Do you test your emergency brake?

WayneW

I’m doing routine winter maintenance, including a bearing repack and brake adjustment. I have the trailer on jack stands (winter storage mode) and needed to loosen the lug nuts. I normally jam a wheel chock under the tire to stop it from spinning to loosen the lug nuts. This time I decided to test the emergency brake function so I pulled the safety wire. The wheels locked up and I was able to loosen the lug nuts. Then I reinstalled the safety wire mechanism to release the e-brake.  Remembers that the battery must be turned on for the e-brake to work. 

Now I know that everything in the emergency brake system is working. I hope I never need it but it’s good to know that it will work if required.