What would cause trailer brakes not to work?
The most common electrical problem is low or no voltage and amperage at the brakes. Common causes of this condition are; poor electrical connections, open circuits, insufficient wire size, broken wires, blown fuses (fusing of brakes is not recommended), improperly functioning controllers or resistors.
How do you disengage electric trailer brakes?
The easiest option would be to simply unplug your brake controller. If the brake controller is disconnected, the brakes will not receive power. If your brake controller was hardwired and cannot be unplugged, you could cut the brake output wire anywhere between the brake controller and the trailer brakes.
How do I know what size trailer brakes I need?
To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the # T4071600-500 that you referenced.
How do you reset a trailer brake controller?
To reset the Pilot brake controller part # 80550 all you have to do is unplug the connector behind it for a few minutes. Doing that will return it back to the factory presets.
How do you tell if my trailer brakes are working?
The easiest way to tell if the brakes are working on the trailer would be engage the manual override and have a friend sit outside the vehicle and watch the wheels on the trailer. If they begin to drag when you let off the brake pedal (slowly) on the tow vehicle then you know they are working.
Will trailer brake work without a breakaway?
Electric trailer brakes can work on a trailer that doesn’t have a breakaway system. The only time the breakaway battery will change how the brakes are performing is when the pin of the system has been pulled and the voltage of the battery is being applied to the brake assemblies.
How do you disconnect electric brakes?
The easiest way to temporarily disconnect power to the trailer brakes is to disconnect your brake controller. Unplug the brake controller plug from the back of the brake controller. The trailer brakes cannot draw power from the vehicle’s battery if the brake controller is not plugged in.
What trailer brakes do I need?
A trailer or pole trailer is required to have brakes if its gross weight exceeds 4,500 lbs. A trailer with a gross weight between 4,500 lbs. and 15,000 lbs. is not required to have brakes if it is towed at a speed of not more than 30 mph. Trailers must be equipped with brakes if the gross weight exceeds 3,000 lbs.
Are trailer brakes Universal?
Expert Reply: Trailer brake controllers such as the Tekonsha Voyager # 39510 are not vehicle-specific but the parts required to install one can be specific to a year/make/model vehicle.