done. Thanks again for your help.
The axles are probably fine. Actually, the magnets can't get off once the hubs are installed. I could be wrong, but they may only be there to aid with assembly. You might ask around to see what others think. G.
This helps a lot. What I don't understand is how the trailer brakes "know" how hard the tow vehicle is braking. Wouldn't it need to know this to apply the right amount of braking force? Thanks
Thanks! There are two types of controllers- the one I speak of, and a proportional type. The type I have just has settings for how much to apply, and how quick it ramps up. The proportional type has an accelerometer that will apply force as needed. The latter would be preferred over the first- in my opinion. If mine ever dies, I will going with a proportional type. As it is, I have to adjust mine for different loads. Hope this makes sense. Take care, G.
Yes, it does. Thanks. From what I learned proportional type is the only way to go. I don't know why they even sell the timed type any more. There may have been a time when they were much cheaper. Thanks to our friends in China you can get a self-leveling, proportional, Hopkins unit for a hundred bucks. Treat yourself and get a good controller.
Interesting to know that some of these brakes work proportionaly to allow gentle braking. I drive an agricultural tractor and trailer where the trailer brakes are either off or on and frequently skid the tread on my expensive tires!
Tom, in my opinion- the test would be to engage the trailer brakes manually while sitting still and with no brake applied on the vehicle, then apply a bit of throttle to ensure the trailer is holding. As for adjusting them, I have a video posted on how I do a brake job. At the end of the video I discuss adjustments. Hope this helps in some way, G.
Howdy , I have a car trailer that is 2 yrs old . Used it maybe 4 times but it mostly sits . Live in Oregon where it rains a lot and winter is mild . Maybe low 19 degrees . About 8 months ago I used the trailer to haul a car and brakes worked great . Now it barely grabs . I can slightly feel the brakes engage . My controller works on other trailers . What should I be looking for ? IF the inside wall where magnet grabs is slightly rusted will that do it ? Not saying its got surface rust . I Just saw your video and now have an Idea how they work . Any help would be greatly appreciated . Thanks
I would start with the trailer ground wire. Make sure it's clean, bright and tight. Most likely that's the problem. I would do that before I would go into the hubs. Let us know what you find. Good luck, G.
Would I be able to remove the guts from a trailer brake assembly, and install them into a brake assembly from a pickup truck (pickup bed trailer) or would the magnet be too far from the drum? Or some other reason it wouldn't work? Or bbn would it??
Nice video. But what does the BK stand for on the tester? I worked on a trailer and the brakes WOULD work with two other trucks but NOT with the owners truck . I have two testers like the one you have, a Curt and a Tekonsha. Both of them showed the Left and Right turn signals activated when applying the brakes but the brakes were not activated. The lights and everything else worked but no brakes. I had the trailer jacked up with both wheels off the ground spinning the tires so magnets were activated. Plus the 12v light was on.
If my truck is a 2014 Chevy 5.3L and it weighs 5,100 lbs And I’m towing a 6,000 Lb camper trailer is it safe to tow the camper trailer? Or do I need brakes installed on the setup? I’m not planning on going all over the country or anything basically just going the speed limit 1 hour to the beach and back
So informative! And so cool! On a 7 pin connection,(1984 airstream) do you think the trailer needs a fully working battery in order to apply the brakes?
There should be a break away switch and a battery on the trailer so the brakes apply if the trailer disconnects for any reason. The battery should be fully charged. Look into that subject. Good luck, G.
Hi, I was changing the hub bearings and the shoes needed to be replaced. They moving part with the magnet on it was also seized, so I got it all working and thought I better check to make sure I understood how these brakes worked. I found this video and it seems whoever built this trailer put the axle in upside down. I imagine things don't quite work the way they were intended, so I will have to turn the axle over so it looks like this....
If there is a bow in the axle, make sure it is pointing upwards. If it is already, you need to unbolt the backing plates and rotate them to the proper location. There is a left and right plate. The arm with the magnet should face the front side of the trailer. Plus the short shoe on the front. Good luck, G.
