Dexter 12" x 2" brakes, weak intentionally?

[toolman.dustin]

Dexter 12" x 2" brakes, weak intentionally?

I'm struggling to get my 6000 lb axle, 12"x2" brakes to properly stop my 8000 lb Travel Trailer (TT).

This is the 2nd set of Dexter brake assemblies in the last 5000 miles and they just don't do the job. My controller is set at it's highest level and I'm not happy. Yes, I did the Dexter burnishing / break in procedure. I don't recommend it. That's the perfect way to burn up your brakes. In fact, after I ran the brake drums up to 380 deg F (as recommended) I pulled the drums to observe the effect and ALL FOUR inside bearing seals had popped out. I had to reseat all 4 of them. I presume this is from expansion of air trapped in between both bearings due to heat.

The Reader's Digest version of this frustrating story is: I've installed an aftermarket Tuson Brake Controller (DL-100) and the TT behaves exactly the same way with "burned in brakes" and a new brake controller. All 4 magnets are drawing about 2.7 amps (I verified each with an amp meter).
These are just weak brakes.

I've talked with the Tuson tech support several times over the past 2 weeks and the story I'm getting is: it's the Dexter 12x2 brakes, not the controllers. They say several years ago there were lots of people complaining to Dexter the 12x2 brakes were too aggressive causing flat spots on trailer tires. So, Dexter redesigned the brakes so they weren't as aggressive and that now results in a "soft stop" vs an "aggressive stop".

Any of you folks that have been around for awhile recall anything like this?

Dexter says their brakes: "When loaded to capacity, you may not be able to lock your brakes as electric brakes are designed to slow the trailer at a controlled rate, and not designed to lock up the wheels on a fully loaded trailer. Our brakes are designed to meet all applicable safety standards."

Tuson says there are several brands of 12x2 brake assemblies that are more aggressive and they'd rather control stopping power with the brake controller than with a "soft stop" brake pad.

thanks,
Dustin

[toolman.dustin]

I just found this on the Dexter website:

How can I increase the aggressiveness of the 12"x2" brake?
It is not possible to put a larger magnet in the 12" x 2" electric brake. However, we do offer a more aggressive lining. The lining kit number is K71-127-00. You will need one for each brake. Keeping your brakes adjusted up can now be done using a forward self adjust brake. The part numbers for this brake are K23-464 LH and K23-465-00 RH.

It's a more aggressive brake lining. The K23-464 LH is $370, for one wheel. Absolutely ridiculous.

Dustin

[mark5w]

Another option is to switch to disc brakes.
They sell kits to do this.

[Duke4857]

I was reading on another web site. You might want to check the ground terminals in your plug. Bad ground might be the trouble.