Trailer Brakes Wont Lockup with Brake Controller at Full Power
Updated 06/03/2019 | Published 05/31/2019
Question:
I have a dodge ram 2500 and have the brake controller set to 10 gain. Im pulling a utility trailer with GVW of 4400. The brake controller instructions say to drive 20mph and apply the trailer brakes manually using the slide to see if brakes lock up. Then, adjust gain downwards until they dont. My brakes wont lock up at 20 mph. However, in my driveway, I put the truck in N. I have a slight downwards slope. I put the truck in N and let it start going. Then, I manually applied the trailer brakes only using slide and the brakes engaged and stopped the truck and trailer. Am I OK as is? Or do I have some problem?
asked by: Doug
Expert Reply:
The brakes on your trailer should be locking up if you have the power set to the highest setting. If they do not then you will first want to be sure the brake controller is putting out a full 12 volts. If you sever the blue wire from behind the controller and apply the manual override at the highest power setting you should see 12 volts. If not 12 volts then replace the brake controller. If you do get 12 volts then start checking varying points on the brake output wire until you get to the braking assemblies. The voltage will drop off the further you go back but not by too much. If it does then you will need to look for a short.
If you are getting close to 12 volts at the braking assemblies then first make sure your brakes are adjusted properly but otherwise you would need to test the brake magnets (see article). If you like, you can try some boost settings (if applicable) to see if that will lock up the brakes while at speed.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: firestone vehicle suspension
- Video: Installation: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System on a 2020 Ram 1500
- Article: How to Adjust Your Trailer Brakes | The Ultimate Guide
- Q&A: Recommended Timbren Suspension Enhancement for a 2023 Ram 1500 4WD
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes That Won't Lock Up with Override Lever of Controller Slid
- Shop: Go Power PWM Solar Charge Controller with Bluetooth - LCD Display - Single Bank - 30 Amp - 12V
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V XD - 2"
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle
- Shop: Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Shop: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Shop: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Q&A: Is the Tongue Weight Listed on the Trailer Based on Dry Weight or GVWR
- Q&A: Differences between Class III and Class IV Hitches
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: suspension enhancement
- Shop: Brake Controller
on Trailer Brake Controller
