R-pod Owners Forum : Trailer Brakes http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Camping Adventures : Trailer Brakes Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 02 May 2026 03:05:21 +0000 Fri, 10 Aug 2018 08:23:18 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=9825 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Trailer Brakes : http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113369#113369 Author: Leo B
Subject: 9825
Posted: 10 Aug 2018 at 8:23am

]]> Fri, 10 Aug 2018 08:23:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113369#113369 Trailer Brakes : Just a step further...Replaced... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113354#113354 Author: fwunder
Subject: 9825
Posted: 09 Aug 2018 at 5:19pm

Just a step further...

Replaced drums, brake assemblies w/bearings along with third set of tires this past spring. Went with Goodyear Endurance tires this time. I have a P3. After about 3,000 miles so far this year, I claim success. Brake job was really not that hard and did not require any adjustment and tires do seem to make a noticeable difference (I happened to notice a bubble in the Freestar tires when moving pod in yard).

I set my P3 by what feels right. Just enough so nuthin is pushing me or pulling me. Just like my wife. Star

fred


]]> Thu, 09 Aug 2018 17:19:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113354#113354 Trailer Brakes : McarterThanks for your input ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113281#113281 Author: malkbean2
Subject: 9825
Posted: 07 Aug 2018 at 6:46pm

Mcarter
Thanks for your input
]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2018 18:46:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113281#113281 Trailer Brakes : Comment - a lot of folks think... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113263#113263 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9825
Posted: 07 Aug 2018 at 1:01pm

Comment - a lot of folks think the self adjusting brakes, adjust when in reverse like the drum brakes on a car. If you look at the self adjusters on a trailer brake the actuator connected to the cable that moves the star wheel is attached to the front brake shoe. They actually adjust when brake is applied and you are moving forward. It is best to let the adjusters work and DO NOT try a manual adjustment, reason is the adjuster prevents the star wheel from moving in reverse, you have to use an additional screwdriver to release the star lever. There was a recent post where a member had brakes adjusted and they did it wrong. Thus right brake was overheating. They had tightened the brake to tight for the adjuster to adjust.]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2018 13:01:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113263#113263 Trailer Brakes : My guess would be YES. It is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113262#113262 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9825
Posted: 07 Aug 2018 at 12:43pm

My guess would be YES. It is a constant adjustment as long as the cable and lever can turn the star wheel. If it gets to the point it can't, the brake is adjusted until next time lever can adjust star.]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2018 12:43:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113262#113262 Trailer Brakes : This is the most practical method... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113260#113260 Author: malkbean2
Subject: 9825
Posted: 07 Aug 2018 at 12:21pm

This is the most practical method I heard of. The other methods seem to be much more subjective. Thanks for the clarification. I am going to use this method.

One more question if I may - perhaps you know the answer.

I took my hub off and checked my brakes a 1300 miles ago without doing an initial adjustment. DO you suppose the auto adjustment has adjusted the brake to the right setting by now?
]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2018 12:21:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113260#113260 Trailer Brakes : Hey malkbean, I have a Tekonsha... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113253#113253 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9825
Posted: 07 Aug 2018 at 10:52am

Hey malkbean,

I have a Tekonsha brake controller, they recommend you set it to 6, roll at 20MPH, apply the manual override and if trailer locks, reduce the brake setting. On a hard , flat surface. I prefer to put the tow vehicle in drive and idle forward, again using the manual override I increase brake setting until idle no longer moves the trailer forward, NOTE I'm not using the TV brakes. The drag from trailer brake is slowing the tow vehicle at idle. I never adjust for lock up, that creates a lot of heat especially on downhill descents. I look for a balanced braking system, not a TT stopping hard or too soft. Over the years I've found the idle adjust method provides a balanced system, where the trailer is not hard stopping but is assisting the TV to slow the whole rig down.]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2018 10:52:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113253#113253 Trailer Brakes : http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113237#113237 Author: malkbean2
Subject: 9825
Posted: 06 Aug 2018 at 9:27pm

]]> Mon, 06 Aug 2018 21:27:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113237#113237 Trailer Brakes : McCarter , would you be so kind... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113236#113236 Author: malkbean2
Subject: 9825
Posted: 06 Aug 2018 at 9:26pm

McCarter , would you be so kind as to expand a bit on how you set up the brake controller.
What do you mean you increase the braking until the idle no longer pulls the pod.
Do you increase the power output of the controller while holding the manual lever at maximum braking level - or something else?
I too can not lock up the brake on pavement, it will lock on gravel though.
]]> Mon, 06 Aug 2018 21:26:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=113236#113236 Trailer Brakes : +1 - I tried the 20 mph process... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92316#92316 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9825
Posted: 30 Apr 2017 at 3:03pm

+1 - I tried the 20 mph process and it didn't work as detailed. What I do, is ensure the Pod is on level ground, put the TV in gear, I increase the braking until the idle of the TV no longer pulls the Pod ahead. I know then the Pod is offering resistance to the TV, and that is really all you need. It should be a balanced brake effort.]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2017 15:03:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92316#92316 Trailer Brakes : Yes the drum brakes should self... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92309#92309 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 9825
Posted: 30 Apr 2017 at 1:46pm

 Yes the drum brakes should self adjust when in reverse. 

