2013 Ram brake controller..how do i know if working?

Wxguru wrote:
Maybe it is just me....but why do you want the brakes to lock up?

It's just a very short test to know the brakes are functional before you properly set the appropriate voltage.

Maybe it is just me....but why do you want the brakes to lock up? I try to keep the brakes set to maximum braking without them locking up. For the record, I am towing about 7200lbs loaded (TT in signature). I run the heavy electric setting with 6.5 on the brake controller. Perfect setting for my trailer.

eHoefler wrote:
Adjust trailer brakes!

to add to this post we just had new springs installed in our 2001 35 ft alpenlite. I towed for a short tow 2 larger fifths into our rv park. Both impressed me on the hit of their brakes when I stopped. So when the new springs were installed I had the brakes adjusted. First time for this to be done. WOW do I need to lower the prodigy for a lower power.
chevman

I have a 2500 Ram and not sure if it's the same OEM brake controller but guessing it is. Just picked up a new 5'er this week. On our older TT I had trouble with the Rams controller not locking up the brakes and it didn't matter whether it was set to heavy or light. And I also adjusted the TT brakes when these this problem occurred. The TT was 7300lb loaded. On the new 5'er (8500lbs)I noticed a big difference from heavy to light settings. With the heavy it really stops hard when coming to a stop. Even with the gain set at 3. I switched to light and set it to 5 and it smooth as butter. Bigger brakes on the 5'er. I would adjust your TT's brakes and if that doesn't help then it may just be that your hybrids brakes aren't strong enough to lock up or are worn too much. FWIW I couldn't lock up our TT's brakes either.

Also we towed the same 7300lb TT with a 2010 F150, OEM controller and could lock up the brakes on the TT with it. When we 1st hooked up the TT to the 12 Ram I had the same issues as you. Took it back to the dealer and the found the OEM controller was bad and replaced it. I was better but not near as good as it is now with the new 5'er. Not sure what to make of all that though. I do know that Ram has had TBC issues and not sure if they have been totally resolved. You may have a bad one from the get go. I know I did.

bovellois wrote:
You could ask someone to press on the brake pedal with the engine off and the ignition key on. If you stand next to the trailer axles and the brakes work you will hear a clicking noise when the pedal is depressed. You could even raise one trailer wheel off the ground and feel whether the brakes are engaging. Make sure to raise a wheel from the axle that has brakes, as some small trailers come with only one braking axle.

When you jack up the trailer, follow the manual. Normally the jack goes under the frame near the axle but not under the axle itself as it's made of light tubing and will bend.

I have a 2012 ram 1500 with the OEM brake controller. It is a proportional controllermeaning the harder you step on tbthe brakes the harder the trailer brakes are applied. This was not the case years ago when they were mostly time based controllers. The idea above is probably the easiest way to find out, you could even spin the tire and if it stop brakes were applied. That being said I tow a 6500 dry weight TT around on the heavy electric setting between 4 and 5 so its not the controller. The brakes on that hybrid as said before may not be anything special BC it happens to be light.

Adjust trailer brakes!

Also make sure the wiring and plug/socket are in good condition. Resistance in the line will degrade electric brake performance.

Is the trailer new or used? If used, have you had the hubs inspected and re-greased? Certainly, having them re-greased will not affect your brakes but the brakes will/should be inspected at the same time.

At full voltage, my TT brakes will lock up. You may want to have yours inspected.

If it's the inertial type controller the vehicle should be moving to feel the trailer braking effect.

The fuse for the trailer brake circuit is most likely in the engine compartment fuse block.
I'm guessing the brakes are working however.