Brakes not working well
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10179
Printed Date: 30 Jun 2025 at 6:29am
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Topic: Brakes not working well
Posted By: backin15
Subject: Brakes not working well
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2017 at 12:15pm
| We brought home a seldom used 2015 179 yesterday, and the brakes did not seem to work well, even with my controller set to the max. I figured they were sticking from lack of use or needed adjusting, so I pulled the drums when I got home. Everything looked good, and I was pleased to find the brakes are self adjusting. The only thing I found, was the brake shoes were covered with little protrusions, kind of large grains of sand. Thinking this may be preventing the shoes from making full contact, I sanded the shoes until they were smooth. It does seem better now, but on my other campers I was able to lock up the tires, on this one they will not lock, and I still have my controller set very high. This is my first one axel camper, so I am used to 4 brakes. Does this sound normal for a pod? |
Replies:
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2017 at 2:40pm
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On my 180 I can't lock the brakes up, I don't ever know if I would want to,but there is a nice strong tug that slows my truck down when I push the lever all the way ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost 
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Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2017 at 2:49pm
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Same on my 179!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2017 at 2:55pm
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I do not adjust my controller to lock brakes, I adjust to slow trailer, locking the brakes is extreme. I have a P3 controller and way I adjust is to put trailer on level ground, put TV in drive at idle, use manual brake adjusted and increase braking so that trailer no longer moves forward when manual brake is applied at idle. That's adequate to slow trailer and not adversely effect trailer brakes. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2017 at 2:55pm
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I locked mine up once, but only a millisecond or so before my TV brakes locked up. I think that's what they should do. Scary way to test though. I have my P3 adjusted so that I really see very little breaking difference wether or not the Pod is back there. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2017 at 3:18pm
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ABS systems on TVs prevent brake locking. Makes no sense to have the trailer set to lock. Best to have both work in conjunction. Having a single axle trailer stop a TV isn't the way to go. Most folks will say they never could get their trailer to lock as per the supplied set up instructions. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: backin15
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2017 at 3:28pm
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Thanks for the feedback. The directions on the brake controller say to increase the power until they lock up and back off from there. That is how I set up my other campers and I could easily get all four to lock. I got concerned when I maxed the controller and they still wouldn't lock. I think I have them at a good point now where they are giving me a nice tug. My controller is still set much higher than my last camper though, not sure if this is because I only have 2 brakes instead of the 4 I am used to or if I still have a problem.
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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2017 at 3:36pm
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2 versus 4 could make a difference. I read those same directions and said no way. I don't think you have a problem, but I do think trying to have your single axle TT stop your TV, is an issue. Took me a bit to find a balance, where everything slowed in unison. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Carolavan
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2017 at 9:42am
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I don't have a brake controller. Should I? ------------- 2015 R-Pod 179 2016 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum "It's a good thing we are going slowly because we might be going in the wrong direction." Ashliegh Brilliant |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2017 at 10:02am
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Wait, What? no brake controller? Does your pathfinder somehow send an automatic braking signal to the pods brakes? Did I just learn something? Do you have a 7 pin trailer plug in? Do you have a weight distributing hitch? and / or anti sway? Yes you need a brake controller., your pod has brakes and is heavy, and the law says you must, and it's dangerous when someone does something stupid in front of you. Or you are traveling downhill on a curve and anything happens fast and you need to stop. But maybe it's automatic somehow (never heard of this). rgds John Just pinched this from the Nissan towing site site; Electric Trailer Brakes – Electric braking systems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-sensing module). If electric trailer brakes are used and the vehicle is not equipped with an integrated trailer brake controller, NISSAN recommends the installation of an aftermarket trailer brake controller. For adjustment specifications, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions of the brake controller being installed. For your convenience, Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, Titan, and NV vehicles are pre-wired to accommodate most popular electric trailer brake controllers. A wiring harness* is either included with your vehicle or available from your NISSAN dealer. This harness provides electric trailer brake controller input and output connections to the vehicle wiring. See a professional supplier of towing equipment for electric trailer brake controller availability ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2017 at 4:05pm
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+1 - the law in every state I know of has a limit on weight versus requirement for brake control. RPods qualify. In most it is anything over 2000 lbs. Every dealer should tell buyers a brake control is mandatory before you leave the lot. You need a control to your electronic brake. Sorry for harsh (kind of) but you are a hazard and if something goes wrong you will be liable. Fix please. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2017 at 7:17pm
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Absolutely, you need a brake controller! TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: backin15
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2017 at 9:11pm
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It is very easy to install a brake controller in a Nissan with the towing package. You can buy a pre made harness that will plug into the controller and a receptical under the dash. Screw the controller in place and you are done! Please install one before you tow again!
------------- 2015 179 2013 Xterra Pro 4X |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2017 at 9:17pm
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If your vehilce has a 7 pin connector, it MIGHT have a brake controller installed, somewhere visible. IF NOT, then you must have one installed. Most laws concerning braked trailer weights start near 1650 pounds. Under that, and the tow vehicle can handle it. But each manufacturer also sets it's low limits for an unbraked trailer, but each state has maximum unbraked trailer weight. It can be confusing, but if the trailer HAS electric brakes, you MUST use them. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: backin15
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2017 at 10:24pm
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I am starting to dislike the automatic adjusting brakes. When I took it apart last weekend, the brakes were dragging. I adjusted them for a very slight scrape and took it for a drive. Since I didn't have any cotter pins I put the old ones back in to get me going, and tonight when I jacked it up to replace the pins I found they were dragging again. I reset them again, if they are dragging again when we return from our trip this weekend I am going to disable the auto adjust feature. If you haven't greased your bearings, I suggest you do so. There wasn't much in there.
------------- 2015 179 2013 Xterra Pro 4X |
Posted By: Carolavan
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 10:24am
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You can all rest easy. I now have a brake controller installed in the Pathfinder. Now all I need is my R-pod to see if it works. The pod is still in Alabama waiting for its new axle. ------------- 2015 R-Pod 179 2016 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum "It's a good thing we are going slowly because we might be going in the wrong direction." Ashliegh Brilliant |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 7:59pm
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Carolvan..... I'm now resting easy (for you :)) ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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