No Brakes On Trailer When Using Draw-Tite Brake Controller # 5500 on a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500

Question:

I have hooked up my activator II to my 2011 Dodge 1500. All lights, turn signals etc work great. When you try to set the controller you can set the activation time o.k., but when you try to set the power side it only stays on 0.0. As you start to move the wheel it goes completely off. I had a tekonsa envoy, before this, and thought the controller had went bad. It would go to red, when breaks were applied, you could here the magnets hum but it would not apply any breaks at all. The same thing is happening to the activator. All help needed.

asked by: Donald C

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the brakes on your trailer need to be adjusted. I would begin by checking the adjustment or your brake assemblies. When turning the trailer wheel, you should be able to hear the brakes barely brushing all around as the wheel spins. If that is not the case you will want to adjust the brakes by accessing the adjustment gear on the back of the brakes (see video link). You will want to tighten up this gear until you cannot easily spin the trailer wheel. Then, you will want to back the gear off, usually about 10 clicks, but can vary for different brake setups.

After adjusting the trailer brakes, you will want to reset your brake controller. Unplug your brake controller for a few minutes and plug it back in. Then, drive and engage the trailer brakes with the manual over ride switch which will warm the brakes. Warming your trailer brakes will simulate conditions when the brakes are being used. Then you will follow the instructions on your brake controller for initial setup.

If the above recommendation does not work, it is possible that the brake magnets of the brake assemblies are worn and need to be replaced. You will want to inspect the brake magnets for windings. I have also linked an FAQ on testing your brake magnets.

If this does not solve the problem you are having the issue may be with the brake controller or wiring. Make sure you are getting 12 volts of power to the brake controller by testing the Black wire with a multimeter like part # BTMT15. You will also want to make sure that there is power leaving the brake controller when the manual slide is activated. If you are not getting power leaving the brake controller, there is a chance that the brake controller is bad and needs to be replaced.

You will also want to check the Red wire, to make sure it is connected to the brake switch wire. This wire will only have signal when the brakes are applied.

If you are getting power leaving the brake controller, I would test to make sure you are getting a signal at the vehicle side trailer connector. You can also check to make sure there is not corrosion in the connector, if there is, the connector will need to be replaced. Corrosion can cause a bad signal.

Then, you will want to inspect the trailer. Check the trailer connector for corrosion and inspect the wiring to make sure there are no any frayed or cut wires.

Each brake assembly on the trailer should have a good, clean ground connection. You will also want to inspect the magnets to make sure there are no windings showing.

I have linked a video on adjusting trailer brakes and and FAQ on testing brake magnets.

expert reply by: Reno H