Oct 4 2023 while moving a 24ft box trailer from VT to FL, had a tire separation and my brake controller was working intermittently. So I stayed overnight in Chambersburg. Through a Google search I called the first shop that opened at 7AM, they referred me to Brechbill Trailer. I just drove over and waited for them to open. The Service Mgr pulled in after us and before entering the building approach me to find out how he could help. I explained I needed 4 new tires and have my controller checked out. He said no problem and had to go in and meet with his team, please give him 15 min. Well it was a short 15 min and the bay doors opened and a technician came out and pulled the trailer in. 1 hour later, with new Tires, controller and 7 pin connector I was on the road. All testing was explained during the process and I never felt like I was in the wrong place.. if you are within 50 miles, make the drive. It will be well worth the trip.
The product was great, the only snag was the crappy packaging. They kinda just tossed the retaining springs and wiring in the box, like literally “thrown”. Nothing to buffer – no padding or paper! I’d say order straight from etrailer unless you’re into fixing brakes brought on by bad packaging.
These brakes weren’t pricey and were actually easier to install than the shoes on their own. So there I was, leading the way with my RV on a stretch of road with a crazy 9% incline, pushing my truck’s brakes and the RV’s four brakes to their limits. By the time I got to the bottom, they were practically metal. I mean, the shoes were on their last legs anyway.
I switched the truck to 4WD Low but still couldn’t really slow things down without relying heavily on the brakes. Yep, I smoked ‘em, but luckily the transmission was fine. Who knew the GPS wouldn’t warn me about that 9% incline?
I think this happened on Utah highway 14, heading west into the Great Basin Nevada. Not an easy road, two lanes, barely any shoulder, no turnouts. I’m telling you, I’m never taking that route again. But these brakes? Definitely gonna buy ’em again. They’ve been holding up pretty well since our Utah adventure.