My 1st wildcat Question
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My 1st wildcat Question
by ncognet0 on 8/9/2011, 3:46 pm
I hope im posting this in the right section. Anyways on my old fifth wheel trailer I would set my trailer brake at around 5.5 to 6 which was perfect. My wildcat is heaver than my old tango 5er. Anyways I have my trailer brake set as high as it will go (10) and it just dont even barely begin to brake the rv. I can tell its working just not enough to help slow the rig, My truck is a 2008 ford power stroke with the built in trailer brake. Is there some sort of adjustment on the wildcat or am I doing something wrong?
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Re: My 1st wildcat Question
by Cardinal_Bill on 8/9/2011, 4:34 pm
First welcome.
Second, I have an 05 F-250 with the factory controller. I tow with it set to 7.5 now days. When I hookup I slowly drive and squeeze the manual control to verify the WC isn't gonna pull out of the hitch, and to verify the electric brakes are working. I had the controller set higher but discovered that when I jammed on the brakes to avoid objects that the trailer tires would lockup before the truck.
Second, I have an 05 F-250 with the factory controller. I tow with it set to 7.5 now days. When I hookup I slowly drive and squeeze the manual control to verify the WC isn't gonna pull out of the hitch, and to verify the electric brakes are working. I had the controller set higher but discovered that when I jammed on the brakes to avoid objects that the trailer tires would lockup before the truck.
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Mopar_Earl- Wildcat resident guru
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Re: My 1st wildcat Question
by oldelmer1 on 8/10/2011, 4:34 am
ncognet0,
Please update your signature so we all can see what TV and camper you have, this helps the rest of the members answer you questions better.
As Earl said, I think too you need to check your brakes and adjust them. A cheating way to check your magnets is to take a compass, put your brakes on, then move the compass around the bottom of the wheel, the magnet should send the compass into a fit.
At least this will tell you if your magnets are working. You can just pull the brake emergency cable out which will make all the brakes activate.
Please update your signature so we all can see what TV and camper you have, this helps the rest of the members answer you questions better.
As Earl said, I think too you need to check your brakes and adjust them. A cheating way to check your magnets is to take a compass, put your brakes on, then move the compass around the bottom of the wheel, the magnet should send the compass into a fit.
At least this will tell you if your magnets are working. You can just pull the brake emergency cable out which will make all the brakes activate.
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Previously owned, and never forgotten, 2006 Wildcat 29RLBS
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Re: My 1st wildcat Question
by Scruffy and Tater on 8/10/2011, 5:04 am
Tom,
Good tip about checking the magnets. I wonder if Scruffy does this.
Good tip about checking the magnets. I wonder if Scruffy does this.
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Re: My 1st wildcat Question
by oldelmer1 on 8/10/2011, 2:00 pm
Scruffy and Tater wrote:Tom,
Good tip about checking the magnets. I wonder if Scruffy does this.
Tater,
After I types that, I thought I better go out and try it. As I moved it around the wheel, it makes the compass point south, instead of north.
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Good Sam Club Lifetime Member & Coast to Coast Member
Previously owned, and never forgotten, 2006 Wildcat 29RLBS
2010 Montana 3150RL Hickory Edition, Wet bolt kit and X-Factor added
11' Dodge 3500, Auto, 3.73, CC/LB, DRW 4x4
KSH Tool Box/Fuel Tank Combo
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Re: My 1st wildcat Question
by Mopar_Earl on 8/10/2011, 2:02 pm
Even if it's a new trailer the brake adjustment can be out. Mine was. Guess they didn't adjust them at the factory or the hot shot driver only used the trailer brakes to save his.
Everybody should be adjusting their trailer brakes at least once a year.
Earl
Everybody should be adjusting their trailer brakes at least once a year.
Earl
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Re: My 1st wildcat Question
by Roadrash on 8/10/2011, 3:30 pm
Earl, Are the trailer brakes adjusted like the old drum brakes with a brake spoon?? I have to say it has been a long time since I adjusted brakes on anything! 
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Re: My 1st wildcat Question
by Mopar_Earl on 8/10/2011, 7:19 pm
Roadrash wrote:Earl, Are the trailer brakes adjusted like the old drum brakes with a brake spoon?? I have to say it has been a long time since I adjusted brakes on anything!
Yes or a screw driver. Trailer brakes are still old school. Though Dexter now offers self-adjusting brakes. When my brakes need replaced I'll be upgrading to the self-adjusting brakes.
Earl
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Re: My 1st wildcat Question
by Portagie1968 on 8/11/2011, 4:36 am
Mopar_Earl wrote:Roadrash wrote:Earl, Are the trailer brakes adjusted like the old drum brakes with a brake spoon?? I have to say it has been a long time since I adjusted brakes on anything!
Yes or a screw driver. Trailer brakes are still old school. Though Dexter now offers self-adjusting brakes. When my brakes need replaced I'll be upgrading to the self-adjusting brakes.
Earl
I wonder how much more self adjusters cost. That should be the only way to go and should be standard on all trailers. Actually be nice if they came out with disc brakes from the factory.
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