Testing Trailer Brakes By Providing 12V Current Directly to Wiring

Question:

For testing, If I connect 12v to my brake wiring, should the brakes lock up if they are adjusted properly, and the magnets are good? Regards

asked by: Jim

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, by providing 12v power directly to the brake wiring and grounding the circuit the brakes if properly adjusted and in good working condition will lock up. This is what happens if you were to pull the emergency brake away cable on your trailer brakes connection. I do caution you to be careful as if there is something wrong with the wiring it could cause further issues with supplying direct current.

I have linked an article below that will go into the steps of testing the amperage going to the brake magnets and how to test if the magnets are faulty. The Digital Multimeter # PT29ZR will allow you to perform the tests. If the magnets are good you will need to properly adjust the brakes with a Brake Adjustment Spoon # W80630.

expert reply by: Bud M