Troubleshooting Weak Braking with the Manual Override on the Reese/Tow Ready Pilot Brake Controller

Question:

I have a Reese Pilot controller for my tandem axle trailer. I plugged everything in with no problem. I adjusted the brake pads to where there is a little resistance on the drum when you spin the tire by hand. Using the controller only to get the correct setting when the brake pedal is pushed, it feels as though the trailer brakes are barely applying any pressure to stop. On the highest setting, you would think it would lock the tires up, but it doesnt. What else should I try. The trailer is a year old.

asked by: Robert S

Expert Reply:

Were you driving with your trailer when you applied the brakes with the Pilot 2-6 Brake Electronic Brake Controller # 80550? According to the instructions you want to warm the trailer brakes before setting the power setting as warm brakes are more responsive.

You can warm the trailer brakes by driving 45 mph for a short distance and then use the manual override lever to engage the brakes at a low level. You do not want to set the power high enough to lock up the brakes as this can cause loss of control in emergency stopping situations.

If warming up the brakes help to establish more control then you are good to go. If this doesn't work then you will want to use a Multimeter like part # PTW1714 to ensure that you are getting at least 12V of power to the pin in the 5 o'clock position. You will test this way by applying the manual override lever with the power set at the highest setting.

Let me know if this testing doesn't produce 12V of power and I can help you troubleshoot further.

expert reply by: Jon G