Adam, Let's rethink this a minute if this is the trailer you and Lloyd are having brake issues with.
Applied brake pressure is unknown right. Put an inverted double flare brass tee with a gauge port in the master cyl. delivery line to trailer. Just in case you are fighting with a broken spring right.
Then back the trailer gently into a firm object-stump, loading dock, Dodge-whatever. And see how spring travel and bottom screw adjustments affect applied brake pressure when backing the tow vehicle rearwards. If very little travel heightens pressure then I would say maybe a broken spring.
As a note of interest your gauge should be in the 3-4k range and put them New Zealand goggles on sir. I don't want to hear of any bodily damages. OK
BTW, Just how large and heavy is this trailer empty??