Does Output Voltage on Draw-Tite Activator IV Brake Controller 5504 Ramp Up Over Time

Updated 04/19/2016 | Published 04/17/2016

Question:

I read your answer to Testing for Proper Voltage on the Brake Output Circuit and in that article you said inch then you can cut the blue wire about 6 inches back from the brake controller to test for voltage there. If you have full voltage at that point, we know there is an issue on the brake output circuit somewhere between that point and the trailer connector. inch What is full voltage? Should it be 12 volts at that point? I have an Activator II brake controller, and I believe it applies the trailer brakes incrementally, so is the voltage low at first and then increase with duration?

asked by: Paul A

Expert Reply:

It is normal for this time-delay type controller's measured output to ramp up to the chosen power setting. How long that ramping up process takes is determined by the sync setting. If the unit did not ramp up, but instead instantly sent out the full selected output, the trailer brakes would tend to lock up.

expert reply by: Adam R