Electric Trailer Brakes are Not Working as Well with 2015 Ram 3500 and Factory Brake Controller
Question:
Hi i bought a new 32foot camper last year and pulled it with my Ram 1500 with factory brake controller, the brakes worked awesome on the trailer but i needed a bigger truck so i bought a new 2015 Ram 3500 with factory brake controller, i hooked up to it the other day and the brakes seem very weak, i turned the gain up all the way and they still dont stop it very good or lock up
asked by: Kevin
Expert Reply:
The factory brake controllers such as the one in your 2015 Ram 3500 may need to be set up first before they will work as well as they can. On the 2015 Rams the factory controller also has an electric over hydraulic mode and if you are in that mode it may not work as well with regular electric brakes.
It could also be the wiring to the brake magnets or the magnets themselves. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for pinched, frayed, or damaged wires and fix as needed. Make sure the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.
You can visually inspect the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Easy Grease
- EZ Lube
- Pre-Greased
- L68149
- L44649
- For 3500 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Which Hub For 3,500 lb Axle Based on Wheel Bolt Hole Measurement
- Q&A: Correct Replacement for Tru-Ryde Hub/Drum RVD-H-545
- Q&A: Which Replacement etrailer Brake Assemblies Fit Lippert 2500lb Axle NV204681?
- Q&A: Replacement Trailer Brakes For a AL-KO Hub/Drum 8490
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Article: How to Adjust Your Trailer Brakes | The Ultimate Guide
- Q&A: Replacement Bearing Kit and Tools to Install on 2014 Forest River R-Pod Travel Trailer
- Q&A: Replacement Hub and Drum Assembly for Tru-Ryde RVD-H-545
- Q&A: Torque Specs for 3500-lb 5-on-4-1/2 Dexter Hub/Drum 84546UC3