@@ghostses Well I checked the bow and both axles in my dump trailer are upside down. They must have done it to get the clearance they needed between the box (over wheels) and the tires. I have to get some new spring mounts and weld them on the other side of the axle and flip them around. I found a trailer place that has prices about 1/5th less than anyone else for the hardware I am going to need to fix this. Miska Trailers in Hamilton.
That's cool! Yeah, they were mounted incorrectly. The bow being upwards sets a positive camber on the wheels. Glad you found the issue. Good luck sorting things out, G.
That was interesting and informative. I haven't been around triller brakes in many many years and was not aware of the electrical brakes. You demonstrated the action but at 2:57 said the front transfers the force to the rear. I assume that is done mechanically as it wasn't apparent (well to me anyway haha). That blowout really got you looking at everything didn't it? Would have done the same myself. Looks like new wiring you did in there also? Thanks for the video and explanation.
+MRrwmac Thanks Mac! Yes, the front shoe transfers the force to the rear by mechanical force- rotational if you will. The blowout did get me looking at everything and I thought I was good to go but found another problem that will be shown in the upcoming LONG video...lol. No new wiring, just cleaned it up. Looks pretty right...lol? Glad you like it, G.
A great video. Question: how often should the emergency battery be replaced. ...will an 12 v battery still work at 10volts? They're $15 so just replace every year? Thanks!
Thanks! I'm no pro, but I would only change my battery when it no longer takes, or holds a charge. 10V seems too low to me. Mine trailer does not have a built in charger that keeps the battery charged while towing. I can add one so my tow vehicle can keep it charged, but haven't done so. I test mine periodically by removing the pin and trying to move the trailer forward to ensure the wheels are locked up. This not only checks the battery, but also the brakes. I also check it from time to time with a multi meter. They might even have a solar float charger, but I've never looked. Hope this helps, G.
I've been a mechanic for 20+ years, but never worked on trailer brakes until I bought a Travel Trailer. Awesome video, gave me exactly what I needed without all of the extra "talking" people usually do. Thank you very much...keep up the good work!
Excellent video! Short and sweet, only pertinent information, clear vocals, no camera shaking and lots of good info. Thank you for the video it really helps.
Learn something new everyday! I had assumed that there was a solenoid with a plunger similar to a wheel cylinder. Never knew it actually grabbed the inside of the drum on the lug face.
thank you for this video, i'm going to replace my brakes and rewire my trailer, Never done any electric brake work Your video saved me a lot of guess work. Well done!
Thanks! Great video and explanation of the electric brake system. Been towing an RV for years but never fully understood the brakes. Did not realize that the electromagnet rode the inside of the drum, and grabbed the drum in order to leverage the shoes.
Towed a few, but never owned one and hadn't been inside for maintenance/repairs. Having seen a picture of the magnet, I thought it was a torsion cam that rotated by EM force to spread the shoes. But dang, this is as simple as it gets.
I'm an engineer and I have to say this was a superb, concise tutorial.
Thanks! Glad you found it informative. Take care, G.
Bingo excellent description and covered everything
Outstanding - brief, but not too fast, and complete. All youtubers should have to view this before posting. I love it. And after several years on youtube still helping out. Thanks!
Thanks Rod! I know exactly what you mean. I watch tons of videos myself. Many are droning on and on and never seem to get to the point, and others are using so many jump cuts you don't have a millisecond to digest what's just been said. I do try to strike a balance between the two, but will admit I do get a bit verbose from time to time. Glad you found this video useful/informative. Good luck and take care, G.
I could swear this was narrated by Matthew McConaughey! That’s a compliment by the way, just a very distinct style of speech.
Alright, alright, alright!!!
Great video! Thanks.
I get that tons Jerry! For all you know- I am him but keep my identity private...lol. Take care, G- I mean M.
I thought Don Knotts.
Great video with a clear, concise, but simple explanation. Thanks.
Thanks Robert! Glad you found it informative. Take care, G.
Great video. I remember years ago, changing the shoes but not knowing why the smaller shoe was in front. I'm 77 years old and yes you can teach an old dog new tricks. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next video. Always something different and interesting. Ken..... Marina, CA
+Kenneth Bartlett
Thanks Kenneth! Now you know! I'm glad you like the videos! Take care, G.
