Is 10 Volts Enough for an Aftermarket Brake Controller On a 2014 Ram 2500

Question:

This is question as an extension to another question that a customer posted, i used the same subject as the original question. I’ve unplugged the factory controller as stated in the other post though i never got a light on the truck, i installed a curt spectrum controller using the vehicle specific harness, i now get 10 volts at full braking when testing at a stop in manual mode. I still can’t lock up the trailer brakes, they will lock up a little on gravel. Is 10v what i should be getting? I was expecting 12

asked by: Jacob K

Expert Reply:

The Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller part # C51170 should put out a full 12 volts or very close to this at max settings and with the manual override applied. If you only have 10 volts then check to make sure you have all of the output settings on the Spectrum all the way up. If you do then there could be an issue with the factory wiring so what you could do is bypass this by disconnecting the blue wire from the back of the harness and then running that wire all the way to the trailer connector with part # 10-1-1.

The above option would bypass any wiring issues with the vehicle. I am not sure where you are testing for voltage but if it is before the braking assemblies and after the trailer connector then you will want to inspect the brake output wire on the trailer as well for shorts.

expert reply by: Conner L