I use a Tekonsha P3 brake controller. I tried what many online have suggested and set the voltage level to get the Pod brakes to lock at 20 mph in a parking lot, but they NEVER locked, so I set the voltage to where it didn't yank at tow vehicle using normal baking. 6.2 volts and B1 boost level. It behaved very well for me. I tried some HARD braking from 40 mph on an empty road, and it was good.
]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2017 13:46:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92309#92309 Trailer Brakes : That was what I did the first... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92299#92299 Author: RichC
Subject: 9825
Posted: 30 Apr 2017 at 10:53am

That was what I did the first trip to arrive at a setting over 8. After a few back-ups the brakes were grabbing. I repeated the setting process and ended up at 4+.  Don't know why.]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2017 10:53:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92299#92299 Trailer Brakes : The DOT says that if you compress... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92256#92256 Author: rda54
Subject: 9825
Posted: 29 Apr 2017 at 3:24pm

The DOT says that if you compress the controller and it hold the load you have it set right.WE
]]> Sat, 29 Apr 2017 15:24:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92256#92256 Trailer Brakes : I'm very new to the pod so... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92254#92254 Author: RichC
Subject: 9825
Posted: 29 Apr 2017 at 3:12pm

I'm very new to the pod so I'm not sure if I'm interpreting my experience correctly. However, on our first trip about 5 weeks ago I too couldn't really feel the trailer brakes and had to set controller over 8.

After the second day, and after backing up a couple of times, the brakes kicked in real good.My question to some one who knows: Do the brakes self adjust on back up? I think some self-adjusting brakes work that way.

Now controller set a 4.5 
]]> Sat, 29 Apr 2017 15:12:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92254#92254 Trailer Brakes : David, Thanks for the great suggestion.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92246#92246 Author: lostagain
Subject: 9825
Posted: 29 Apr 2017 at 11:09am

David, Thanks for the great suggestion.]]> Sat, 29 Apr 2017 11:09:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92246#92246 Trailer Brakes : Happy to do so! One thing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92245#92245 Author: Guests
Subject: 9825
Posted: 29 Apr 2017 at 10:41am


Happy to do so!

One thing I do when traveling is - when stopping for fuel, as the tank is filling, is to go around and feel each wheel to see if it seems excessively hot or hotter than another. Some even use the infra-red heat guns to check this. If one is running hot, it could indicated a brake dragging or a wheel bearing in trouble.]]> Sat, 29 Apr 2017 10:41:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92245#92245 Trailer Brakes : Thank you for your reply! I'll... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92234#92234 Author: Dave & Donna
Subject: 9825
Posted: 29 Apr 2017 at 8:53am

Thank you for your reply! I'll try it. I always worry about screwing something up....burn up trailer breaks!!
Have a Great day.]]> Sat, 29 Apr 2017 08:53:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92234#92234 Trailer Brakes : What the person recommended might... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92181#92181 Author: Guests
Subject: 9825
Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 7:31am


What the person recommended might be considered a "starting point". You may need to adjust up or down from there to get the best results. It sounds like you may need to adjust up/more aggressive.

I adjust mine at "city speeds" - like stopping from 30mph. You want to "feel" the braking of the trailer, but not "grabbing" or too aggressive.

Every situation is going to be a little different, as far as the "right" setting goes, as it depends on several factors. It will also vary with time depending on the wear of the brake shoes on the trailer.

So, even if I had the same tow vehicle, brake controller, and model of Pod, my setting my differ somewhat from yours. What would concern me is if you were at maximum setting and still not feeling braking. If that were happening, it would be time to troubleshoot and get out the wrenches.]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2017 07:31:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92181#92181 Trailer Brakes : Hello all! Our TV is a 2011 VIC... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92171#92171 Author: Dave & Donna
Subject: 9825
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 10:44pm

Hello all! Our TV is a 2011 VIC Crew Cab w/tow package. When we picked up our 179 the person doing the walk around said to set the break setting to 4.5 or 5. I'd like to know if anyone has the same TV and could had some info! I'm not sure I notice anything when I apply my brakes.
Thanks in advance!!]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 22:44:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9825&PID=92171#92171