I made it through 75 years of life not knowing exactly how electric trailer brakes worked. I can now complete my life with that knowledge. Thank you !!!
Glad it was helpful. Good luck, G.
😂
Wait until you learn to make Jello - LIFE CHANGING
@@ghostsesthis was helpful..magnets huh...OK never knew that.
@@enrique88005 Good deal. Yes, magnets! Take care, G.
This video gave me that "AHH HAA" moment, ya know when something finally clicks and you can wrap your head around how something really works! Thank you sir!
Yes, I know that moment! Glad it was helpful and take care, G.
Excellent video on this. I am troubleshooting my trailer brakes, and your video is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for being knowledgeable, logical, and clear.
Thanks Keith. Hope it's helpful so you can track down your problem. Good luck and take care, G.
A wonderful, simple, clear description. Thank you!
Thanks Ted. Glad you found it helpful. Good luck, G.
Excellent video. I have an older 1971 Prowler camp trailer and the magnet portion is almost a big as the inside of the drum. I was confused about how it worked, but your video has cleared up any confusion I had. Thanks a million for this video!
Glad it was helpful! Good luck and take care, G.
Great video! Probably the best explanation I have seen for electric trailer brakes, short and to the point.
Thanks Eddie. Glad you like it. Take care, G.
Short and to the point. Great simple explanation that makes sense. Thank you
Thanks! G.
Superb Video and to the point. You talk at just the right speed and your explanations are great, as is the video quality itself. I am new at rebuilding trailer brakes and didnt know exactly how the electro magnet worked. This is excellent. Thank you....
Thanks Thomas. Glad you found it helpful. Good luck, G.
Great job
Thanks Shaun! G.
All DIYers that want to make an "explanation" video should use this as a template!! EXCELLENT!
Thanks Toby! Glad you liked it. Take care, G.
Super sweet video! “He know how to explain things so I can understand them.”
Thanks Miles! Glad you found it informative. Take care, G.
Sir you have made THE BEST electrical break explanation on YOU TUBE 👍😊 Cheers 🍻👍
Thanks! Glad it was helpful. Take care, G.
@@ghostses It did Sir Cheers !!!👍🍻
@@RCAFpolarexpress Good deal! G.
Great video! Totally helped me understand how they work for my exam, good job!
Good deal. Good luck with your test. G.
thanks for a very simple and informative explanation ,i started watching to find out whether these brakes were polarity sensitive and it was one of the first things said,either way i kept watching thanks again.
Thanks Ross! I'm glad you liked it. Good luck, G.
That was a very good job explaining about the brakes but the brakes I also have never known really how they work you have helped a lot of us out here in RUclips land
Thanks Dan! There's a bit more to it- but this is the general idea. Glad you found it informative and good luck, G.
Great. Got right to the point, explained clearly. Thanks
Good deal. Glad it was informative. Take care, G.
Excellent video! Short, easy to understand, and very informative. Thank you!!
Thanks Erich! Glad you liked it. Take care, G.
You have provided a terrific source of information! Thank you very much for making this video.
Thanks Timothy! Glad you found it informative. Take care, G.
I knew how they worked, sorta, but now fully understand, you are a very good teacher, thanks!
Thanks! Take care, G.
Thanks! Take care, G.
1:40 seconds in to it you answer my question. Amazing, thank you for saving me hours of research
Glad it gave you the answer you were looking for. Take care, G.
I’m about to install electric brakes on my trailer this helped me understand what I’m dealing with thank you
Glad it was helpful Shane! Good luck with your project. G.
Tremendously helpful video, thank you!
Glad it was informative. Take care, G.
Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.
Good deal Brian! Good luck, G.
Horrible design so much things to go wrong, hydraulic disc brakes far better.
I agree Bradly. I would love to have discs on my setup, but they're pretty expensive- at least for my pocket. Take care, G.
"so much thing to go wrong..." that statement is empty. List what can go wrong with electric brakes and list why hydraulic are better. Include a list what can go wrong with hydraulic brakes for comparison to electric brakes.
