Curt C24VV TriFlex Brake Controller Putting Out Minimal Voltage With Vehicle Brake Pedal Applied

Published 09/17/2021

Question:

Thanks Mike. That is very helpful. Im not sure why the trailer place did not know the answer but your explanation makes perfect sense. Long story as to why I had the unit output tested other than to be sure I was getting output. At one point, my 12 volt fuse was disabled which prevented the unit from generating any output. I wanted to be sure after enabling the 12 volt power supply that it was ok. Thanks!

asked by: Lester B

Expert Reply:

The Curt # C24VV Triflex is a proportional brake controller, which means that there are internal sensors that can determine how quickly the tow vehicle is stopping, at which time the controller will send the appropriate amount of voltage to the trailer brakes so the vehicle and the trailer will brake at the same rate.

When the vehicle is NOT moving, you'll get very little voltage out of the controller with the vehicle brake pedal, just enough so the controller 'knows' there's a trailer plugged in. The only way you'll get full voltage to the brakes with the vehicle stationary is to use the manual brake switch on the controller. I'm a little surprised your trailer place didn't know that....

What led to you having the controller tested in the first place? Unless there's an issue other than what you described, it appears that the controller is working properly.

expert reply by: Mike L

Lester B.

9/17/2021

Mike L.

9/17/2021

You're very welcome, I'm glad we could be of assistance! Going forward, if I were you I'd be leery of that shop. I'd expect someone who doesn't use a brake controller frequently not to be aware that a proportional controller won't put out voltage with the brake pedal unless the vehicle is in motion, but the folks at a reputable trailer shop should have known the difference and my suspicion is that they were trying to sell you something you didn't need. In any event, I'm glad everything's good to go.