Brake controller, not really controlling

The make of controller the make of vehicle etc may get some more helpful answers

Troy, measuring voltages with electric brakes is a waste of time. These magnets are powered by current (Amps).

Try this: Connect a 10A meter in series with the blue electric brake wire, you may have to open the trailer plug to get at it.
have somebody step on the brake pedal while you read the current on the meter.

Full on this should be around 3 amp per brake drum, so for a single axle trailer expect around 6A.
That's in manual off course, it gives you an idea all is OK at the brake side.

This current *is* dependent on the quality of the wiring (size and connections).

On my car I fitted a small A-meter permanently (digital reading, via shunt) which gives me an instant report if any of the 4 electric brake magnets is not working properly.

Since the controller's automatic braking is dependent on speed you may have to devise some means to simulate this, I have no idea what type speed sensor your controller uses. Mine works in manual only, I prefer the trailer to brake before the car brakes fully bite.

Does your brake controller have a pendulum in other words operated by inertia!

So standing still the brake will only operate at a low rate, but if you jam the brake on at speed the pendulem moves suddnely forward and makes sure the trailer brakes get more voltage or current.

Have you a adjustment on the controller so you can fine tune the trailer brakes when not using the slide control.

when you use the manual slide you over ride the inertia brake effect and get max voltage.

Cheers

Troy, to test braking voltage, extend the leads of your voltmeter so as you can have it in the cabin with you. Have an off-sider read the voltage when you brake at different speeds with different brake pressure. (Van not attached of course)
The harder you brake the higher the voltage reading should be.

Try adjusting the brakes as the magnets have a short swing . The brake adjustment is very sensitive ALKO advise adjust the brakes so the wheel spins 1/2 to 3/4 and stops. look up that sight
Terry

Troy,
Brad said drag your feet on the ground!!
Nah, seriously - hope you get it sorted! And try not get bogged again!
Cheers
Michelle