stillgotomx
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1964 Chinook Tow-trailer 13'
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Post by stillgotomx on Sept 24, 2019 12:25:03 GMT -8
From what I have read, only a power line to the brakes on my older 1964 trailer is needed--and the other wire from the particular-wheel brake system needs to be grounded to the chasis. Right?
I have a good ground to the chasis, but the brake won't activate that way with my 18v battery, only if I disconnect from the ground and put both wires to the battery. That works fine.
I have tested, rechecked, and retested the wiring and ground--no go with the chasis-ground option.
Should I run a separate ground to elsewhere?
What the heck?
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oakback
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Post by oakback on Sept 24, 2019 12:42:49 GMT -8
When you say "only if I disconnect from the ground and put both wires to the battery", do you mean it only works when the ground is connected to the "-" on the battery?
When testing with the brake ground wire grounded to the chassis, is the 18v battery ground also grounded to the chassis?
If you have the battery positive to the brakes, and the battery negative NOT connected to the chassis, you'll have an incomplete circuit.
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Post by bigbill on Sept 24, 2019 12:48:45 GMT -8
I'm not certain how you're trying to operate your brakes but you need a brake controller on your tow vehicle it should be connected to tow vehicle battery then wired to trailer. ALL wires carrying brake power should be at least 10 ga. Normally the brake hot wire is hooked to controller hot, the ground is hooked to chassis ground. The brakes are designed to operate on 13.8 volts or less. This is a very simple answer but I hope it helps. If you expect to have chassis ground work you must have a good connection at all points. Rust will cause a bad connection.You may need to run a ground wire between axle and frame.
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kudzu
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Post by kudzu on Sept 24, 2019 13:23:58 GMT -8
Does your chassis have a path to the battery ground terminal?
Electricity has to make a full circle from the positive to the negative post of the source battery. Be it though wire, the chassis and/or a combination of the two. Including the brake controller.
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stillgotomx
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1964 Chinook Tow-trailer 13'
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Post by stillgotomx on Sept 24, 2019 16:02:17 GMT -8
AHA.....battery not grounded....duh. Thanks.....I'm seeing my error here. Humble thanks to all. 10 gauge is the working wire, btw, thanks.
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Post by vikx on Sept 24, 2019 19:45:38 GMT -8
I always run a sheathed 2 wire cable from the brakes. It just makes it easier to check everything and the grounds are all in one place near the tongue.
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stillgotomx
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1964 Chinook Tow-trailer 13'
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Post by stillgotomx on Sept 25, 2019 4:21:30 GMT -8
Full circuit makes a big difference. Good pointers, all. Thanks
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