How to know if brake controller works.....?

[Greenleaf]

I have a 10,000+ lb boat with trailer to start hauling for my Father. I cannot hook-up to know if the contoller is going to stop the trailer. That would be dumb... ...



I have the original controller installed way back when. Everything is connected properly. Power/ground/brake signal etc.



The controller has 1. 8vdc (max setting) at the controller AND the trailer plug. It has . 08VDC (minimun setting) at the controller and at the trailer plug.



Is it working???



I tested another contoller that's not being used on the work bench and it's output is 12. 1 VDC and 13. 68 VDC (@ max setting)







Anyone know anything 'bout how a controller is to function.



The trailer is NEW off the factory floor. I have to go get it (loaded with the boat) and tow it to Lake Erie



Thanks for ANY input.

 

[K5IP]

Without knowing what kind of controller you have, it is hard to evaluate. The 1. 8Vdc level does sound low, but it might have a pulsed output that is causing measurement errors.

Rog

 

[Mundgyver]

Get yourself a small magnetic compass. Hold it next to th brake axle and have someone push the brakes. The needle should deflect. Otherwise replace your controller with a Jordan as it will let you know via an indicator lite if it is making.

 

[Greenleaf]

Both the units I tested have this red indicator light that glows bright when the signal wire is supplied with power (the RED signal wire).



The manual lever on the one in my truck don't do anything. The one I tested on the bench will power up the BRAKE (blue ) wire.



I suppose this is used to apply the trailer brakes only? I have never towed anything that required it's own brakes.

 

[Mundgyver]

The Jordan is a 3 wire set up and does not hook into the brake lites, so they are independent. I have a jordan and love it. When I am hooked up, I get a green indicator light telling me that it has detected the electric brakes and when I brake, the display show what I am drawing for current. The harder I brake, the more current I put to the trailer brakes. It is very simple to use and work with.



Here is the link



http://www.jordanbrake.com/

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Mine has a manual lever on it, it says to hook up, check for the green light, adjust for level, and then go slow, just a few mph and hit the lever. you will hear

and feel the trailer lights lock up. This is in no way unsafe at 3 mph. And the only way to know if it works for sure.

 

[Paychk]

Greenleaf



What controller are you using? some won't power up even using the manual override, till it senses the brake magnets. I had a controller on one of the company trucks that wouldn't operate because it only sensed one magnet (other one had a break in the wire) it needed at least 2 magnets to power up.

 

[Foil Freak 1211]

Your original post stated you are concerned about pulling a boat/trailer. Unless someone specially ordered the trailer, it probably has surge brakes, not electric brakes. Surge brakes work when weight shifts forward on the hitch, applying the brakes. No need for a brake controller if this is the case.

 

[Greenleaf]

The new trailer has electric brakes.



I'll have to see what the controller model is. I have seen tons of these in trucks of this (1990's) vintage. They are very common.



A new unit would be wonderful. They are MUCH smaller and probably easy to install.

 

[MCates]

I have a solid state controller that I installed in my 03. I remember the instructions stating to pull the trailer no faster than 5 mph and apply the brakes to feel the trailer brake engagement. adjustments for the brakes are made via a thumwheel on the side of my controller. Most modern solid state controllers fuction in the same manner. One thing to make sure when looking into controllers, is to make sure the are rated for the number of axles that the trailer has(2,4, etc. ). Hope this helps.

 

[Greenleaf]

Yes that helps. I was going to ask if I have to have a spacific controller to operate a spacific brake system... ... . OR... ..... will any controller operate all electric brake systems.



I know mine is a solid state unit per 1992 era, and has the thumb wheel to adjust whatever it's supposed to be adjusting.



I need to vistit the local trailer dealer and pic his brain about this too. He'll probably want to sell me a unit... .....



Thanks for the help. I'm learning some new stuff here.

 

[GerryDrake]

visit

If you are going to visit the local trailer dealer, plug one of his into your truck and see if the brakes work

 

[Foil Freak 1211]

If you hook up to a trailer and have someone stand by the axle of the trailer, they usually should be able to hear if the brakes come on. I know I can hear a click on my 5er if I am standing next to the axle when the brakes are applied.