Electric brake problem

[Grumpy John]

I was giving out Slingshot camper a quick going over before leaving on a short trip tomorrow and noticed that the electric brakes were only working properly on the RHS wheel and hardly any "grab" on the LHS wheel. I have checked all the wiring connections and they are fine. I have taken the LHS hub off and tried the brakes using a heavy metal plate and the magnet is working, but very weak.

Does anyone have any idea as to what could be wrong.

In the meantime I might swap the magnets over and see if the problem moves with the magnets, or the LHS is still weak. This should tell me if the problem is in the wiring or the magnet.

[Grumpy John]

Before going to the trouble of swapping the magnets over, I tried the piece of steel on the RHS magnet and got the same resistance as the magnet of the LHS. Hmmm :hmm::think:. Seeing as the brakes are electric and copper wiring can corrode over time I decided to strip about 20mm off all the wiring and reconnect it, viola brakes work again. :2tsup::2tsup::2tsup::yeah::hpydans:

[NCArcher]

G'Day John,
good to see you got it sorted.
Reduced magnetism is probably from a high resistance joint.
Disconnecting and reconnecting probably fixed it. If you have further problems check that all terminations are clean and tight.

[Grumpy John]

G'Day John,
good to see you got it sorted.
Reduced magnetism is probably from a high resistance joint.
Disconnecting and reconnecting probably fixed it. If you have further problems check that all terminations are clean and tight.

The wiring under the van is a bit of a dogs breakfast so I'm going to tidy it up this week and go on our trip next week, or the week after.

[KBs PensNmore]

Where possible try to solder the wiring joints and then seal them with an electric tape that binds to itself making a solid water/dust proof joint. I can't remember what the tape is called unfortunately. Also make sure that the wires are well up out of harms way, you would be surprised as to where damage can occur.
Kryn

[Big Shed]

Aldi has it in the brochure for tomorrow

https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-buys/saturday-15-march-2014/saturday-detail-wk11/ps/p/sos-silicone-tape-3m/

[mike48]

Suggestions -

Try to crimp wherever possible.
Clean the wire after insulation strip.
Scotch 23 Self Amalgamating Tape or similar after termination.
Scotch 33 vinyl tape or similar as second protection if exposed to UV for considerable time.
Try to design and install with enough wire or cable length to allow two re-terminations over equipment life.
Immobilise the terminated cable to avoid vibration stress.
Waterproof where required, although the Scotch 23 is excellent if wrapped correctly.

cheerio, mike

[soundman]

One thing that is a constant thruout the trailer and caravan industry is crappy wiring.

If you look in the installation manual that comes with Teconcha controllers the minimum wiring specified is quite heavy...

All most with out exception I see electric brakes wired in pretty light stuff.....same size as the wire the tail lights is.....and they look dim.

Going for a good heavy cable for both you electric brake wire and your earth wire may significantly improve your braking efficiency.

I can also see an argument for wiring to the left and right ( the same length) from a central junction.....but if the wire is good and heavy, the argument has less merit.

Another thing is to make sure the backing plates are earthed independently of the springs and axles.

If you google around there is some good information on maintenance and adjustment of electric brakes.....pitty most of the trailer manufacturers don't take the time.

The word is, that it is well worth doing some propper maintenance on your electric brakes and getting them properly adjusted.
One of the known issues is getting the backing plate central and straight in the drum.

cheers