Forum Discussion

Explorer

May 02, 2013

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

im a real newbie and dummy with all this. I have a 2013 ram 1500. I installed the OEM brake controller yesterday and had the dealer flash it today for me so it shows on the screen. my camper is a 2800 pound hybrid so not that heavy. when I choose light electric or heavy electric I cant get the brakes toe lock up, even at 10 gain, I can feel the brakes kick in when in manual mode, but the trailer doesn't lock up.. .. Also, how is one sure that it works off my brakes when not in manual mode? I heard sometimes that there is a fuse that needs to be checked, any idea what fuse this would be? im real dumb with this so details please.. trailer is not heavy enough to push truck so I cant rely on that to tell if brakes working or not, but I don't want to wear down my brakes if the electric brakes not working....
the camper was at service today and had brakes looked at and they said they were ok..thank you.

Tow Vehicles

13 Replies

bikendan
Explorer
May 03, 2013
this should be moved to the Towing or Tow Vehicles Forums.
ScottG
Nomad
May 03, 2013
Sometimes trailer brakes just arent strong enough to lock up so I wouldn't take that alone as an indicator. You say you can feel the brakes pull on the truck so that tells me they are working to some degree. It could also be that they aren't adjusted properly - even some RV dealer dont do this right.
bovellois
Explorer
May 02, 2013
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.