trailer brakes

[kbenz]

I have a trailer made out of an old 20' camper. has the old dexter wheels. brakes on both axles. brakes always worked good till I hauled a pretty heavy load. never noticed any heat or smoke. I can feel them engage just slightly. haven't had time to pull them apart yet. Time for new pads?

 

[Firstram]

Pulling the drums and inspecting them would be a good way to find out. PM Jimmy Numbers if you want some solid internet misinformation

 

[ChiScouter]

Did you try adjusting your controller?

 

[72Pstroke]

If it has Scotchlocks on the wiring, get rid of them and use something that works and lasts.

 

[Lowrollin70gmc]

You can adjust them without removal to see if it improves. When that doesn’t work anymore, price out entire backing plate assemblies as well as just shoes. The last time I did brakes on a company trailer the backing plate assembly was $3 more than just the shoes. Easily save that in time and aggravation not having to screw around with springs, clips, and cleaning/lubing the old assembly.