Could Damaged Trailer Brake Magnets Cause Low Brake Output Voltage

Updated 02/17/2020 | Published 02/16/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

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$83.92

Question:

Appalachian 14k gooseneck, approx yr 2002. Have determined that controller is outputting full 12 volts at truck receptacle truck wiring ok, and another trailer I have works fine. Trailer plug and wiring look ok upon close inspection but still getting approx 1 volt at magnets. This is a dual axle trailer, so I severed the brake wires to the rear axle to eliminate them, no change in voltage at magnets on front axle. Drums are pretty grooved from the magnets, wondering if the wear could be causing this. I must still electrically check the wiring between the plug and magnets, however visual inspection found no issues. Thank you!

asked by: Michael W

Expert Reply:

Definitely sounds like a bad trailer magnet due to wear that is causing your issues with low brake voltage. I attached a help article that covers how to troubleshoot them as well.

Most likely you'll need to go with new trailer brake assemblies and you'll be back on the road with working brakes.

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 hub/drums and the depth of the drums to determine what brake assembly dimensions you need. For example the part # 23-27 is a 10 inch by 2-1/4 inch thick brake assembly.

You also want to determine what the bolt pattern is of your assembly mounting flange. The standard size is 4 on 4 inch. You also want to determine the axle capacity of your trailer and go with an assembly that has the same rating, the # 23-27 has a 3,500 lb capacity.

expert reply by: Jameson C