Running over GVWR. questions.

[NB Canada]

That's my next target. For whatever reason, on this last trip out, when I did my brake check I just wasn't too impressed. The brakes were working, but they didn't try too hard to stop the truck like they usually do. Ramped up the brake controller the last few notches, now it's maxed out at 10.0 (Ford OE controller) and it was ... acceptable, I guess, but not inspiring. Better on the trip home for some reason, but still at full gain. Time to figure out why the brakes on this trailer are weak. Disc brakes sound wonderful, but it's a cheapo trailer to begin with. I bought it entirely for the floorplan, but it's quite a downgrade in quality from my old Jayco (which wasn't a high end trailer or anything itself, but it was put together a *lot* better).

I get my brakes adjusted every spring during the annual inspection
The trip to Fundy this year involved a panic stop down a 10 percent grade
No warning before but some unintelligent lineman had communication cables low slung across the road at the bottom of this grade which also has a turn
I was literally on top of a guy waving his arms for me to stop
GMC with built in controller set to 6 and both stopped in time perfectly without issue

[Tigger1]

Better on the trip home for some reason, but still at full gain. .

I wonder if it’s due to not carrying full water going home?

[rootusrootus]

I wonder if it’s due to not carrying full water going home?

Maybe, though I'm just talking about during my low speed "are they grabbing hard enough and releasing" test I do as I head towards the road. I don't know if the extra 500 pounds of water would make a significant difference when the truck & trailer together weigh 15K pounds.

Probably just need adjusting. Should have done it last year, even brand new it was requiring 8.5 gain to get the stopping power I wanted. I don't have another trip planned until the end of this month, so I got time to work on the adjustment. Come to think of it, I'm going to check the wiring connections at the hubs first. That would explain a sudden reduction in power.

[Tigger1]

I'm going to check the wiring connections at the hubs first. That would explain a sudden reduction in power.

Good idea. If that is good perhaps you might have a failing brake controller.

I should add to make sure there’s no grease on the brake linings.

[Riverbug]

That's my next target. For whatever reason, on this last trip out, when I did my brake check I just wasn't too impressed. The brakes were working, but they didn't try too hard to stop the truck like they usually do. Ramped up the brake controller the last few notches, now it's maxed out at 10.0 (Ford OE controller) and it was ... acceptable, I guess, but not inspiring. Better on the trip home for some reason, but still at full gain. Time to figure out why the brakes on this trailer are weak. Disc brakes sound wonderful, but it's a cheapo trailer to begin with. I bought it entirely for the floorplan, but it's quite a downgrade in quality from my old Jayco (which wasn't a high end trailer or anything itself, but it was put together a *lot* better).

Perhaps your brake tensioners just need some adjusting? That's part of routine maintenance so maybe you just need to give them a bit more tension since they've likely worn in a bit since new.

[rootusrootus]

Perhaps your brake tensioners just need some adjusting? That's part of routine maintenance so maybe you just need to give them a bit more tension since they've likely worn in a bit since new.

Yeah I'm going to check that. My last trailer had auto adjusting brakes that were trouble free. This one might not.

[Riverbug]

Yeah I'm going to check that. My last trailer had auto adjusting brakes that were trouble free. This one might not.

Mine are manual but not sure what type are on each model...

[rootusrootus]

Mine are manual but not sure what type are on each model...

Yeah my rig is GD's cheapo trailer. We loved the floor plan quite a lot, but I'm sorta regretting buying a budget trailer.

[glennto]

You an assume that all ratings except one have built in safety margins. The one and most important exception occurs when (if) you are involved in an accident and there is a law suit. Your rig being overweight is not going to help your case or your conscience if someone is hurt.

[Hoopy Frood]

That, of course, presupposes that the overweight allegation can be proven, and shown to be a contributing factor.