We usually only pull single tandem axle G/N around but because of getting bigger stuff to haul we bought a 30' dual tandem GN trailer this year. Evrything works good but the brakes. They are working but weak and not enough to stop the trailer. I heard from a friend that because of the bigger brakes you have to have a stronger brake controler. Is this true and if so what is a good one?
thanks
Aaron

 

Jordan.

 

There should be an adjustment on the actual trailer brakes--you may need to tighten them up. Do you have both axles on brakes or just one? I would think that the more sets of brakes you have, you would need a bigger controler but the average controler should work fine on two sets.

 

Prodigy.

 

I have the stock box on it right now and the trailer is only a year old. it has brakes on both axles. I think it has some brand of axle that starts with a D
DM01

 

Yeah, those are Dexter axels. If it is a year old then you need to perform maintenance on them such as grease the bearings and adjust the play in the brakes themself. It sounds as if they are not working properly due to normal wear, they are NOT self adjusting such as your truck.
By the way the Prodigy is great but they say the Jordan Ultima is better. I will find out this summer

 

Some Dexter Axle brakes that have never been adjusted appear to not have a adjustment hole.....you should see a knock out on the backing plate.....but you need to remove the hub to knock it out and be able to adjust the brakes

Most controllers will handle a dual axle setup....for tri-axles look at a better controller....my PRODIGYÖ Brake Controller by Tekonsha will handle 6-8 brakes that I need when I pull my 4 axle trailer (which is not very offen)

If this trailer is new to you start off by pulling all the wheels and hubs to inspect the bearings and brake linings then clean the magnets and be sure the brakes activate.....the dexter brake lining has a habit of coming off the shoe if it gets hot from hard braking

 

Dexter axles are the best I have found and only ones I would buy. I check them yearly but have not had to adjust my 01 horse trailer yet and stops strong.

Check the connections all the way back for correct voltage to the brakes on the blue wire back. Next check for grounds on the wiring on truck, trailer and near the axles themselfs.

Good luck. Srigs

 

You might want to make sure the brakes are even working correctly. You need to monitor the current in each magnet to determine it is activating. You can also do this with a compass holding it next to the wheel and have someone activate the controller. This is not rocket science, but it will tell you whether there is any current in the magnet. Each magnet should draw about 2.5 to 3 amps.

Which controller is best? Jordan. One big reason - - the Jordan readout is the amount of current being drawn by your brake magnets rather the voltage supplied to the magnets. An open magnet or wiring can have 100 volts on it but pass no current. It takes current through the magnet to make it work.