I finished wiring up my trailer and brake controller and the brakes work but are weak. I used 12guage cable for all connections, and attached everything directly to the battery except the trailer ground. I checked the trailer ground connection and there was no voltage drop. Its a tekonsha 1-2-3-4 axle controller and I have only one axle with brakes. I adjusted the brakes also no change. Any Ideas on what I am missing?

Charlo



Also for the brake magnets does it matter which is positive and which is negative?

Are the trailer brake shoes adjusted properly?

Yeah I adjusted them when the brakes were not doing so hot and didnt notice much change.

Charlo

is the controller adjusted properly?
how much are you trying to haul with it? have you thought about putting brakes on BOTH axles?

Well it was a brand new trailer. I found out the factory used scotch locks to connect their wires. The locks didnt make good contact(duh!) and melted the plastic part of the lock when under load. Now I soldered the connections and the brakes work much better but still dont lock up when the trailer has a light load(about 1k). I do plan to add brakes to the other axle.

Charlo

I had problems with the factory connectors on mine. The brakes would vibrate (indicator of low current draw). I changed the connectors to a butt-end type connector and it works good. They are still not super strong compared to truck brakes, but I have never pulled a trailer with electric brakes that were. It’s just the nature of the beast. Mine will lock up when empty and sometimes loaded going down hill if I turn the controller all the way up. You know you have tow controls on the controller? One adjust when they come on, and the other how hard they are applied.

Sounds like they are working normal than. I was gonna add brakes to the other axle on the trailer but not sure if the controller will have enough juice to run'em all. It could lock up 1 tire when the wires were partially fried but cant lock em up empty with both brakes hooked up. I dont think it will cut it with 4 brakes hooked up. Thanks for the info ZUK.

Charlo

wow, mine will lock them up on flat road at half power setting...loaded at 4k...open/empty I don't even give it any gain...brakes on both axles and both lock-up...

What controller are you using coyote

Charlo