Just bought my Montana fifth wheel trailer. I will be picking it up in California next month and want to have the truck rigged prior to pickup. I currently have a brake controller installed which was in the truck when I bought it, but I don't think it works because when I depress the brakes or the hand override the red indicator does not come on. I seem to remember that this light use to come on when the brake was depressed. Without physically hooking up to the trailer how can I check to see if the controller still works?

Thanks,

Tony

 

What brand and model is it?

In any case, you could probaby use a volt meter, or test light, between ground and the brake pin on the trailer socket.

 

Use a bulb, its easiest, I use a parking/turn signal lamp and bulb with a couple of wires (long enough to reach to the side of the truck) and alligator clips on it. The more brake it puts out the brighter the bulb. Very useful for troubleshooting any wiring issue as it draws enough current to make sure there is a solid connection, plus it is hands free with the clips.

 

If stationary most brake controls will not respond proportionally to the brake pedal action as the controller knows the trailer is not moving. You should still get a response but it will not change with the brake pedal action.

The manual override should respond the way you describe. below is the pin outs for the 7 pin connector. Test between pins 1 and 2.

 

none of mine light up unless i have a trailer connected to complete the curcuit

 

some will not light up when you probe the brake circit as brake contoler needs more of a load than a test light

 

Mine also..........

 

The brake controller is a Drawtite. I checked all connections today and played with the manual button. After depressing it and releasing it a few times the **** thing started to work and the indicator light came on. I further check output voltages as I increased the pressure on the button and everything seems normal. I shot it with electrical contact cleaner and reinstalled it. I guess it fixed itself, but I don't trust it so I will replace it with a new one. Thanks for the inputs.

Tony

 

If it's one of the time based Drawtite's, I'd highly recommend upgrading.

Technocia Prodigy or P3 would be a reasonable priced big step up.

Up from there, the Brakesmart is amazingly smooth. The Maxbrake appears to operate on the same principal.

 

The ones I've checked with the light it works fine but again it isn't a "test light" it is a regular park/turn bulb so it draws some decent current. I agree that a multi-meter or small test lamp may not work and this method may mot work on all either but I've had good success.

 

Since you're gonna be towing a big Montana 5er. I'd definitely suggest upgrading that controller. I use a Prodigy and am completely happy with it. AT very least go with a proportional controller. Whether it be Prodigy, P3, Maxbrake, Tru-control, Brakesmart, etc.