They are electric drum. Appear to be self-adjusting style. Adjustment seems ok. Lots of opinions on Ford forums that they may not activate properly unless truck is in drive and moving. Hard to do any testing then.
I guess I will have to hook it up and try it again on a side road. If the braking experience is not satisfactory, not sure what to try next.
will keep you posted
Good evening,
Have you pulled this trailer successfully before without issue?
Like others have said, it is quite possible that the truck may need to meet a certain condition for the brakes to activate via the pedal. The ignition might need to be on, maybe the engine running or moving at a minimum speed.
You indicated that you had a plug tester, as a test you could take wires and hook to the socket and run to the cab and hook the tester to the wires so you could remote monitor the plug output. You would need to run two wires, one for the ground circuit and one for the brake output circuit. This way you could monitor your plug tester from the cab while operating the unit. Hopefully this tell the truck that a trailer is "hooked up" and allow things to function so you could check your brake signal output and monitor the delay.
Additionally, have you reviewed your truck settings to be sure that they match the trailer brake system. Trucks need programmed for electric brakes or electric over hydraulic. Yours would be electric given you have magnetic drum brakes. So, you might check your dashboard setting to ensure that they are correct.
Generally speaking, the output voltage on the brake wire would be 2 to 12 volts depending on the activation force needed.
Regarding the trailer, the braking force in your case is a function of shoe adjustment, voltage, amperage, and the strength and condition of the magnetic at each wheel location.
I would remove each drum and inspect each assembly including checking the self-adjuster to ensure its function. Ensuring there is no grease that has leaked onto the brake assembly, I would also perform electrical checks on the magnets while I had the access. If all checked well, I would reassemble and ensure that the adjustment is properly completed. Basically, rotate the wheel and turn the adjuster star wheel until you start to hear and feel a light drag on the wheel while turning it by hand.
If your coach has Dexter Axles on it, their website has an axle service manual on it that walks you thru the inspections and voltage/Ohm/Amperage measurements to ensure the magnet is operating properly.
Keep us posted
