Testing Electric Brakes on Trailer without Connecting to Tow Vehicle

Question

Question:

Hello: I want to test the function of my electric brakes...without plugging it into my vehicle. Can I just apply 12vdc and gnd to the brake input wire leads and be able to hear it activate?

asked by: Jeff C

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Absolutely! If you would rather not connect the trailer to your tow vehicle, you can simply use a separate car/truck 12V battery to test the electric brakes on your trailer. You can apply power to the appropriate brake input pin on the trailer connector (or the wires directly at some point behind the connector) and that will send power to the brakes.

expert reply by: Chris R

1

John B.

7/29/2020

...and that means the brakes will engage? I'm moving a trailer by hand on a flat spot at the top of a hill. It'd be nice to be able to engage the brakes, just in case!

Reply

Jon G.

8/6/2020

Yes, applying 12V power to the trailer brake circuit will engage the trailer brakes. I don't know how easy that will be since you'll be moving it by hand but if you can find a safe way to do this then go for it.

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Bill

6/3/2024

Hi, I bought the 47 pin conversion kit for trailer brakes and ran the extra powerline from the battery to the fuse back to the plug and I wanna make sure that my trailer breaks are correct and proper to use, but I don’t have the trailer yet is there a way I could check that and also is it already set up for a seven pin connection to a RV trailer or is it set up for utility trailer? Thank you.

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Chris R.

6/4/2024

@Bill Hey Bill! You could use a circuit tester on the brake output pin while holding down the manual override on the brake controller - as long as you get 12V power at that pin while doing it, you should be good to go. Don't forget you do still need an actual brake controller in the vehicle's cab. As for a utility trailer or RV/camper, it shouldn't matter as long as you're mating a 7-Way with a 7-Way.

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Answer 1

You can indeed test a trailer's electric drum brakes by directly applying +12V power from a fully-charged battery. You can apply this power to the hot contact on the trailer's plug (see photo please) or to an individual brake assembly's…

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Answer 2

With the options being as limited as they are for the 5 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern, I do recommend changing to something more common, specifically the 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern. This is very widely available and it will not only give you more options for…

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Answer 3

All the brake controller needs to sense a trailer connection so that you can test it is a slight amperage draw on the output circuit. For that you can use a circuit tester like the part #PTW2993 with one pin grounded and the other on the output pin.…

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Answer 4

Yes, there is a measurement you can take to determine what size brakes you need and if they will fit your existing drums. You will want to measure the diameter of your drums. I have included a diagram detailing the dimensions you will need to find.…

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Answer 5

The voltage at your 5 o'clock plug on your 7-Way trailer connector like #HM40975 should be between the 0.9 you are getting and 12 volts. Test this plug with an incandescent circuit tester like #PTW2993 because it will have a draw on the wire that…

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Answer 6

I'm not sure I totally believe that the problem is a lack of voltage. It's possible this is the case, but12 volts should easily power a camera designed for a standard 12 volt system. I would recommend taking the camera up near the vehicle…

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Answer 7

I can help you find the right assemblies, but I do not know exactly which ones you have on your trailer. To pick out the correct brake assemblies for your trailer you need to know a few things. You will want to measure the inner diameter of your…

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Answer 8

I took a look in the online version of the owner's manual for a 2016 Ford F-150 and there is a fuse for the trailer brake control module in position 49 in the fuse block in the engine compartment, which is a 30 amp fuse that I recommend taking a…

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Answer 9

The Replacement Dome for Fan-Tastic Vent RV Roof Vents - Tinted #FVK1020-19 is the correct replacement dome lid for all Fan-Tastic brand vents. That manufacturer utilized the same cover for all their products which is really nice to ensure you get…

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Answer 10

The included hardware of the Fan-Tastic Vent Upgrade kit part #FV807357 that you referenced does screw to the garnish that's already installed which is what clamps to the roof opening. While online install instructions aren't available…

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Answer 11

Hey Max, Really appreciate the photos and I can tell you based on that the #AKHD-545-35-EZ-K with the 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern you asked about isn't the right 3,500 lb hub and drum. Based on those measurements it seems you have a 5 on…

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Answer 12

This is a great question that there isn't exactly a great answer for. Hitch extenders not only put the weight further away from the hitch which would increase the leverage on the hitch, but they also add movement to the assembly which will…

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Testing Electric Brakes on Trailer without Connecting to Tow Vehicle

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