Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Braking and Low Voltage at Connector

Updated 02/05/2018 | Published 02/03/2018

Question:

My trailer brakes are not stopping the trailer well enough. If I apply the manual brake on 10 trailer only has some stopping power. Also some clicking noise with the truck on and trailer plugged into the truck. Turn off truck click goes away. I have 8.5 volts at hitch connection and 7.5 at axel connection. Ram 2018 3500 Dual Axel 5th wheel trailer chaparral

asked by: Steve B

Expert Reply:

With the brake controller set to its maximum setting, you should be getting 12 volts at the trailer connector when applying the manual lever. Since you are only getting 8.5 volts at the connector, the issue you are having is likely somewhere on the vehicle side.

Start by tracing the wiring back from the 7-Way connector and along your tow vehicle, checking for any damaged or corroded sections, fixing as needed. If all the wiring looks okay, I next recommend checking the brake controller itself. To test the controller, simply cut the blue wire close to the controller and test for voltage there when applying the manual lever. If you are not getting 12 volts at this location, the controller itself is likely bad should be replaced.

If you still are unable to locate the issue, please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further.

expert reply by: Chris R