mechanical trailer brake adjustment

[5teve]

hi guys

i have just been redo'ing the brakes on the boat trailer (twin axle, single axle mechanically braked) as the muppets at the boat yard 'fixed' the actuation system so that when braking hard the brake lever didnt return and im also convinced they werent working very hard.

anyway my question is... how do you know when the brakes are adjusted properly? or is there an easy method... i currently have them set so that when the actuator is moved about 10-15mm the cables are starting to get tight as though the pads are being pressed.

Any info as usual would be great help!

Thanks

Steve

[RonMcGr]

hi guys

i have just been redo'ing the brakes on the boat trailer (twin axle, single axle mechanically braked) as the muppets at the boat yard 'fixed' the actuation system so that when braking hard the brake lever didnt return and im also convinced they werent working very hard.

anyway my question is... how do you know when the brakes are adjusted properly? or is there an easy method... i currently have them set so that when the actuator is moved about 10-15mm the cables are starting to get tight as though the pads are being pressed.

Any info as usual would be great help!

Thanks

Steve

Steve,

I would jack the trailer up and adjust the brake cables until the wheels just spin freely.
It takes a bit of force to activate the brake anyway.
If you can get it to the point where you apply the brake fairly hard on the towing vehicle, and feel the trailer not pushing the car, you have got it right. :D
If it is too sensitive the trailer will start to brake when you slow down.

[stock]

Trailer Servicing - Trailer Brake Adjustments & System Settings (http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/servicing/brake_adjustments.htm)

[RonMcGr]

Trailer Servicing - Trailer Brake Adjustments & System Settings (http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/servicing/brake_adjustments.htm)

Good link.
Just keep in mind that that is a UK/Euro system not normally sold individually in AU. It is on some imported caravans.

Our system is not so sophisticated and does not have self adjusting brakes. Unfortunately!

[stock]

Downloads (http://www.rockettrailers.com/TrailerMaintenance.htm)

[5teve]

thanks guys for the links very useful, i dont think the brakes are working properly yet so more adjustment required! doesnt help that the rotors are rusty as are the axles and everything else! needs a complete overhaul and that will get done soon...

Thanks again

Steve