Troubleshooting Brakes Not Working

Updated 06/11/2026 | Published 05/18/2026

Question:

I recently received Dexter Electric Brakes 23-25-27 and installed them on my 2002 StarCraft Centennial pop-up trailer. I hooked up my truck but the breaks do not work! Any suggestions? Thanks, Kim

asked by: Kim K

Expert Reply:

Hi Kim, how are you testing them? Are you using the manual override on the brake controller? Assuming you are, test for power at the 7-way on your vehicle. Then work your way back on the trailer to make sure you don't have a short or bad connector. I would also make sure the ground connections are secure, that is a pretty common issue.

expert reply by: Robin H

Kim

5/19/2026

OK I'm a dumba$$! I "assumed" my relatively new (2022) Ford Ranger had a brake controller installed since the tow package was included. On further examination I don't see anything that resembles a controller. Since the truck is new, I'll probably have a controller installed by a professional. I hesitated to respond and display my ignorance for all to see but I'm new to the towing thing and maybe this will help someone else. Hopefully, the brakes will work after I get the controller installed. Thanks for the rapid response, Robin!

Robin H.

5/19/2026

@Kim haha that's ok it is easy to assume the vehicle comes with everything to tow when you have the tow package! If you want a really reliable brake controller that won't take up space in the cab the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED52VR is the best around right now. You can take it to a professional for installation or follow along with one of our installation videos if you want to do it yourself and save some money.

Helpful Links

tv-install-redarc-brake-controller-2021-ford-ranger-red52vr.aspx

Bill

5/27/2026

@Kim If you have a tow package the wires should be under the dash above the side panel by your left foot. The wires are short a bit of a pain but you don't need to run wires all over. I would check before paying someone else at least so you know its not that labor intensive and someone does try to say you have to pay more to run wires to the 3rd brake light on the back of the cab You should be able to ask a dealer tech or look it up online hope this helps

Kim K.

6/9/2026

@RobinH OK, I installed new Dexter brakes a couple weeks ago and received the Curt Echo brake controller yesterday. I successfully linked the controller to my phone. The controller has a solid blue light indicating "Device is paired, no trailer connected." When I plug in the trailer and open the Echo controller, I get a note saying that the trailer is not connected. So, it would appear that my truck (2022 Ford Ranger) is working fine and there is power to the controller but there is a problem on the trailer side. Just wanted to check with you guys and see if there is something I'm missing here. I guess the next step would be to follow the blue trailer brake wire and the ground to see if it's broken anywhere? Would this be a good assumption? All the trailer lights work fine. Thanks, Kim.