I have a 1997 single axle trailer with surge brakes/drums. Used to live on a lake so rarely used the trailer. Towed it form Georgia to Utah 8 years ago, no issues. Tow it several times now during the summer back and forth to the lake 10 miles or so.
I am pulling with a Tahoe. This weekend, it 'seemed' like the trailer was 'jerky', i.e. like the brakes were going on and off. Though I know that likely wouldn't happen, they would be simply stuck on or partially on. In that case, would there usually be a noticeable consistent drag, or could that result in a "pulsing" that feels like the trailer is getting pulled back while I'm driving? When I got home, the drums were very hot, too hot to leave my hand on. Both equally hot. The pin on the sides of the coupler was at the front of the coupler in the oblong hole it travel in, so the coupler was not shoved backward in a "backing" position.
I will jack the trailer and see if the wheels are easy to turn, and if not start checking things out. What to look for? I assume that if both wheels are not turning freely, it is likely the actuator that might be sticking? Or the brakes on both sides have something rusted/corroded and aren't fully releasing. This trailer has done a lot of sitting around, and has never had any kind of service (never got enough use) other than I grease gun the bearings.
After driving 10 miles, they were hot, but no burning smell or anything.
Lastly, I think I could use another 2 inches of drop on my hitch, which I am going to get this week. If that's the case, could trailer "bounce" on road joints be causing the tongue to lift up and down, giving that jerky feeling, and have nothing to do with brakes?
Thanks in advance.
I am pulling with a Tahoe. This weekend, it 'seemed' like the trailer was 'jerky', i.e. like the brakes were going on and off. Though I know that likely wouldn't happen, they would be simply stuck on or partially on. In that case, would there usually be a noticeable consistent drag, or could that result in a "pulsing" that feels like the trailer is getting pulled back while I'm driving? When I got home, the drums were very hot, too hot to leave my hand on. Both equally hot. The pin on the sides of the coupler was at the front of the coupler in the oblong hole it travel in, so the coupler was not shoved backward in a "backing" position.
I will jack the trailer and see if the wheels are easy to turn, and if not start checking things out. What to look for? I assume that if both wheels are not turning freely, it is likely the actuator that might be sticking? Or the brakes on both sides have something rusted/corroded and aren't fully releasing. This trailer has done a lot of sitting around, and has never had any kind of service (never got enough use) other than I grease gun the bearings.
After driving 10 miles, they were hot, but no burning smell or anything.
Lastly, I think I could use another 2 inches of drop on my hitch, which I am going to get this week. If that's the case, could trailer "bounce" on road joints be causing the tongue to lift up and down, giving that jerky feeling, and have nothing to do with brakes?
Thanks in advance.