Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes That are Very Weak  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Generally when trailer brakes are weak it's because they need to be adjusted. Especailly if you 've just installed them. If you haven't already adjusted them you can use an adjustment tool, part # W80630 to do so. In the video I've attached, skip ahead to about the 11:00 mark and you should see the adjustment process shortly after that.

If your brakes are adjusted correctly and they're still weak you can also check to see how much power you're getting from your brake controller. Use a multimeter, like part # PT89ZR to test the brake circuit pin on your 7-way at the rear of your truck. This should be the pin in the 5 O'clock position when looking into the connector. You should get approximately 12 volts. If you don't you may need a new controller or to check the brake output circuit. You'll want to have the controller turned all the way up and have someone engage the manual lever.

If the controller checks out inspect the wiring on your trailer going to the magnets. Make sure there are no pinch points or damaged areas. Look at the ground locations and make sure they're clean and corrosion free. Verify that the magnets themselves do not have the copper wiring showing through. If they do you will need to replace them. I've attached an article showing how to further test the magnets.

If you've gone through these steps and your brakes are still weak let me know and we'll do some more troubleshooting.

expert reply by: Charles S

0