Molly Ayala
Electric brakes on trailers are managed by an electric brake control panel that feeds the magnets with an electric current when the brake pedal is pressed. Before towing on the road, it is important to check if the electric brakes are working. To test the brakes, you can use a multimeter to test the trailer brake wiring between the brake controller and the brake magnet. You can also measure the amount of current coming from the connector to the brake wires. If the current is above or below the recommended specification, the controller or wires may need to be changed. Additionally, you can check for wiring shorts and inspect the brake magnet for any required replacements. It is crucial to follow safety guidelines, such as not towing with the breakaway brake system turned on, to prevent brake failure and potential accidents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric brakes | Managed by an electric brake control panel |
| Electric brake control panel | Feeds the magnets with an electric current when the brake pedal is pressed |
| Testing | Use a multimeter to test the trailer brake wiring between the brake controller and the brake magnet |
| Multimeter | Place the negative probe on a brake magnet wire and the positive probe on the other magnet wire |
| Expected reading for a 10-inch brake drum | 3.8 – 4.0 ohms |
| Multimeter reading of "O.L" | Indicates a short in one of the wires |
| Multimeter set to Ammeter | Measure if there is any internal exposure or breaks in the wires |
| Proportional mode electric brake controller | May not apply any power to the trailer brakes when the vehicle is stationary |
| REDARC Tow-Pro Elite | Change to "User Controlled" mode for the test |
| Before towing | Operate the brake controller while trying to pull the wheelhouse to confirm that the electric brakes operate |
| Towing speed | Less than 5 mph |
| Breakaway brake system | Must be in good condition and properly rigged to be effective |
| Testing the breakaway brake system | Follow the instructions provided by the breakaway brake manufacturer |
| Storing the breakaway brake battery | Store indoors and charge every three months if the wheelhouse is not used for that long |
| Battery performance | Extreme cold weather can degrade battery performance |
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What You'll Learn
Check for wiring faults
Electric brake wiring faults can significantly impact the performance and safety of your trailer. Here are some ways to check for wiring faults in your electric trailer brakes:
Firstly, you can test the voltage of the system using a voltmeter. Connect the voltmeter to the lead wires at any brake while running the engine of the towing vehicle. Normally, the voltage should begin at 0 volts and increase to 12 Volts as the controller bar is actuated. If the controller doesn’t produce any voltage control, consult the manual. As a rule of thumb, the voltage of the controller equals the voltage applied to the brakes when it is first turned on. A low threshold provides smooth braking, while a high voltage makes the brakes feel harsh.
You can also use a multimeter to test the trailer brake wiring between the brake controller and the brake magnet. Place the negative probe on any of your wires and the positive probe on the positive terminal of your battery. Then, place the brake magnet on the negative battery post. If you get any ampere reading from the multimeter, there is an internal short in the brake magnet, indicating that it needs to be replaced.
Another way to check for wiring faults is to measure the amount of current coming from the connector to the brake wires. With your car powered on, activate the brakes through the pedal or electric control panel. Using the specifications for your trailer, determine whether you are getting the right amount of current. If the current is above or below the recommended specification, the controller or wires may be faulty and need to be changed.
Additionally, check for poor quality connections and voltage drop due to incorrectly sized wires. Over time, the brass terminal can vibrate loose from the copper electrodes, leading to poor continuity of the brake wires. The use of BP connectors for joining wires is common in domestic electrical systems, but they are not suitable for mobile vehicles, so ensure you are using high-quality connections and correctly sized wires.
Finally, check for physical damage to the wiring system, especially if you've been driving on rocky or rough terrain. Ensure the trailer wiring is properly outfitted with a high-quality conduit to avoid contact with the road surface.
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Test the trailer brake wiring
Testing the trailer brake wiring can be done in several ways. One way is to use a multimeter to test the trailer brake wiring between the brake controller and the brake magnet. To do this, set your multimeter to Ohms, and place the negative probe on one of the brake magnet wires, and the positive probe on the other magnet wire. If the multimeter produces a reading below or above the specified resistance range for your brake magnet size, the brake is bad and needs to be changed. For a 10-inch brake drum, you should expect a reading between 3.8 and 4.0 ohms.
Another way to test the trailer brake wiring is to use a circuit tester. First, disconnect the 6-way plug between the chassis and the tongue/drawbar to see if the fault goes away, isolating the fault to either the drawbar wiring or the chassis wiring. If the short is in the chassis side of the wiring, disconnect each brake hub at the hub one at a time to see if the fault goes away. If all brake hubs are disconnected and there is still a direct short, a Rock Guard mounting bolt may have pinched the chassis wiring loom. Prize back the cover plate and visually inspect the wiring loom for damage.
You can also test for proper voltage on the brake output circuit. If you are experiencing poor braking with full voltage, the issue is likely on the trailer. Make sure your trailer brakes are adjusted properly and check your brake magnets. If you are getting 0.2 volts when the brakes are not being applied, this is the signal that the brake controller sends back to the brake magnets to detect if a trailer is connected. If the light is dim when the manual override is applied, check that all the wires from the brake controller are properly connected. If all the connections look secure, cut the blue wire about 6 inches back from the brake controller to test for voltage there.
