Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes

Question:

I have a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 that came with the factory towing package. The trailer brake doesnt work when Im towing my trailer. I put it as high as it can go and it barely stops. Anything that can be done with this besides replacing with after market?

asked by: Natasha

Expert Reply:

Your trailer brakes should lock up before you adjust the controller all the way up to it's max setting.

The first possibility would be that your ground is indeed not strong enough to allow enough amperage to be applied to the trailer brake magnets. In this case I would do just what you were thinking about doing, add a ground wire directly to the trailer frame. Attach this wire as close to the magnet as possible and make sure that it is connected to the correct wire. Also make sure that the ground wire attached to the trailer at the trailer tongue is secured to a suitable clean surface.

Your brake assemblies may be out of adjustment as well. You will want to have the adjustment screw tightened to the point where the wheel locks up and then back it off 10 clicks. Check out the video I attached at the 4:25 mark.

expert reply by: Jameson C