Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes that are Adjusted Properly with New Assemblies

Published 02/05/2015

Question:

When I first bought my 16 ft trailer I could apply the brake controller 100 and the wheels would lock up and drag at a slow roll. At some point the brakes stopped working. I replaced all of the brakes, 7 pole connector on the trailer, and checked connections and grounds. Now the brakes stop rolling when hand spun but do not lock up while rolling with the truck. The brakes have been properly adjusted. Truck side shows 12 volts at rear connector with controller and brake petal. However I get 10 volts at the brake wire on the axle closest to the truck. Are the brakes functioning properly?

asked by: Brett

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds to me like one of two problems. The first would be that your ground is indeed not strong enough to allow enough amperage to be applied to the trailer brake magnets. In this case I would make sure that the ground wire attached to the trailer at the trailer tongue is secured to a suitable clean surface. It could be that the main ground wire of your trailer is no longer making solid contact from corrosion or it has come loose in some way. Check out the help article I attached.

I would also readjust the brakes so that I get a slight drag when turning by hand, it sounds like this isn't the problem most likely, but it wouldn't hurt to check them again.

expert reply by: Jameson C