OEM Trailer Brake Controller on 2019 Ram Not Working With Pedal With Trailer Wheels Off The Ground

Question:

When I apply the foot pedal brakes with my trailer connected but the trailer wheels off the ground the trailer brakes do not engage. When I apply the manual slide on the OEM controller the trailer brakes engage. I have the gain set to +10 the max that the truck will allow for the controller. What do I check next?

asked by: Jaime

Expert Reply:

As I understand it, the factory brake controller on the newer Ram trucks is activated by sensing the brake pressure and by the inertia of the stopping vehicle.

Since the vehicle isn't moving, it would stand to reason that the trailer brakes won't operate with the brake pedal because the controller isn't sensing any inertia. The manual slide sends voltage to the brakes independently of the vehicle brakes and will work if the vehicle isn't in motion. It sounds like your controller is operating normally.

expert reply by: Mike L