Can I inspect and adjust my trailer brakes myself?

KCode

Hey helpful forum friends! We have a 2021 T@b 320S. Got it last summer and love it to death.
 Lately we have been dealing with grabbing and pulling brakes. Started noticing it after the first 400 miles but tried to deal with it. They skid occasionally and pull to the driver's side. Sometimes there's lots of heat on that one side. Dialed back the hard-wired brake controller to next to nothing. I continually use a light touch on the brake pedal when stopping whenever possible. And finally, scoured this forum for the topic so I wouldn't have to bother y'all but many links were too old.
  I've read that the trailer brakes should be adjusted after the first few hundred miles (never was told that). Is that something a novice can do themselves? I don't want to play around with something as important as the brakes, but we leave for Maine from Michigan in a few days and I'm not sure the dealer can fit us in before then.

Thanks!

tabiphile

As you note, the brakes need to be checked after a few hundred miles. It's an easy procedure to learn. All you need are a brake adjuster tool, a good jack and jack stands. Using the adjuster tool through the hub access openings you turn the adjuster to tighten the brakes until the wheel is hard to turn. Once you hit that spot you loosen the adjuster enough to allow the wheel to turn with a small bit of drag. This has been discussed quite a few times. This older thread includes some nice illustrations and an image of the proper tool. T@B Forum | nuCamp RV 

KCode

@tabiphile Thank you for the quick info and the correct link. 

KCode

I did it! Brakes now adjusted. No pulling, grabbing, locking or overheating. 

DenverJaguar

tabiphile said:

As you note, the brakes need to be checked after a few hundred miles. It's an easy procedure to learn. All you need are a brake adjuster tool, a good jack and jack stands. Using the adjuster tool through the hub access openings you turn the adjuster to tighten the brakes until the wheel is hard to turn. Once you hit that spot you loosen the adjuster enough to allow the wheel to turn with a small bit of drag. This has been discussed quite a few times. This older thread includes some nice illustrations and an image of the proper tool. T@B Forum | nuCamp RV 

Could you link to the tool, please? Thanks!

tabiphile

@DenverJaguar....here is one such example. Any auto parts has these for sale. The reason for using the tool (vs. a screwdriver) is that it will not damage the soft metal adjuster.
Drum Brake Adjusting Tools SER 287 | Buy Online - NAPA Auto Parts (napaonline.com)
There is an image of the tool in the previous thread link. 

Binghi

Here is one. It is angled at the ends to make it easier to engage and move the starred adjuster wheel. You get better leverage than you get with a straight screwdriver.