testing electric brakes without t.v.
The last time I moved my 5rd, the brake controller on my f 350 flashed a brake issue error message. They worked when I moved manual brake lever on the controller or engaging foot brake. I suspect on...
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Some folks will use a compass and when 12VDC is applied by pulling the emergency break-away switch the compass will move big time telling you the brake magnet has been powered up.
You can also measure the current if you have clamp-on DC ampmeter. Each brake magnet will pull 3AMPS with 12VDC applied.
If you are real energetic you can jack up each wheel and when you apply brake power you should be able to lock-up each wheel after it does a 1/4 turn or so...
Also all of my brakes emits a tone when power is applied. I have to get real close the brake magnet to hear it. Don't know if the newer trailer brakes do this or not but my 2004 and 2008 model trailer wheels do this...
Like said above don't leave the emergency brake switch engaged for length of time. The brakes could be drawing 12 AMPS from your trailer battery which will drain it rather fast. Also 12VDC applied directly to the brake magnets may heat them up pretty quick as well.
Also note the emergency brake plunger is keyed to go back into the switch assy only one way. Both my trailer plungers are pretty hard to push back into place.. It will snap into place when done properly.
Roy Ken
You can also measure the current if you have clamp-on DC ampmeter. Each brake magnet will pull 3AMPS with 12VDC applied.
If you are real energetic you can jack up each wheel and when you apply brake power you should be able to lock-up each wheel after it does a 1/4 turn or so...
Also all of my brakes emits a tone when power is applied. I have to get real close the brake magnet to hear it. Don't know if the newer trailer brakes do this or not but my 2004 and 2008 model trailer wheels do this...
Like said above don't leave the emergency brake switch engaged for length of time. The brakes could be drawing 12 AMPS from your trailer battery which will drain it rather fast. Also 12VDC applied directly to the brake magnets may heat them up pretty quick as well.
Also note the emergency brake plunger is keyed to go back into the switch assy only one way. Both my trailer plungers are pretty hard to push back into place.. It will snap into place when done properly.
Roy Ken
