Trailer Brakes Are Pulsing

Updated 07/14/2020 | Published 07/10/2020

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Question:

I bought these brakes about a year ago and have never seemed to get them work right. I have the Tekonsha top of the line brake controller and I have the brakes setup on a small 5X8 Offroad tear camper. Camper weighs about 1500lbs. Im towing the camper with a 2000 4Runner V6 which can handle this weigh easy enough. I have the controller setup on light weight and every time as soon as the controller reaches a power level of 2 the trailer will pulsate. Feels like a really warped brake rotor. Do you have any idea how to fix this issue? I need the brakes this year as we are going to Colorado.

asked by: Geritt B

Expert Reply:

There are a couple of things you can do to try and correct the problem of your trailer brakes pulsing. Start by using a multimeter with your 4Runner not moving, which should show a constant 12 volts on the red wire (stop light switch) when you step on the brakes, but no voltage when not stepping on the brakes. If the voltage fluctuates when the brake pedal is pressed down, there can be a bad connection on that wire which you will need to find and remedy.

After that, you will want to test the pins at your 4Runner's 7-way while a helper hits the brakes. If voltage is going thorough that connector, the problem will be on the trailer side. If not, Otherwise, there is a wiring issue somewhere between the connector and the brake controller and you will have to track it down.

On the trailer side, you can check to make sure the 7-way connector is still good, without any corrosion, and the brakes and wiring are still good. Inspect the power wires to the magnets and look for wires that may be pinched or otherwise damaged and fix as necessary. You'll also need to make sure the ground wires are attached to bare metal surfaces and free of any paint, dirt or corrosion.

If you find you need any additional wire you can use 10 gauge # 10-1-1. If your trailer needs a new 7-way you can use the 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector # H20044.

expert reply by: Kyle S