Powering electric brakes on a trailer when using a tractor

[drtydeed]

I'm not absolutely sure what leads the controller will need to operate properly. You could always hook it up and test it with a voltmeter on the output side. Maybe someone else can chime in with more expertise.

Here's a generic.
1) Hot from battery
2) Ground from battery
3) Hot from brake switch
4) Hot from controller to trailer brakes (actuated)

The problem with tractors is that there is no brake switch (unless yours has brakelights). Therefore, you can not add a lead from the hot side of the brake switch to tell the controller when to activate (if connected to battery, brakes will always be activated to some degree).

If ya'll need wiring digrams for the plug connectors, let me know.

 

[ray66v]

Once when I was poor, wired a high current momentary push button switch, which I pulsed, to apply the trailer brakes. Its certainly not as good as a controller. But, it is effective, and cheap.

 

[Bedlam]

maybe this helps.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...rakes-my-tractor.html?highlight=dimmer+switch

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...c-brakes-tractor.html?highlight=dimmer+switch

I've personally used the dimmer switch. method.