Troubleshooting RV Electric Brake Assemblies Receiving Different Voltage when Brakes Applied

Question:

All four wheels when brakes are applied are energized. 2 wheels change the breaking strength as the controller Activator III is changed up to a setting of 10 when they fully lock cant turn wheel by hand. The other 2 fully lock at a setting of 4. Does this likely mean the magnets on the latter are bad ?

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

It's possible that the brake magnets on the underperforming assemblies are bad, as you mentioned in your question. There are a few ways you can test the magnets which are detailed in the article I have attached for you to review.

I also recommend looking at the wiring that is going from one side to the other on your trailer. Depending on what gauge wire you are using, switching to a higher gauge like # 10-1-1 might help. Check for any pinched or damaged wires and fix them as needed.

The issue may also be from how the wires are ran to the brake magnets. There should be one wire coming back that will split, with one end going to the right side and one going to the left side. The magnet power wires will splice into the power wire running to their side of the trailer. I have attached an image that shows this.

Lastly, I recommend checking that the grounds are connected to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces near the magnets. Check also that both the vehicle and trailer side connectors are clean of corrosion and debris.

If you are unable to resolve the issue, please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further.

expert reply by: Chris R