I Rewired My Trailer and the Brakes Do Not Work

Question

Question:

I have completely rewired my trailer with copper wire its a 72 kit companion every time I hook up my 2011 dodge truck it tell me my trailer brakes need attention and they only work once in a while my ground is good and the wireing is 10 gage to the breaks I think its my truck can you give me a pointer or two.

asked by: Val

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Expert Reply:

Poor or intermittent brake performance can be a result of a few different issues. Poor ground connections, corrosion build up and shorts are the most common culprits. If you are certain that all of your grounds are good, then I would look at the trailer connectors for white or green corrosion build up and clean or replace as necessary.

I would also look at the electric brake power wire for any pinched, frayed, or damaged sections that could be causing a short. We had a similar issue after installing new wires and brakes on a trailer and found that we pinched a wire between the brake assembly and the mounting flange causing the brakes to function sporadically.

If all of these check out fine, then I would grab a circuit tester like part # 40376 to test the output power of the brake controller. First, set the power to the max on your brake controller. Have a helper hold the manual override lever on the brake controller while you test the 5 o'clock pin in your trailer connector (see photo). You should have full power with the brake controller. If not, go back to the brake controller and cut the blue wire about 6 inches back and test it again. If you have full power at the brake controller, but not at the trailer connector, then there is an issue with that wire on the truck. I would recommend running a new wire back to the trailer connector assuming the trailer connector itself is not the problem. If the trailer connector is the problem, then it should be replaced.

I have attached a few help articles on trailer wiring and brake controllers for you to check out. If you cannot find the problem or a solution after following these steps, let me know.

expert reply by: John H

0

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Answer 1

Really the only way to tell if you have manual or self-adjusting brakes is to remove the hub and take a look inside. If you can see a cable running at an angle (see included photo), then you have self adjusting brakes like the Electric Trailer Brake…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 6

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 7

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures the…

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Answer 8

If your trailer has 7 wires running all the way back to the brakes, then yes, you can tap into the existing wiring. Each of your new brakes will have two wires for the brake magnet. One wire is for 12 volt power to the brake magnets and the other…

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Answer 9

The 5.30-12 tires, being wider, are going to make more contact with the road. This means that the noise, and heat build up will be higher than a 4.80-12 tire but the rolling resistance will actually be less because the tire is larger diameter. The…

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Answer 10

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 11

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 12

First you will need to remove the old hydraulic equipment. Remove the surge coupler or actuator, remove all the lines, and finally remove the brake assemblies. If you have 10 inch diameter hub and drums, you may need to replace those as well. If you…

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I Rewired My Trailer and the Brakes Do Not Work

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