Trailer Brakes

[labguy]

Hey guys,

I have a 2003 Shorelandr dual axle trailer with brakes that my boat sits on. I installed Tekonsha Xplorer brake control in my vehicle. I calibrated the control but the trailer brakes are not engaging. The controller is set up correctly because when connected to trailer, the light turns green and when I press the brake (truck brake and control brake) the light changes to orange (as it should) but no brakes. If I disconnect the controller, the brakes lock up on the trailer in reverse, which tells me the brakes are working. What am I missing?

Thanks,

Don

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer Brakes

What am I missing?

Ayuh,... It sounds like you've got Hyd. surge brakes on the trailer,+ are trying to control 'em with an Electric Brake controller...
That would be 2 very different systems that don't work together...

 

[labguy]

Re: Trailer Brakes

Seriously? Do I disconnect the controller and run a wire from the brake light wire to the trailer to operate the trailer brakes or straight from the battery? Ugghh..... Anyone need a VERY lightly used controller, lolol...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer Brakes

Ayuh,.... IF you have surge brakes, the only power necessary is to the back up solenoid to keep the brakes Off while you back up...
That wire would come from the back up lights of the tow unit...

Surge brakes are actuated by the trailer pushing on the tow unit,... Momentum..

Post a picture of the trailer coupler so We'll know just What ya got...

 

[labguy]

Re: Trailer Brakes

Here it is....

http://s906.photobucket.com/albums/ac261/labguy3636/

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac261/labguy3636/trailer.jpg

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer Brakes

You have surge brakes!!!!

You don't need a controller!!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer Brakes

Ayuh,.... Are there any Wires on it,... Say 1 lonely electrical wire maybe,..??

If so,... A 5 wire connector, with the 5th wire to the back up lights, is what you need to activate the reverse solenoid...
You'll be Good to Go...

 

[labguy]

Re: Trailer Brakes

Thank you for the info, I just hated that I wasted 100 bucks on a controller. Yes, just a 5 wire connector. Should have asked first. Oh well......

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer Brakes

Should have asked first.

Ayuh,... Sell the controller to a friend with a travel trailer, or camper trailer,...
Those types of wagons are more apt to have Electric brakes...

 

[Lou C]

Re: Trailer Brakes

Here you go....some good reading:

http://www.championtrailers.com/brkart.html#hydraulic_brake_basics