Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes Not Being Powered With Brake Pedal Pressed on Tow Vehicle

Question:

Hi Ive wired an entire trailer with electric brakes with a break away plug if I disconnect the break away plug the brakes will love but not when I hit the brakes any reason why I wouldnt be getting power from the vehicle to the brakes

asked by: Ricky

Expert Reply:

There are a few reasons as to why the trailer brakes aren't being powered when pushing the brake pedal in your tow vehicle. The first reason can simply be tied to the style of trailer brake controller you have installed in the vehicle. If you have a proportional controller, and are testing the trailer brakes without the vehicle moving, the controller will not send enough power back to the brakes for them to activate. For this application, you will want to test the controller by using the manual override lever on the controller itself.

If doing this still does not activate the brakes or send power back to the brake output pin on the 7-Way, there could be a wiring issue. You will need to make sure all the proper connections were made with the brake controller wires and there are no exposed or damaged areas on the vehicle and trailer wiring. If you can tell me the year, make, and model of your tow vehicle, I will be happy to provide some more specific troubleshooting tips. I have also attached a great article on this subject that you might find helpful.

A trailer brake controller is required to activate the brakes on the trailer. If by chance you do not have one installed on the vehicle, please let me know and I will be happy to make some recommendations.

expert reply by: Chris R