Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes with Controller but Not Breakaway

Updated 06/20/2018 | Published 06/18/2018

Question:

I have added electric brakes to my trailer. I am using a junction box and battery breakaway kit. When I pull the pin on the breakaway box the brakes stop the wheel. When I apply the brakes on the truck, I can hear a hum at the brakes but they do not stop. I have checked and am getting power to the blue cable at the junction box from the truck when brakes applied. Anything else you can think to check? Thank you-

asked by: Pat M

Expert Reply:

What brake controller do you have installed in your vehicle? If it's proportional it'll have to sense deceleration to apply a lot of braking power. Have you tried using the manual override lever of the controller? Since the breakaway kit applies a lot of braking power that would mean the issue is brake controller related.

I attached a help article on troubleshooting brake controller installs for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C