Trailer Electronic brakes

metzican

Suspension Lift
Location
Lafaytte, la
So my new trailer has electronic brakes. Until I get the vehicle and trailer all wired I was wondering if I can just hook up a 12v or 6v or something to the trailer brakes to tighten the wheel spacers and tires. I would love to go for a nice drive with my trailer to make sure it goes true. As of right now it has only been towed for 2 miles.
 

Nd4SpdSe

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Quebec, QC
Trailer brakes use an analog 12v to activate then. The more voltage, the more brakes you get. So if you apply 12v to them, they should be locked up to Max.

If and when I get a trailer made, I want to put a car alarm on it, and if the alarm goes off, it sends 12v to it to lock up the tires making it harder to steal.
 

metzican

Suspension Lift
Location
Lafaytte, la
That is what I was thinking. Since a break away system applies full brakes. But I could not find the voltage for that damn battery or if there was any smart system involved.
 

Maxterra

Wheeling
Founding Member
Location
West Haven, UTAH
Yep. Break away switch use full 12 volt and brake controller uses varying voltage depending on the negative g-force it senses once your foot is on the brake pedal. Uses the brake light circuit to activate the unit and the more negative g, the more voltage applied.

In the trailer brakes, they have an electromagnet that attracts to the inside of the wheel hub and the magnet is attached to a cam between the brake shoes. More voltage applied, more mag grip on the rotating hub which pulls the cam further expanding the brake shoes against the drum.
Pretty simple but ingenious system.
 
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