Bradley stir a horrible design, they have worked well for decades.
Light use huh wonder how our semi trucks been gettin by all these decades 80,000 pounds
skyline9789 semi trucks or properly tractor trailers use air brakes. Air pressure is used on both vehicles the tractor truck and trailer. I have no idea what has made you think commercial vehicles with high gross weight ratings use electric brakes but sir you’re are very wrong and I hope you have not been spreading that nonsense around.
Excellent video. You know your stuff, thanks!
Thanks Jason! Glad you found it informative. Take care, G.
Excellent and straightforward tutorial.
Thanks Timothy! I'm glad you found it useful. Take care, G.
Excellent work Sir, thank you!
Thanks Jonathan! Take care, G.
An excellent and very helpful tutorial - thank you.
Glad it was helpful Wayne. Good luck, G.
I like that video you explain it very very clearly I understand it 100% and I’ve never worked on them before but I could definitely put them back together now thank you
Thanks Chuck! Take care, G.
Great job! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks Ken! Glad you found it informative. Take care, G.
What a great description and presentation!
Thanks Lee! Take care, G.
short and very informative. nice job!
Thanks Jason! Take care, G.
I like the way you say vee-hickle. and para-lell. BTW that lever that spreads the shoes is an actuating arm. ;) Nice video thumbs up
Thanks John, it's common around here. "Actuating arm"- that;s it. Take care, G.
That was really helpful. Thank you.
Glad you liked it Dave. Take care, G.
This helped a ton, thank you.
Glad it was helpful Kelly! Good luck, G.
No... thank you for taking the time to make this informative video.
Thanks Mike. Glad you liked it. Take care, G.
Thank you for your help.
Glad it was useful. Take care, G
Awesome video. I had no idea how they worked. Now I know. Thank you.
Thanks! They're quite simple in the way they work. Good luck, G.
Great video. Great explanation 👌
Thanks Dave! Good luck, G.
If I am converting surge to electric do I eliminate the surge coupler. I must replace the existing shoes, wheel cylinder, etc.? All I need is a wire to the Magnet and no actuator? Great vid!
Curt, if you're going from surge to electric- yes, the coupler should be eliminated IMO. The backing plates, etc. should be replaced with the electric variety and be properly wired. You would need a controller/actuator to control the brakes. Hope this helps. Do more research. Take care, G.
Thank you for your video.
Thanks Mark. Take care, G.
great explanation. Can you tell me please what kind of after-market controller you have and a ballpark cost?
Thanks Joel! I can't say at this point what the controller I have by brand- but I believe it was around $60. I would look into a proportional controller though. The one I have is fickle- especially with a load that changes frequently. Not much help, but hope this helps. Take care, G.
great video sir. Thank you
Thanks Clint! I'm glad it helped. Take care, G.
Excellent tutorial
Thanks! G.
Thanks very informative!
Glad if was helpful.. Take care, G.
Great video. It's also important to run both wires to the front tow hitch, not run a similar size wire down to one brake side and then run it across the axle to the other side.
Thanks Jay! Take care, G.
@@ghostses Another reason the short shoe is at the front is the effect of self servo action. When the drum goes over the top, so to speak, when the shoe is pushed into it at a lower level then there is a mechanical advantage to the amount of force that shoe goes into the drum as well as the shoe wanting to go into the drum by itself which then pushes on the other shoe to even it all out. So you are correct in what you state, I'm just adding some braking knowledge. Thats also why drum brakes usually work better going forwards then backwards. This servo action can be replicated. If you cup your hand left hand under your right hand , the rotate your right hand anti clockwise, your left fingers will bite into your right hand. But if you reverse your direction it take a lot more pressure to try and slow your right hand with your left. Sorry, I hope that doesn't sound to confusing.
@@JayDee-xj9lu True Jay! Take care, G.
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Gary! Glad you found it informative. Good luck, G.
