Electric Brakes Pulsating On Travel Trailer When Stopping

Updated 01/18/2011 | Published 01/16/2011

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Question:

draw tite activator 4 controller on ford e350 van. brakes pulsate on my travel trailer when stopping. set @ 3. pulsating occurs when you are slowing at about 20 mph until stop.

asked by: Brian B

Expert Reply:

There could be many possibilities that are causing the pulsating of your brakes on your 2008 Ford E350. A few possibilities to start with would be to use a circuit tester like the Quickee Tester, part # PTW2993, and check the connection of your stoplight wire from the brake controller to your stoplight switch. This wire needs to be connected to the cold side of the stoplight switch, which will only show power when the brake pedal is applied.

You will also want to check all the connections of the brake controller to your Ford E350 van. I am including a link to a page that will have a typical brake control wiring diagram.

Another thing to check is the magnets on the electric brakes to see if they are working properly. You should be getting close to 12 volts at each brake magnet with the gain on the brake controller turned up to maximum. If you are getting less than that, examine the trailer connector for corrosion or damage. Trace the brake output wire back to the brake magnets, looking for pinched wires or loose connections. Make sure that the grounding point for each magnet is secure and not corroded.

I am including a link to the instructions for the Draw-Tite brake controller and a review on the same brake controller.

expert reply by: Jeff D