How to Tell if the Brakes are Working on a Horse Trailer

Published 08/03/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6644)

$156.98

Curt 7-Way to RV Socket LED Circuit Tester - Vehicle End

(166)

$19.90

Question:

I purchased the above described vehicle and a horse trailer with electric brakes. I want to be sure the electric brakes on the trailer will engage when the vehicle brakes do. When I plug the trailer into the vehicle brake lights and turn signals work on the trailer. How do I know if the brakes do as well?

asked by: Merrie

Expert Reply:

The easiest way to tell if the brakes are working on the trailer would be engage the manual override and have a friend sit outside the vehicle and watch the wheels on the trailer. If they begin to drag when you let off the brake pedal (slowly) on the tow vehicle then you know they are working. You can also test the brake output wire just behind each assembly with a circuit tester to ensure they are receiving power.

If the brakes are not engaging then please let me know and I would be happy to run though some troubleshooting procedures with you. We also have testers like part # C73NR which checks the brake output but this would only be able to detect a fault on the vehicle, not the trailer.

expert reply by: Conner L