Does the Activator Have an Indicator that a Trailer is Connected and Brakes are Working

Updated 09/30/2015 | Published 09/29/2015

Question:

When I connect the trailer to the truck, should I get an indication that the brakes are working?

asked by: Mark T

Expert Reply:

You will know that the brake controller is sending power back when you step on the brake pedal or use the manual override. But as far as an indicator on the controller showing that the brake parts are actually moving in the brake assembly no brake controller has anything like that.

The Activator, # 5504, will show a single decimal if no trailer is connected but not when a trailer is connected. With a trailer connected and no decimal showing that means the brake controller is sensing the brake magnets on the trailer.

The standard test for setting up a brake controller is to go to a level empty parking lot. Set the controller to the mid point on power and sync, and then tow the trailer at 20 miles per hour and fully apply the manual override only on the brake controller, do not use the truck brakes until necessary.

If the brakes are too aggressive or not aggressive enough fine tune the settings and perform the test again until you have it set just right.

expert reply by: Michael H