Troubleshooting Voltage Drop from 12V to 7V When Trailer Brakes are Installed
Question:
I checked my brake wire coming from my truck all the way to where it connects to my magnets for my electric brakes. I have almost 12v until I hook the wires up for my brake magnets and it drops to 7v. What could be my problem with my brake controller turned all the way up to 10.
asked by: Alexander W
Expert Reply:
It sounds like you may have a poor ground connection which is causing low voltage when you are testing. Sometimes it may look like we have a really good ground point but some paint or debris is getting in the way and causing issues.
What I recommend doing is taking your trailer brake ground wires and running them up to your main trailer ground location. You will likely need more 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 and I recommend using Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05745-5 because they hold up much better than standard butt connectors in the elements.
If you are still having issues then you may need to route the ground wires into your trailer 7-Way (5 o'clock pin) and then from there up to your tow vehicle battery to ensure that you have a constant ground on that wire.
Let me know if you're still having issues and I can help assist you further.
Products Referenced in This Question
Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 5
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Butt Connectors
- 12-10 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Brake Assembly for 4 Bolt or 5 Bolt Flange - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- LH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 7,000 lbs
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Search Results: grease seal
- Search Results: gs~2125dl
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Windshield Covers
- Video: Camco Clamp-N-Carry Chair Rack for Standard RV Ladders Review
- Video: Hopkins 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket Review
- Video: Hopkins Never Fade Multipurpose Bubble Level Review
- Shop: Grease Seal - Double Lip - 2.125" ID - 3.376" OD - GS-2125DL
- Shop: Grease Seal
- Shop: RV Exterior Lighting
- Shop: Vehicle Lights
- Search Results: lippert axle brake shoes
- Video: Command Electronics RV Lighting - Porch Light - 328-007-30SCPE Review
- Video: EZ Flush RV Sewer Hose Review D04-0024
- Video: Command Omega LED RV Porch Light with Switch Installation
- Video: EZ Coupler Self-Threading RV Sewer Hose Adapter with Bayonet Fitting Review
- Search Results: magnet
- Q&A: Replacement Brake Magnets For Dexter 7K Trailer Axles On 2005 Weekend Warrior Trailer
- Shop: Replacement Shoe and Lining Kit for 12" Manual-Adjust Brake Assembly - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Search Results: window cover
- Search Results: bubble level
- Shop: Hopkins Never Fade Multipurpose Bubble Level - Three Way
- Shop: MORryde RV Ceiling and Countertop TV Mount - Swivel/Tilt - 25 lb Capacity - Steel
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Voltage Drop to Trailer Brake Assemblies
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Voltage at Brake Magnets is 8 Volts with Brake Controller Set to Maximum