Trailer Brakes Locking Up Even After Adjusting the Settings Per Instructions

Question:

I have a basic model curt controller- 05 ram 1500 set the output power in the parking lot as per instructions. once driving, just touching the brake pedal will cause trailer brakes to lock up. Dangerous. what gives?

asked by: Toddkemp

Expert Reply:

First, you will want to figure out where the problem is occurring. Test the voltage from the brake controller at the vehicle end trailer connector. What you have your brake controller set at is what the voltage should read at the connector. If you are getting more voltage at the connector than what the brake controller set at, you will want to move your troubleshooting to the brake controller. If the voltage is reading correctly at the vehicle end trailer connector, then the problem is on the trailer.

To test the brake controller, cut the blue brake signal wire about 6 inches back from the controller and test to see the voltage coming out of the brake controller. If you are getting a higher voltage than what you have set on your brake controller, then the controller may be faulty. If you are getting the correct voltage for what you have set on the brake controller, then the problem is in the wiring to the trailer connector.

If this wiring is part of the factory tow package, then you will want to have your truck's wiring looked at by a certified auto mechanic.

If you find that the problem is with the trailer, then you will want to check your trailer brakes. It may be that the brakes are over-adjusted. Another possibility is the trailer wiring to the brakes. If there is a section that is damaged, wires could be touching and causing more volts to reach your trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Victoria B