How Much Voltage Should Be Applied To Brakes on Trailer w/ Electric Brake Controller
Question:
How much voltage is aplied to the brakes on the trailer? is it a constance 12 volts or does it fluxuate depending on the position of the control on the pod if so what should it be from smallest to largest? thxs
asked by: Donny F
Expert Reply:
Your brake controller should be getting 12 volts of power going into the brake controller. The wire that feeds power to the brake controller is the Black wire. You can test this wire by using a multimeter part # PT89ZR.
The amount of power coming out of the brake controller depends on the adjustment of the gain on the controller. To test the voltage at the highest gain setting, you will want to sever the Blue wire a few inches from the back of the controller. Then, you will want to test the voltage coming out of brake controller at maximum gain setting. You should get around the same voltage as the Black wire, slightly less.
The amount of voltage at the trailer connector will also vary depending on the gain setting of the controller. You can test to make sure you are getting signal at the trailer connector by using a circuit tester to test the Blue wire.
If you are getting voltage and signal at the rear of the controller and the trailer connector, the next step would be to test the trailer brake magnets (see FAQ).
Products Referenced in This Question
Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Multimeter
- Yellow
- Performance Tool
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Manual Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Voltage at Brake Magnets is 8 Volts with Brake Controller Set to Maximum
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Q&A: Testing for Proper Voltage on the Brake Output Circuit
- Shop: SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket - Single Axle - 5K to 8K - Overslung
- Video: Review of Dexter Trailer Hubs and Drums - Hub with Integrated Drum - 8-407-5UC3-EZ
- Shop: Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Q&A: Instructions to Wire a Trailer for Electric Brakes
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Low Voltage Output from Brake Controller
- Search Results: 12 inch brake drum
- Search Results: class 5 trailer hitch
- Q&A: What are the Standard Brake Controller Wire Color Codes
- Q&A: Brake Controller Installation on a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Shop: B&W Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Brake System That is Only Showing 5-Volts at Trailer Connector
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 7,000 lbs
- Article: How to Install a Brake Controller on Chevrolet / GMC 1999-2006 Pickups
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Left Hand Brake Assembly Installation
- Search Results: lippert brakes
- Search Results: lippert brake
- Video: Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation 23-26
- Video: Review of Deka Wiring Parts - 22-18 Gauge Butt Connectors - 05730-5
- Video: TruRyde Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation
- Video: Review of Hydrastar Trailer Brakes - Triple Axle Disc Brake Kit - HSE7K-TR1SO
on Trailer Brake Controller
