How Much Voltage Should be At Brake Assemblies When Brake Controller Override Lever is Slid

Question:

I purchased 4 complete brake assemblies last fall and installed them on my camper. Winter came before I could test them. Now getting ready for camping season I find that I hear humming at the wheel when the brakes are applied but the magnets dont click or engage. The humming tells me Im getting some power to the wheels but maybe not enough to activate the magnets. Any ideas would be appreciated. What should be the voltage at the wheel be when using the lever on the brake controller to get full braking power? Thanks

asked by: David K

Expert Reply:

Full voltage for trailer brakes with the override lever of a controller slid would be 12 volts or really close since sometimes there's a bit of voltage drop due to wiring length.

You might check to make sure the grounds of the assemblies are solidly attached if the voltage is there. Also make sure that the wiring is 10 gauge like part # 10-1-1 which we offer by the foot. Also verify that the controller is putting out 12 volts by checking the pin in the 5:00 position as well.

You also might check to make sure the brakes are adjusted properly as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C