Troubleshooting Brakes Locking Up When Using Brake Controller  

Question:

Expert Reply:

It does seem interesting that your Draw-Tit Activator 5100 would start acting up when you hook it up to a new trailer. There are definitely some things we can check out though to help you get back to towing!

Start off by checking the amount of output from your Activator controller by testing the blue wire on the controller with a multimeter like part # PT89ZR. If the controller is operating correctly then you should see the same amount of voltage show up on the meter as what you have set on your controller. If you see that these numbers don't match up then I recommend upgrading to the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160 which is a proportional controller that applies the same amount of power to your brakes as what you apply in your truck. This will plug right in to the connector that your Activator used.

If everything matches up with the voltage and your controller then something is going on with the wiring. Try doing that same test back at the plug of your vehicle to see if the problem is somewhere between your controller and the plug. If that looks good then you'll want to check the wiring on your trailer, looking for any places where the wiring is damaged or loose.

If all of that checks out then you can check the adjustment of your trailer brakes. When you lift the wheel off of the ground you should be able to spin it freely with your hand, but there should also be a slight drag. If it's really difficult to spin the wheel then you'll need to back off the brakes some until there is that slight drag. I've attached a video of the Brake Adjustment Spoon # W80630 so you can see what the adjustment looks like.

expert reply by: Jon G

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