so i finally got the lights working on my trailer and now i am looking to hook up the brakes. The trailer already has the drums on the axles, i hooked up the wires to the two posts coming from the hub (one to a ground on trailer and one to front of trailer where it hooks up to vehicle). the brakes are totally locked up now soon as i turn on the car. Any ideas?
Keep reading.....
Im not an expert, but isnt there supposed to be a controller/breakaway switch box with the wiring?
Yes, electric trailer brakes need a brake controller: if the OP's tow vehicle is less than ten years old, and/or has ABS, then the vehicle will need to have a currently trained outfit install the box, especially if it's still under warranty.
It's not like when I worked for U Haul back in the late 80's, when all I had to do was put a tap in the hydraulic circuit for the rear brakes on a car or truck.....
sure you're not connecting to the spot in the plug that charges the battery on the trailer?
That would do it. See next.
The brakes should be locked on without voltage
There isnt a spot on the 7 pin for electric brakes
Just a spot for brake lights
The brakes go though a seperate harness
And there should be a controller in the car
It should slowly increase voltage as u want the brakes on
So if the trailer falls off the car the breakway comes off drops voltage and locks the brakes on
Personally
Tbe old cable is the way
Simple
And unless its over 3 ton I dont think u need brakes on the trailer
Fowler, I'm following the logic of your description, but you are describing the required set up in Australia. In the US, electric brakes are free until you start to apply power to them, and our break away controls use only three parts; a battery for power, and a stand alone switch with a separate cable (used to yank the switch if the hitch fails).
Many trailers use an alternative system called "Surge Brakes". That's a totally different system that uses a master cylinder on the hitch and hydraulic brakes on the axle.
And as for the trailers weight when you need brakes? Three metric tons? Try one and a half......
