Trailer brake controller...how many axles can i handle?

[hotairgypsy]

I am running into an issue on my 2020 Duramax...i have a 20 foot enclosed trailer i just installed new complete brakes on 2 axles...I adjusted the brakes manually...When i go to test the brakes via the controller I have very little brakes...So 2 axles with brakes...this trailer should stop on a dime and ask for change.  So trying to figure out where the issue is.  So the ultimate question is how many pairs of electromagnets can the trailer brake system handle(designed for)??

[Boda1985]

I pull a tandem axle without issue. I actually plan on double towing a second tandem axle trailer. From what I have read on other forums, 4 pairs of brakes are the max for a single brake controller. I couldn’t find any official documentation on the subject. 

[hotairgypsy]

4 would be great if that is the official answer...all i need it 2 axles(4 magnets)...when i manually override it just rolling down the street it you can barely feel the brakes...I put a ground at each brake so the line has 4 grounds...this morning i ran a new power wire from the brakes to the front harness...The old plug was garbage so i replaced it...so the only piece not new is the wire from the plug to underneath the trailer...so guessing a 5 foot section.  ..guess it is possible the new plug i put on is defective...

[davester]

Have you adjusted the gain on the brake controller itself?

[hotairgypsy]

when you apply the manual override it gives you max output...i did max out the gain also to see if that helped any but it didnt...but manual will give you max...I did test for voltage at the brake drums and I am seeing 12v...I also have clean grounds so this is stumping me as to why I am not getting proper braking...I had a buddy come over with his 2019 duramax and hook up...it acted the same...so it seems the problem is trailer side but i am checking all angles

[redwngr]

13 hours ago, hotairgypsy said:

when you apply the manual override it gives you max output...i did max out the gain also to see if that helped any but it didnt...but manual will give you max...I did test for voltage at the brake drums and I am seeing 12v...I also have clean grounds so this is stumping me as to why I am not getting proper braking...I had a buddy come over with his 2019 duramax and hook up...it acted the same...so it seems the problem is trailer side but i am checking all angles

I always understood the manual lever outputs up to the current  gain setting. 

Procedure to set gain amount, drive 20-25mph, apply trailer brakes using the lever at max, adjust gain and repeat until the output is set to a point just below lock-up. 

 

I set the gain in gravel area near where the trailers are stored.  I do know that with the gain set low, I can pull a trailer around and not lockup wheels with the lever at max, but with gain set to high the wheels will lock-up. 

 

 

In any case, set easy enough to set gain higher and give it a try....