Additionally, you can test the brake controller without a trailer connected. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly, the problem is likely in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer. If either the brake pedal or the manual slide is not functioning properly, test the wires going into the brake controller. Ensure that you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire, you should only want power when the brake pedal is pressed. If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed, the red wire from the brake controller may be connected to the wrong circuit.
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Measure the current
To measure the current of your trailer's electric brakes, you will need a multimeter. This device will allow you to test the trailer brake wiring between your brake controller and the brake magnet.
Firstly, set your multimeter to the ammeter setting. This will allow you to measure for any internal exposure or breaks in the wires. Next, place the negative probe on any of your wires and the positive probe on the positive terminal of your battery. You can then place the brake magnet on the negative battery post. If you get any ampere reading from the multimeter, there is an internal short in the brake magnet, and it needs to be replaced. If the magnet is functioning correctly, you will not get a reading.
You can also use a compass to test whether current is being supplied to the magnets. Simply apply an electric current to the brakes through the controller and place the compass near the brakes. If the compass doesn't move, there could be a problem with the controller or the wires. To confirm this, apply current to the brakes and try to stick a metal tool like a wrench or screwdriver to the brake. If the metal doesn't stick, then there is likely an issue with the controller or its wires.
It is also important to note the number of brakes you have, your trailer pin plug configuration, and the recommended current the magnet wires are meant to produce. You can then measure the amount of current coming from the connector to the brake wires and determine whether you are getting the right amount of current. If the current goes above or below your recommended specification, then the controller or wires may be faulty and need to be replaced.
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Check the breakaway brake system
The breakaway brake system is a crucial safety feature for trailers, especially those with a gross weight above 2,000 kg. This system ensures that the trailer comes to a safe stop in the event of accidental decoupling from the towing vehicle. Here are the steps to check this system:
First, locate the breakaway switch, which is typically mounted on the trailer and connected to a 12-volt breakaway battery. The switch is the "brains" of the operation, determining when the breakaway system gets activated. It is essential to ensure that the switch is correctly installed and wired to the battery.
Next, identify the breakaway cable, which is attached to a pin inserted into the breakaway switch. The other end of this cable should be secured to the tow vehicle. The cable's length is critical: it should be shorter than the safety chain but not so short that a sharp turn or deep depression in the road could pull the pin out of the switch.
To test the breakaway brake system, start with the trailer and tow vehicle stationary. Remove the trailer harness plug from the tow vehicle, and then pull out the pin from the breakaway switch. This action may require some force, typically around 35 foot-pounds or more.
Now, attempt to move the trailer forward. If the breakaway system is functioning correctly, the trailer should resist being towed, indicating that the brakes are engaging. However, the wheels do not necessarily need to be locked. If the trailer rolls forward freely, there is an issue with the brake system, and it should not be towed until repairs are made.
Finally, re-insert the pin into the breakaway switch and plug the trailer wiring harness back into the tow vehicle's socket. It is also important to periodically check the breakaway battery's charge level and replace it as per the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, some jurisdictions, like NSW, require a breakaway battery monitor to provide real-time battery information and warnings.
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Test the brakes manually
Electric brakes on trailers are managed by an electric brake control panel that feeds the magnets with an electric current when the brake pedal is pressed. Before towing on the road, you must test the brakes manually to confirm that the electric brakes operate. Here's how to do it:
Firstly, you need to determine the type of braking system your trailer has. If it has a breakaway brake system, ensure the breakaway brake controller, battery, and switch with a pull pin and lanyard are all in good condition and properly set up.
Next, with your car powered on, activate the brakes through the pedal or electric control panel. You can have an assistant do this for you. Measure the amount of current coming from the connector to the brake wires using a multimeter. Place the negative probe on any of the brake magnet wires and the positive probe on the other wire. Check the readings on your multimeter. For a 10-inch brake drum, you should expect a reading between 3.8 and 4.0 ohms. If the reading is outside the expected range for your brake drum size, the magnet may need to be replaced.
Additionally, you can check for wiring shorts by opening the 7-way plug and disconnecting the 6-way plug between the chassis and the tongue/drawbar. If the fault persists, it is likely isolated to the chassis wiring. In this case, disconnect each brake hub one at a time to pinpoint the issue. If the problem remains even with all brake hubs disconnected, there may be a direct short from the blue wire to the earth, possibly caused by a damaged chassis wiring loom.
Another method is to jack up a wheel, apply voltage, and spin the wheel to observe if the brake engages. Alternatively, you can manually pull the drums and the magnet arms by hand to check if the shoes separate.
It is important to consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek assistance from a dealer or a professional if you are unsure about any aspect of the testing process.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to check your trailer's electric brakes:
- Check for wiring faults by opening the 7-way plug and disconnecting the 6-way plug between the chassis and the tongue/drawbar.
- Use a multimeter to test the trailer brake wiring between the brake controller and the brake magnet.
- Measure the current coming from the connector to the brake wires.
You will need a multimeter or voltmeter to check the electric brakes on a trailer.
If the multimeter produces a reading below or above the specified resistance range for your brake magnet size, then the brake is faulty and needs to be changed.
