What Type of Signal Does a Trailer Brake Controller Generate

Question

Question:

Does the trailer brake controller output a DC voltage that goes from low to high as more braking power is needed? Or does the controller generate a PWM signal to vary the effective voltage to the brake magnets? We have so many trailers that often have problems, and I want to build a light/brake tester box.

asked by: Mister B

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Expert Reply:

Trailer brake controllers such as the excellent Prodigy series, models P2 # 90885 and P3 # 90195, generate a varying DC output voltage depending on the power/boost setting on the controller.

If set at full power such units will generate a bit over 12 volts to the brake magnets; lower power settings will deliver reduced voltage to the brake magnets and deliver lower braking pressure.

You may find the linked articles on trailer brake controllers to be of interest.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

On each individual electric brake magnet the amperage draw would be 3.0 to 3.2 max amps at 12 to 13 volts on 7-inch brake magnets and 3.2 to 4.0 max amps at 12 to 13 volts on 10 and 12-inch brake magnets. The max amperage draw for the brake magnets…

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Answer 2

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 3

Since the brakes were working fine before, I would check the wiring to make sure the brakes are getting enough power. I do not recommend attempting to adjust your brakes, you do not want to over adjust them and cause further issues. I would start by…

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Answer 4

Bearing Buddy pumps grease into the center of the hub all the way back to the grease seal. A double lip seal should be used to prevent grease from blowing out the seal when added. When the hub and seals and bearings are first assembled, they should…

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Answer 5

For a ST225/75R15 tire such as the Karrier #AM10303, the diameter is 28.3 inches, or 71.88 centimeters. I have added a link to a help article on measuring trailer tires, as well as a link to each of our 225/75-15 tires.

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Answer 6

There are many things that can affect the voltage on the brake output wire from your brake controller to your trailer brakes such as the power setting on your brake controller, how you are testing the wire and if you are testing it with the brakes or…

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Answer 7

Brake magnet wires like what are on the brake assembly #23-106 that you referenced can be wired up with either wire getting the positive and the other getting the ground. As long as current runs through them it doesn't matter which wire gets the…

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Answer 8

The problem you are experiencing is due to the brake controller you had installed in your 2013 Ram 1500. The brake switch circuit of your truck has too low of a voltage output to activate the controller. Your truck will only send 4-6 volts on the…

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Answer 9

There are two harnesses under the dash of your 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 that are used for installing a brake controller. One carries ground, 12 volt power, and a circuit back to the 7-way of the truck and the smaller one carries just the stoplight…

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Answer 10

I can help you with greasing up your EZ Lube Axle. First thing I would check would be that the grease is not coming out of the back of the axle through the seal. If this is the case you will need to replace the seal. Our tubes like #L11390 have 14…

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Answer 11

EZ Lube spindles are generally preferred over Bearing Buddy setups. The EZ lube allows you to insert grease down the middle of the spindle easily which is basically the best option aside from removing the hub and taking it all apart and cleaning and…

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Answer 12

On an EZ-Lube axle, the grease gets inserted at the end of the spindle through a zerk fitting and comes out of a hole that should be in between the bearings, filling them both. You would not be able to use Bearing Buddies because the zerk fitting at…

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