How do you check your breaks?
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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=2427
Printed Date: 15 May 2025 at 6:47am
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Topic: How do you check your breaks?
Posted By: secretbard
Subject: How do you check your breaks?
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2012 at 2:30pm
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How do you know if your breaks are both working (inside both drums)? Will the break controller show an error if there is a disconnected wire or short? The reason I ask this is that when I put the axle riser on the pod, I didn't cut the zip ties, but did notice a slight tension of the black hose that held the wires while I was installing the axle risers. I also had that instance where the axle slipped off the jack while installing the last axle riser which put tension on the wires. There isn't any, or much, slack in the wiring right now. Thanks for the feedback. Before my next trip, I plan on crawling under the pod to make sure the axle riser nuts are still tight and the break wiring is still good. ------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Replies:
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2012 at 5:21pm
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Unfortunately, your brake controller likely won't display an error for a broken wire on just one side. If you can't tell by feel by towing & braking at low speeds, your best bet is to park your vehicle and trailer, disconnect your electrical trailer connector (VERY IMPORTANT!) from your vehicle but otherwise leave it hitched and chained, jack up one side of the trailer so that the tire is just off the pavement and can spin freely, and then pull your breakaway cable/pin. This will lock the brakes, which you can test by trying to rotate the tire. Replace the breakaway pin, lower the jack and then repeat on the other side. Try not to leave the breakaway pin out for more than a minute or two at a time. Note: - you could wreck your brake controller if you leave your r-pod plugged into your vehicle while doing this procedure - I suggest leaving the r-pod hitched to the vehicle as an easy way to prevent the trailer from rolling away while its jacked up - pulling your breakaway cable for a minute or two is fine. leaving the brakes on full for several hours could very well burn something out and/or deplete your battery. - don't forget to plug your r-pod back into your vehicle before you drive away ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: secretbard
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2012 at 6:48pm
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Thanks for the info. I crawled under there today to make sure the axle riser bolts were tight and also checked the wires and those black sleeves that hold the wires. It looks like the wires that attach directly to the drum are fine. I can usually tell if the brakes are working as I brake the tow vehicle, so I think I will be fine. ------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2012 at 9:03pm
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When one of my trailer brakes isn't working right - usually because it needs to be adjusted - I notice a pull to one side or the other when I brake hard.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2012 at 11:46pm
I've noticed some 'thumping' in trailer brakes when I apply braking - this is my 1st season w/rpod since Nov 2011 purchase from private party. I've only done some local camping so far and assume this is just a rusty drum. Should I expect this to to go away (planning on a 1000+ mile trip in June) or should I examine the drums? Does anyone have any experience or tips? Do the drums just pull off when wheel nuts are removed? Thanks. ------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |