Testing Trailer Brake Magnets With Full 12V Power Supplied Using the Brake Controller Override

Updated 07/10/2013 | Published 07/09/2013

Question:

Can I put 12vdc to the brake magnets for 4-5 minutes while I hook up the fifth wheel and perform a pull test? Plan on using a toggle switch instead of pulling break away plunger. Breakaway switch fails after a 1/2 dozen or so uses. That way the break away switch will be competent to function when needed. Just want to ensure that brake magnets and brakes can handle sustained voltage during hook up sequence.

asked by: Wayne H

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to deliver full 12 volt power to your brakes while performing a pull test you can also use the override functions on your brake controller. This will avoid installing any switches, or disturbing any of the existing functional wiring. Switches can be forgotten, and additional connection points or unnecessary splices of the breakaway system can lead to problems like corrosion down the road.

To use the override function on your brake controller you would turn the power of the brake controller all the way up. This will supply a full load of 12 volts to your trailer brakes. Then using the manual over ride switch fully activate the brakes for the desired period of time, while you hook up and conduct a pull test. The manual override on the brake controller will have to be continually held in the override position to supply the full power to the trailer brakes, you may need someone else to hold the brake controller in the override position while hooking up and conducting a pull test.

Please consult your installation instructions for your brake controller, and make sure that you restore the settings after you have performed your test to your typical towing settings. Using the brake controller and resetting it to your typical tow settings will avoid disturbing the break away system, leaving it fully functional for use if needed in emergency situations.

expert reply by: Rachael H