I did a brake job on my 2018 T@b 400. I am new to trailer brakes, so I had some learning to do. I replaced both the brake and Hub/drum assemblies. So all new parts. Re-assembled and adjusted brakes. Did the Dexter recommended burnishing process with 30 brake applications to drop by 20 mph speed. Controller gain is still at maximum. I do not have confidence at this point that the burnishing helped increase performance. I did check the current from the brake controller and it showed 8A at max setting. So, I believe that electrically it is working correctly. The brakes do not seem "grabby" as some have complained. Rather the opposite. Does anyone have any thoughts as to what else I can try? I have about 70 miles on the new brakes at this point.
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@Paul1959, if you didn't have someone arc the shoes to match the drum that would explain the "weak" braking response you are experiencing. You probably only have a small portion of the shoe actually contacting the drum. Were you to pull the drum and examine the shoes you should be able to see where the shoe is contacting the drum. Also, the surfaces of the shoe not making contact with the drum will probably have a layer of dust produced as the pad on the shoe wears down. Over time the shoes will wear to fit the drum, however sometimes the pads on the shoe will "glaze over" from excessive heat due to the small contact surface area and will not have quite the stopping power available. You can hand sand that glazed surface off, but wear an N95 mask or hold your breath while sanding
Also, new drums don't typically come "turned" to a perfect circle inside the drum. That will be done by the brake shop along with the shoes. If you buy new drums and shoes that have not been turned and arced you can generally find a local brake shop that will for a nominal fee turn the drums and arc the shoes for you.