Trailer brakes should be adjusted at least once a year, more often depending on the miles traveled, the severity of the downhill grades, and the amount of stopping and moving traffic.
You will need a brake adjustment tool, available at most tool supply stores, a jack capable of safely lifting the trailer, and a jack stand to hold the trailer in the jack position. What this implies is the adjustment of the star wheel which, in turn, puts the brake shoe into the clearance of the brake drum. This adjustment is important – as the brake shoes wear, the play increases. The actuation mechanism must travel further to apply the brakes effectively and a point can be reached where the mechanism can no longer do so.
Adjusting RV Trailer Brakes
Park the trailer on firm, level ground.
Block the trailer tires on the opposite side securely so that no forward or backward movement is possible.
Raise the trailer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Secure the trailer on jack stands of adequate capacity at the front and rear.
On the back of the wheel, on the brake backing plate, there is a small rubber plug near the bottom of the backing plate. Remove this plug to access the star wheel adjuster.
Some trailers have a drop axle suspension system and the axle covers most of this adjustment hole, making it difficult to use the brake tool. Patience will win out in the end if you keep it up.
Insert the brake adjusting tool and maneuver so that the tool engages the teeth of the star wheel. The star wheel looks like a gear with exposed teeth on the perimeter. On most trailers, you would pull down on the handle of the tool, which pries out the bottom of the hole and spins the star wheel up (while looking at it from the rear of the wheel. Just to make it more difficult, the star wheel is located well inside and some maneuvering is required: a flashlight will help to locate the star wheel.
Turn the adjuster until the brake locks, that is, you will no longer be able to turn the wheel by hand. This centers the brake shoes on the brake drum so they are in the correct position.
Now reverse the star wheel 8 to 10 clicks or as specified by the manufacturer. The wheel must rotate freely without apparent drag to reduce speed. A slight scraping noise is normal when the wheel turns.
Repeat this procedure for all wheels.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully adjusted your own trailer brakes … that wasn’t too bad, was it?
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