Electric Brake Question

[68 Suburban]

Where do the electric trailer brakes gound? The power comes through the trailer plug to the trailer, but how are the electric brakes grounded? Does the trailers batteries need to be hooked up to get proper operation of the electric brakes? I know the battery has to be hooked up for the break away switch, but how about normal operation of the electric trailer brakes? Thanks

[Pahaska]

There should be a white wire (ground) and a blue wire (voltage) going to your brakes. The white wire hooks to a ground bus in the trailer that is connected to the ground wire in the truck connector.

No, you do not need a trailer battery for the brakes to operate with the exception of the breakaway switch.

[John]

According to my manual 1994-1995 the ground from the 7 way plug goes to my fuse distribution panel. Then this is grounded to the chassis of the trailer.

[68 Suburban]

Ok thanks. Now if I have all my trailer light working, I have a good ground for the tow vehicle and the trailer, but the ground from the brakes could still possibly be faulty? Am I understanding this right? Thanks

[John]

You're correct in your thinking. You could have a break at the brake assemblies themselves.

The ground from the trailer brake assemblies routes back to the same point at the fuse distribution panel.

Are your brakes not working?

John

[68 Overlander]

I think there are a couple of similar threads running. 68 Suburban (I didn't catch your name, sorry), are you talking about an Airstream or the Avion in your signature. I haven't been deep into an Avion but basic wiring should be the same. If there were to be something out of the ordinary, it would probably be the Airstream and not your Avion. Airstream has a way of doing things unique, for the sake of uniqueness sometimes. Just wanted to make sure your comparing oranges to oranges.
Randy

[68 Suburban]

it is on my Avion. I have not checked everything yet, but I am not getting the green light on brake controler like I am suppose to . Im sure it is something minor, but I wanted to ask questions before I look at it. Thanks guys