Trailer Brake Studdering

[tolson37]

I get alot of trailer brake studdering when I brake at low speeds. I have a tandem axle (single axle drum breaks) trailer. Trailer and boat weigh approximately 5000 lbs. It studders when breaking at low speeds (< 30 MPH) and increasingly studders as it slows. I back off the brakes and re-apply- It seems to help.<br /><br />I'm concerned about 2 things. 1) The trailer is not braking strong enough and My 03 Expedition is taking the brunt of the braking. 2) The studdering has always bothered me. Is this something that's normal?<br /><br />Any ideas on how to diagnose what the problem is would be appreciated. Ideas on corrective action too.<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[kence]

Re: Trailer Brake Studdering

First, you should have brakes on both axles. In some states it is legal to have brakes on only one but for safe stopping I would consider adding brakes to both axles. I am not sure what you mean by studdering but if you mean it seems to brake on and off, you may have contaminated brakes shoes or drums that are rusty or out of round. Also, you could have air in the lines.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Trailer Brake Studdering

This could also be very dependant on what type of braking system you have in place.<br /><br />Inertia?<br />Electric?<br />Disc or Drum?<br /><br />More information would help.<br /><br />Bob

 

[rwidman]

Re: Trailer Brake Studdering

Originally posted by tolson37:<br /> It studders when breaking at low speeds (< 30 MPH) and increasingly studders as it slows. I back off the brakes and re-apply- It seems to help.<br /><br />Is this something that's normal?<br /><br />Any ideas on how to diagnose what the problem is would be appreciated. Ideas on corrective action too.<br />

It is not "normal" and indicates a problem with the trailer brakes.<br /><br />Trailer brakes (drum brakes in particular) need constant maintenance, particularly if you launch in salt water. The parts rust and stick, springs rust and break, etc. Two seasons is about the expected life. The easiest fix is to purchase a pair of pre-assembled backing plates for about $130.00. This replaces everything except the master cylinder and brake lines. Take the old ones off, put the new ones on, bleed, and adjust the brakes, and you're finished. If you're not comfortable doing this, have a pro do it.<br /><br />Another possibility is that the drums are out of round. This would not normally happen unless you severely overheated them at some point.<br /><br />Get it fixed one way or the other ASAP.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Trailer Brake Studdering

Is your trailer sitting level. This can be important. If your non-brake axle is carring more weight than your brake axle this can happen. There should be equal weight on both if not a tad bit more weight on the brake axle.

 

[jlshields]

Re: Trailer Brake Studdering

I had the same problem on a tandem axle trailer, surge drum brakes on front axle only.<br />One wheel cylinder leaked fluid on the shoes causing that wheel to lock up when the brakes were applied. Those brakes being on the front axle caused that wheel to bounce.<br />Brakes on the front axle tend to lift those wheels off the road when brakes are applied.<br />I put on a new wheel cylinder, brake shoes and swapped places with the front and rear axles.

 

[tolson37]

Re: Trailer Brake Studdering

I have Drum Inertia Brakes. I only launch in fresh water and the trailer has only been launched approximately 20 times.<br /><br />Should I<br />1) Take the trailer (with boat loaded) back to mfg for adjustment (it's been < 1 year since new)<br />2) Add brakes to the 2nd axle<br />3) Replace the brakes and check for out of round drums.<br /><br />Thanks for all the ideas.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Trailer Brake Studdering

Your drums are not running true, I suggest option 2 & 3. If you choose option 1, the trailer manufacturer will probably suggest 2 & 3 anyway.<br /><br />If you are going to spend some bucks it'll be worth considering upgrading to disc brakes. <br /><br />A 5000Lb boat probably should have brakes on both axles, your expedition will thank you <br /><br />Aldo

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Trailer Brake Studdering

Absolutely option 1. If it's been < 1 year, there should be some kinda warranty.