341 RLQS Excessive Brake Wear

[mike.francis]

I own a 2010 341RLQS 5th Wheel. I recently took it to my dealer for a wheel bearing re-pack. To my surprise the brakes were destroyed. The unit only has 30,000 tow miles. As a frame of reference, I previously owned a 2002 Designer that got traded with 80,000 tow miles and the original factory brakes. My brake controller is adjusted so the the tow vehicle and RV share the braking effort. Most of my driving is interstate, so there really isn't frequent use of the brakes. On all 4 wheels, the rear shoe was gone. The front shoe showed little wear. I appears that the rear shoes were doing the vast majority of the braking. It cost me 4 new backing plate assemblies and 4 new drums. Is this wear normal and why didn't the front and rear shoes wear at approximately the same rate? Any help would be appreciated.

[norty1]

Have they been inspected since it was new? Don't know why but its good you found it now. Sure don't understand how you didn't miss the braking on the trailer.

[mike.francis]

No indication from the tow vehicle. Trailer was stopping fine. Yes, I'm glad to discover the damage as I was to leave on a long trip. That is why I took it to have the wheel bearing re-packed. I don't understand why there was such a difference in the wear between the rear shoe's and the front one's. It was the same wear pattern on all 4 wheels.

[Ela1948]

Its not uncommon to show a big difference in wear on the rear shoe versus the front. It has me wondering if you don't have some unintended electric going thru your controller which might allow your brakes to drag. Which would wear out your linings. When you are driving down a road that requires no braking, pull over and feel the wheel hubs. if they are dragging, they will create a lot of heat.

[mike.francis]

Thanks for the reply. Every time I stop I walk around the RV and feel the wheel and hub. It is mildly warm but never hot. I don't think there was any indication that the brakes were dragging. I'm interested in your comment about wear difference between the front and rear shoe.

[Rock]

I bought an IR gun and shoot all tires and drums every stop. Do not know why maybe weight but right side tires always run ten hotter but drums r cooler than left. Got the gun because of my digital trainee temp gauge will show 205-215 in hot towing but when I shoot the metal lines at cooler 185 in 160 out
Rock

[RedHorse1]

Your brakes may have been adjusted (or adjusted themselves) too tight and they wore out over time. If you are not the original owner the PO may have been rough on the brakes.
I'm not sure what mileage to expect from trailer brakes but 30k sounds like a lot of miles to me. 80k sounds huge.

[mike.francis]

Rock,
I like your idea about using an IR Thermometer to actually measure the wheel/drum temperature. Last night, I bought one online. I realize that there are many factors
(ambient, road conditions, speed) that will determine wheel temperature at any given time. Can you give me a temperature range that you have experience? That info would give me something to start with. Thanks

[Rock]

Mike
Tires ran on my TT 120-130.
Drums varied because of stopping for fuel and rest areas depending how hard I was on brakes but all were within 10 degrees The good part is u can see if one is way different. Shooting tires and drums are easy but most hubs are covered. I used the gun to shoot right a center of the snap on hub caps. I thought about removing them for long trips than u can shoot the hub directly and if one is way hotter there is a bearing issue. Remember the drums will transfer heat right to outer bearing so it will be close to drum temp
Rock

[mike.francis]

Thanks, Rock, good info