Electric trailer brake question

[1590Denny]

I have a 2018 Expedition with full tow package and trailer with duel axles.
While parked in my driveway, I set the brake controller to 10 and had my wife push the brake pedal in while I measured DC amps at each brake. I was only reading 1.5 amps on each brake wire, instead of 3 amps. Batteries are 12.7v.
Does this mean my brakes are halfway worn? Thanks in advance.

[Bill M.]

Not sure what that test means if it means anything. The trailer braking is proportional to the truck braking so the truck has to be moving and then an accelerometer send the brake signal to the trailer based on how hard the truck is being stopped. There is a second kind of braking that activates when the brake lights come on. That sends a partial signal to lightly activate the trailer brads. I expect that is what you are metering. I do not know a way to meter how much braking is happening during motion unless you brake controller reports that. At least this is the way the add on brake controllers work. I do not know for sure but suspect that built in controllers now operate in the same manner. I do not think they operate from a measure of the hydraulic pressure in the truck brakes any more.

[waninae39]

you need to be moving as bill m states to test your brakes/controller

the best setting on our controller is 2.9
that was chosen after miles of driving to ensure the brakes engaged and did not lock up

each tv / trailer combination is unique
you just need to test and experiment
there is no default setting

[DKB_SATX]

I think if you want to measure possible peak output from a proprotional brake controller you have to use the manual lever rather than pressing the brakes while stopped. I'd expect lower output when the controller doesn't detect any motion or deceleration.

[Bill M.]

Yes, pull the lever, That should give you the maximum current the controller is set for.

[Wayne&Sam]

Yes, what they said. Drive at 20 mph with the controller set to 10 and pull the lever to max. Did wheels lock up? If so, you're good.

Mine didn't do it and I found a broken splice to a brake magnet that was hidden under shrink tubing. I fixed that connection and another that seemed ready to go, and I passed the test with flying colors.

[1590Denny]

Thank you all for responding.

[JCWDCW]

Originally Posted by 1590Denny

Does this mean my brakes are halfway worn? Thanks in advance.

The controller reads volts not amps and will give same voltage whether worn or brand new
The magnets respond to varying voltage. The only way to check brake wear is remove the Drum's