Nice vid. Got a question for you if you don't mind. In your opinion, what would be best for my truck bed trailer? Electric over hydraulic, or ? Trailer is built from a f150 1/2 ton, has disc brakes and lines intact. A frame hitch. Not used for heavy hauling though, just green waste haul off. Though brakes aren't really necessary since it only hauls light loads, figured eh, I might add the actuator some day. Any input will be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance 😊
Thanks Charles. You can't run electric unless you have that setup on your stuff. I can't speak for electric over hydraulic. I don't know if that would work with original brake setups, or if there are some other requirements. Dig deeper is all I can offer. Good luck, G.
Good concise explanation.
Thanks! Take care, G.
Awesome i all way wonder how it work,i never they exist until last year.
Good deal! Now you know. Take care, G.
very educative thank you
Thanks Sesha. Glad you liked it. Good luck, G.
That may be how your controller works but they are all different. Modern ones have accelerometers in them.
That's true. G.
Very informative Thank You.
Thanks Shawn. Glad you liked it. Take care, G.
Thanks for a great video. I'm trying to figure out why my brakes don't work on the trailer I just bought.
Thanks Pat! Good luck, G.
Are the brakes locked in full brake , when there is no tow vehicle hooked ? Or can the trailer be moved without powering the brakes
The only thing that applies the brakes is the voltage from the controller. If the vehicle is disconnected- the brakes are free. Hope this helps, G.
Thanks!
No problem! Take care, G.
Thanks. Good to know.
No problem Darren! Good luck, G.
Excellent thank you
Thanks Harry! Good luck, G.
all 4 clips were missing when they repacked the bearings and replaced all 4 seals. just out of curiosity i pulled 1 hub and the clip was gone. im sure that is the case with the other 3 wheels. should I attempt to have the axles replaced due to bad engineering? i only put about 1100 miles on the RV since the job was done. Thanks again for your help.
The axles are probably fine. Actually, the magnets can't get off once the hubs are installed. I could be wrong, but they may only be there to aid with assembly. You might ask around to see what others think. G.
ghostses thanks for the help .i think you are correct.
This helps a lot. What I don't understand is how the trailer brakes "know" how hard the tow vehicle is braking. Wouldn't it need to know this to apply the right amount of braking force? Thanks
Thanks! There are two types of controllers- the one I speak of, and a proportional type. The type I have just has settings for how much to apply, and how quick it ramps up. The proportional type has an accelerometer that will apply force as needed. The latter would be preferred over the first- in my opinion. If mine ever dies, I will going with a proportional type. As it is, I have to adjust mine for different loads. Hope this makes sense. Take care, G.
Yes, it does. Thanks. From what I learned proportional type is the only way to go. I don't know why they even sell the timed type any more. There may have been a time when they were much cheaper. Thanks to our friends in China you can get a self-leveling, proportional, Hopkins unit for a hundred bucks.
Treat yourself and get a good controller.
I agree! Mine works, but it can be a pain to deal with sometimes and it can be touchy. Thanks for the info on the Hopkins. Good luck, G.
You are welcome. If I ever pull a trailer, I'll put in a proportional first.
Interesting to know that some of these brakes work proportionaly to allow gentle braking. I drive an agricultural tractor and trailer where the trailer brakes are either off or on and frequently skid the tread on my expensive tires!
Nice introduction. However, how do you test and adjust the brakes?
Tom, in my opinion- the test would be to engage the trailer brakes manually while sitting still and with no brake applied on the vehicle, then apply a bit of throttle to ensure the trailer is holding. As for adjusting them, I have a video posted on how I do a brake job. At the end of the video I discuss adjustments. Hope this helps in some way, G.
Are trailer brakes designed to be left (driver side & right (passenger side) specifically old style mobile home brakes?
They are left and right. I can't speak for mobile home brakes though. Good luck, G.
Howdy , I have a car trailer that is 2 yrs old . Used it maybe 4 times but it mostly sits . Live in Oregon where it rains a lot and winter is mild . Maybe low 19 degrees . About 8 months ago I used the trailer to haul a car and brakes worked great . Now it barely grabs . I can slightly feel the brakes engage . My controller works on other trailers . What should I be looking for ? IF the inside wall where magnet grabs is slightly rusted will that do it ? Not saying its got surface rust . I Just saw your video and now have an Idea how they work . Any help would be greatly appreciated . Thanks
I would start with the trailer ground wire. Make sure it's clean, bright and tight. Most likely that's the problem. I would do that before I would go into the hubs. Let us know what you find. Good luck, G.
