Testing trailer brake controller....
Been working on this for days. I'm about ready to start screaming. (FYI, I am not in a good mood and any trolls looking to unload shaming or sarcasm or just generally embark on some kind of self-serv...
Forum Discussion
When working on systems like an RV's braking system, it's good to break down the whole system into smaller parts so that testing can be done on the individual parts of a system rather than the whole. This is true with electronics, plumbing, and a lot of other things we use in our daily life.
First, your meter (since we need our tools to operate well). When you connect the meter inline with a source of power and are checking for amperage, if the source of power is greater than 10 amps, your meter will blow a fuse every time. I have personal experience, here. Rather, what you should measure is the draw of the device (in amps). A typical, single RV brake magnet will draw 3 amps (or so). If you connect the meter's leads between the single brake magnet wire and the positive power lead, you'll be able to measure the draw of that magnet.
Now, having explained that, don't worry about amperage. What you want to know is if the brake is operable. You could measure voltage by inserting your meter lead onto any of the magnet wires and a ground. You can check the brake controller's operability by measuring voltage at the trailer connection receptacle. You would need to operate the controller at that time.
Now, having explained that, the best way to check brake function is to raise the axle off the ground with drum and wheel attached, send power to the brake magnet either with the controller or with the breakaway switch while spinning the wheel. The wheel should stop spinning. If it does stop, you know that either the controller or the break-away switch is working and the brakes are operable. A final thing to do is adjust the shoes and that is done by using a screw driver or a brake tool as explained Here.
I hope the above helps.
Just an observation: Your disclamation in your first post asking for tact and discipline from posters is like asking the indians to gallop slowly around the wagons so the dust doesn't fly.
This is the Tech section of the Forum. My experience tells me that highly technical and knowledgable folks are more interested in fixing the problem than delivering care or assuaging feelings. The good news is that if you can post difficulties and problems with an objective view, sort through the less than helpful replies, then, a correct solution to your difficulty can be had for a low price.
Good luck with your brakes. Post back if you have more problems.
First, your meter (since we need our tools to operate well). When you connect the meter inline with a source of power and are checking for amperage, if the source of power is greater than 10 amps, your meter will blow a fuse every time. I have personal experience, here. Rather, what you should measure is the draw of the device (in amps). A typical, single RV brake magnet will draw 3 amps (or so). If you connect the meter's leads between the single brake magnet wire and the positive power lead, you'll be able to measure the draw of that magnet.
Now, having explained that, don't worry about amperage. What you want to know is if the brake is operable. You could measure voltage by inserting your meter lead onto any of the magnet wires and a ground. You can check the brake controller's operability by measuring voltage at the trailer connection receptacle. You would need to operate the controller at that time.
Now, having explained that, the best way to check brake function is to raise the axle off the ground with drum and wheel attached, send power to the brake magnet either with the controller or with the breakaway switch while spinning the wheel. The wheel should stop spinning. If it does stop, you know that either the controller or the break-away switch is working and the brakes are operable. A final thing to do is adjust the shoes and that is done by using a screw driver or a brake tool as explained Here.
I hope the above helps.
Just an observation: Your disclamation in your first post asking for tact and discipline from posters is like asking the indians to gallop slowly around the wagons so the dust doesn't fly.
This is the Tech section of the Forum. My experience tells me that highly technical and knowledgable folks are more interested in fixing the problem than delivering care or assuaging feelings. The good news is that if you can post difficulties and problems with an objective view, sort through the less than helpful replies, then, a correct solution to your difficulty can be had for a low price.
Good luck with your brakes. Post back if you have more problems.
