Electric Brakes

Hi Rambler

After our trip of 15,000 last year, mostly on outback dirt roads, only on of four caravan wheels had the brakes working. Wiring had come off some due to stone damage, but reconnecting did not solve the problem. We had them fully re-wired by the auto sparkie, and new magnets fitted to two of the wheels by our 4wd mechanic. Everything checked and ready to go.

Motherhen

Rambler

I have been driven nuts, by electric brakes, but have figured them out. Eventually I replaced, or had machined most parts. $265 total, and that included new Outback Magnets.. ie no brass cross centres, but a nylon slot, that is not supposed to wear out, on corrugations.

The other thing I am thinking is maybe you got a lot of crud, stuck in there at one stage, or the little magnet spring, was too strong... ( just thoughts )

When checking ours, 2 years back I found a wire had snapped, at the magnet, of course. So it was new ones.
I chose outback magnets, with a nylon centre, (and not brass, in a cross pattern).....,..like I said, they have been on for a while, and seem OK..I have tried to locate them, on the Net, for you, but brain not kicked in yet, (too early)

I have used the camper as an anchor on steep down hill, but not very often, I would rather use the gears. And if I do, then it's pull over for 10 minutes, often to let things cool down.

We are greased up, and ready to go on our trip, the Canning, Kimberley's, and where ever else we choose in the 3 months I have off, or the $$$$$$$ runs out.

Hope this helps a little

Cheers
Bucky

Sounds to have been wearing far too quickly from my own experience (but I'm only a self taught brake maintenance handyman :-o).......We've had electric brakes (ALKO system) on our Campomatic HD trailer (Ind. coil and shock suspension) for 5 years since new - a great system, and durable - I've been doing my own maintenance since it was new. The only thing relaced in that time was the magnets - not worn out as such (about 75% done I think), but not working either - technician told me they can break down inside and lose their circuit. $120 each. The shoes are still only half worn ! I've not had to replace any bearings or seals at all - just the odd regrease.

Hi Rambler,
I had same experience after an 8000km trip and found you can replace with off-road magnets (nylon cross centre). I have had these on for a while now and they have already survived way longer than original set.
Regards, Hugh

Thanks for the replys---I think I will be checking those magnets regularly and the next change will be the "off road" magnets as it seems the standard magnets don't last too long on the rough stuff.

Apologies for hijacking the thead but we just returned from a Brissie to Melbourne trip with the camper trailer. During the night stop, the right hand electric trailer brake locked on. We tried jiggling it by reverse, drive changes, but the wheel would only turn part way, probably just movememt in the brake pads. We cut the wires to stop power going to the brakes, and drove the rest of the way with no trailer brakes.
Does anyone have ideas on the faultor where to start looking??
Cheers
Ian