@@ghostses Thanks for the reply ! I will try the ground first . As soon as the snow melts LOL Thanks again
@@sparlin88 Good deal! G.
Would I be able to remove the guts from a trailer brake assembly, and install them into a brake assembly from a pickup truck (pickup bed trailer) or would the magnet be too far from the drum? Or some other reason it wouldn't work? Or bbn would it??
I don't think it would work, but I could be wrong. G.
Nice video. But what does the BK stand for on the tester? I worked on a trailer and the brakes WOULD work with two other trucks but NOT with the owners truck . I have two testers like the one you have, a Curt and a Tekonsha. Both of them showed the Left and Right turn signals activated when applying the brakes but the brakes were not activated. The lights and everything else worked but no brakes. I had the trailer jacked up with both wheels off the ground spinning the tires so magnets were activated. Plus the 12v light was on.
I think you meant your comment/questions for another video. I didn't use any testers. Good luck, G.
Thank you
No problem Kevin. Take care, G.
If my truck is a 2014 Chevy 5.3L and it weighs 5,100 lbs
And I’m towing a 6,000 Lb camper trailer is it safe to tow the camper trailer? Or do I need brakes installed on the setup?
I’m not planning on going all over the country or anything basically just going the speed limit 1 hour to the beach and back
For me, brakes all the way. You never know when you might need hardcore braking to stop. Be safe, not sorry.. G.
So informative! And so cool! On a 7 pin connection,(1984 airstream) do you think the trailer needs a fully working battery in order to apply the brakes?
There should be a break away switch and a battery on the trailer so the brakes apply if the trailer disconnects for any reason. The battery should be fully charged. Look into that subject. Good luck, G.
Hi, I was changing the hub bearings and the shoes needed to be replaced. They moving part with the magnet on it was also seized, so I got it all working and thought I better check to make sure I understood how these brakes worked. I found this video and it seems whoever built this trailer put the axle in upside down. I imagine things don't quite work the way they were intended, so I will have to turn the axle over so it looks like this....
If there is a bow in the axle, make sure it is pointing upwards. If it is already, you need to unbolt the backing plates and rotate them to the proper location. There is a left and right plate. The arm with the magnet should face the front side of the trailer. Plus the short shoe on the front. Good luck, G.
@@ghostses Good advice, I'll make sure I check that!
No problem! G.
@@ghostses Well I checked the bow and both axles in my dump trailer are upside down. They must have done it to get the clearance they needed between the box (over wheels) and the tires. I have to get some new spring mounts and weld them on the other side of the axle and flip them around. I found a trailer place that has prices about 1/5th less than anyone else for the hardware I am going to need to fix this. Miska Trailers in Hamilton.
That's cool! Yeah, they were mounted incorrectly. The bow being upwards sets a positive camber on the wheels. Glad you found the issue. Good luck sorting things out, G.
very helpful Thanks
+Richard Miller
No problem Richard! Take care, G.
thank Matt Mconaughey!
No problem! G.
only music would have destroyed this perfect video
Thanks! I agree. Take care, G.
thx, good video
Thanks Jason! Good luck, G.
That was interesting and informative. I haven't been around triller brakes in many many years and was not aware of the electrical brakes. You demonstrated the action but at 2:57 said the front transfers the force to the rear. I assume that is done mechanically as it wasn't apparent (well to me anyway haha). That blowout really got you looking at everything didn't it? Would have done the same myself. Looks like new wiring you did in there also? Thanks for the video and explanation.
+MRrwmac
Thanks Mac! Yes, the front shoe transfers the force to the rear by mechanical force- rotational if you will. The blowout did get me looking at everything and I thought I was good to go but found another problem that will be shown in the upcoming LONG video...lol. No new wiring, just cleaned it up. Looks pretty right...lol? Glad you like it, G.
