Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Will Only Put Out 9 Volts

Updated 07/19/2021 | Published 07/17/2021

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(108)

$1.65

Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(172)

$90.25

Question:

We have a Jayco 264bh travel trailer I’m getting 13.5 volts out the back of my tow vehicle but only 9.1 to my electric brakes. 1. Could a bad ground cause such a significant voltage ? 2. The wire Jayco, or Dexter the manufacturer of the electric brake and axel assembly, have used seems to be under sized. What size should be running from the junction box to the magnets? 3. What is the anticipated voltage if any?

asked by: Kerry

Expert Reply:

If you are getting that low of a voltage reading to the 7-way of your tow vehicle I'd first try upping the voltage of the brake controller by increasing the output level of it to see if the voltage increases.

It could be that the brake controller just needs to be turned up, the brake controller output circuit of the vehicle is thin of a gauge and 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 would help with that. Or the brake controller could just be at fault and need to be replaced or the least reset by unplugging it and plugging back in.

For a new controller the Brake EVN # TK63VR would be a really great solution if you do need one.

I also attached a link to a help article on troubleshooting brake controllers as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C