How to Test Trailer Brakes

Most trailer brakes come with a brake shoe/brake drum braking system. When the brake knob is pulled out, the brake shoes are compressed to the inside of the brake drum. When the brake knob is pushed in, the brake shoes are released from the inside of the brake drums. As the brake shoes wear down, the brakes will will need to be readjusted. Maintain a constant check on the brake shoe thickness to prevent the shoes from wearing too thin and damaging the brake drums.

Instructions

1

Pull the trailer onto a flat surface and apply the trailer brakes by pulling out on the brake knob on the dash.

2

Position the wheel chocks behind the front and back of each trailer wheel to prevent the trailer from rolling when the trailer brakes are released.

3

Slide under the back of the trailer and locate the backing plate on the rear driver side trailer wheel. Shine a flashlight through the grooves of the backing plate to ensure that the brake shoes are completely applied to the inside of the brake drum. Move over to the passenger side wheel backing plate and make sure the passenger side trailer brakes are fully applied to the inside of the brake drum.

4

Release the brakes by pushing in on the trailer brake knob. Slide back under the back of the trailer and shine the flashlight through the driver side wheel backing plate to ensure that the brake shoes are no more than a quarter inch to a half inch from the inside of the brake drums. Repeat the same process for the rear passenger side wheel.

5

Re-apply the trailer brakes and remove the wheel chocks.