+ghostses Yes, you did a good and all clean. You can go out and play with the other boys now.
+MRrwmac
LOL!
awesom video
Thanks Tina! Good luck, G.
Many thanks for warning us about this terrible design. Nothing wrong with the old mechanical systems that had fewer wearing parts !
Thanks. Take care, G.
A great video. Question: how often should the emergency battery be replaced. ...will an 12 v battery still work at 10volts? They're $15 so just replace every year? Thanks!
Thanks! I'm no pro, but I would only change my battery when it no longer takes, or holds a charge. 10V seems too low to me. Mine trailer does not have a built in charger that keeps the battery charged while towing. I can add one so my tow vehicle can keep it charged, but haven't done so. I test mine periodically by removing the pin and trying to move the trailer forward to ensure the wheels are locked up. This not only checks the battery, but also the brakes. I also check it from time to time with a multi meter. They might even have a solar float charger, but I've never looked. Hope this helps, G.
Is this Cleveland narrating
Perhaps! G.
Just me or is this Matthew McConaughey?
It might be. Who know for sure. G.
Superb.
Thanks! G.
This is perfect. Short and to the point. Just getting into towing and had no idea how they worked. Thanks!
Thanks! Good luck to you. G.
I've been towing all my adult life and I didn't know how they worked.
Excellent video, thank you! Very helpful!
Thanks Michael! Good luck, G.
Thanks!
No problem Chris! Take care, G.
I've been a mechanic for 20+ years, but never worked on trailer brakes until I bought a Travel Trailer. Awesome video, gave me exactly what I needed without all of the extra "talking" people usually do. Thank you very much...keep up the good work!
That's cool Chris! I haven't been a tech for about 28yrs now. Brakes, front ends, and alignments was my game. Glad you found it useful. Take care, G.
You are eloquent. Not a single "um." Thank you!
Thanks David! Glad you liked it. Take care, G.
..enough "um's" can wreck an otherwise good vid..
Your explanation was very clear and to the point,
It made me horny in my pants.
@@matthewjackson64 That's a weird comment
I can't agree with this enough.
Told me everything I needed to know in 3minutes and 46 seconds even answered my question. Excellent video
Thanks Ricky! Glad you found it informative. Good luck, G.
Agreed
Excellent video! Short and sweet, only pertinent information, clear vocals, no camera shaking and lots of good info. Thank you for the video it really helps.
Thanks Craig! Glad you found it useful. Good luck, G.
Good job. You covered everything and in just 3 minutes. I need this for my vintage camper rebuild
Very good! Thanks! Good luck with your rebuild, G.
Thanks for the explanation! Very clear and helpful.
No problem Tommy! Glad it was helpful. Take care, G.
Learn something new everyday! I had assumed that there was a solenoid with a plunger similar to a wheel cylinder. Never knew it actually grabbed the inside of the drum on the lug face.
Glad it was helpful. Good name by the way...lol. Take care, G.
thank you for this video, i'm going to replace my brakes and rewire my trailer, Never done any electric brake work Your video saved me a lot of guess work. Well done!
Thanks Michael! Good luck, G.
Gggdhfjkhsh
Very good video on the basics. I am new to electric trailer brakes and this answered 99% of my questions. Thank you.
Thanks Michael. Glad you found it informative. Good luck, G.
Thanks! Great video and explanation of the electric brake system. Been towing an RV for years but never fully understood the brakes. Did not realize that the electromagnet rode the inside of the drum, and grabbed the drum in order to leverage the shoes.
No problem Ray! Now you know how they work! Take care, G.
Towed a few, but never owned one and hadn't been inside for maintenance/repairs. Having seen a picture of the magnet, I thought it was a torsion cam that rotated by EM force to spread the shoes. But dang, this is as simple as it gets.
Perfect video that gave me exactly the information I needed. Thanks!
Thanks Jaim. Glad you found it informative. Good luck, G.
RUclipsrs like you are a rare breed. Great info and straight to the point. Thanks!!!
Thanks Jesse! Glad you liked it. G.