A trailer tester helps identify potential issues and provides insights into necessary repairs or maintenance. By utilizing this diagnostic tool, technicians identify and address various issues affecting trailer performance, safety, and compliance. Here are four common issues a tester detects within a trailer:
1. Electrical Problems
Testers can identify issues with the trailer’s wiring harness, including breaks or frays in the wires, loose connections, or corrosion. Faulty wiring can lead to intermittent electrical failures or complete loss of function for various trailer lights and components. This diagnostic tool checks the integrity of the fuses within the trailer’s electrical system to prevent power loss to accessory circuits.
Advanced testers feature indicator lights or digital readouts that provide real-time feedback on the status of each lighting function. Testers have diagnostic capabilities that provide error codes or alerts when they detect electrical problems. These codes can help technicians identify the nature of the issue and take appropriate corrective action.
2. Brake System Issues
To verify the functionality of electric brake controllers, testers send electrical signals to activate the brakes. This approach allows the brake controller to transmit commands properly to the trailer brakes. A trailer tester measures the resistance of the brake magnets to check if it’s within the manufacturer’s specified range. Faulty brake magnets can result in inadequate braking force or uneven brake application.
Testers equipped with hydraulic brake testing capabilities apply hydraulic pressure to the brake system and measure the pressure at various points. This tool helps identify leaks, blockages, or other issues affecting brake performance. Testers inspect low fluid levels or contaminated fluid, which can impair brake function.
3. Battery and Charging System Issues
Testers measure the resistance of battery cables and connections to identify high-resistance points that may impede the flow of electrical current. High resistance can result in voltage drops and reduced charging performance. The tester examines battery terminals and connections for corrosion, looseness, or damage that impedes electricity flow between the battery and the charging system.
For trailers equipped with alternator-based charging systems, testers measure the output voltage of the alternator. Low alternator output can indicate a malfunctioning alternator or voltage regulator. Diagnostic alerts within this tool enhance troubleshooting efficiency and help prevent potential battery or electrical system damage.
4. Wheel and Tire Defects
Some trailer testers come with sensors or pressure gauges that measure the tire pressure of each wheel. Deviations from the recommended tire pressure levels can indicate underinflation or overinflation, which affects performance, fuel efficiency, and safety during towing. This diagnostic tool identifies wheel misalignment, allowing technicians to make necessary adjustments for proper alignment. Testers detect issues with wheel bearings by assessing the amount of play or resistance in the wheels when rotated. Excessive play or rough rotation indicates worn or damaged wheel bearings that require replacement. Using tread depth gauges, a tester measures thread depth to determine whether tires are worn and need replacement.
Invest in a Quality Trailer Tester
Testers employ signal generation and diagnostic alerts to enable technicians to pinpoint underlying problems within a trailer. Early detection of trailer issues allows for timely maintenance or replacement, minimizing the risk of breakdowns on the road. Invest in a quality trailer tester for optimal performance and safety.
