How to Test Trailer Brake Magnets for Power

Updated 10/19/2020 | Published 10/16/2020

Products Featured in This Question

3-Piece Electrician Tool Set

(11)

$30.19

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1775)

$279.95

Question:

I just bought a new Crossroads Cruiser Aire and 2020 silverado 2500HD. The trailer brakes and the connector are intermittent. The screen on the truck sometimes shows no connector connected or no break connection. Chevy has checked the truck twice and found nothing. La Mesa RV is checking the brakes, but found nothing so far. The brakes are nothing more than 4 inductors in parallel. Is there an easy way to check the current draw when they are applied? Help.

asked by: Doug K

Expert Reply:

Since you have had the RV dealer look at the brakes, they have likely done this already, but in order to test the trailer brake magnets for power you will need a 12 volt battery and a multimeter like # PTW1714.

To test individual brake magnets for proper function, sever the magnet wires and connect the ammeter between the positive terminal of a 12-volt battery and one of the magnet wires; it does not matter which one. Then connect the other magnet wire to the negative battery terminal. I have added a link below to a help article which details exactly how to do this that I recommend taking a look at.

Additionally, my suspicion is its the factory brake controller, which are just not very good overall. I highly recommend replacing the factory brake controller on you Chevy with an aftermarket controller, the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180.

expert reply by: Kyle S