4 Tips for Testing Your Trailer
A trailer tester can help you know the condition of your vehicle’s electrical system for immediate action. Testing and fixing your trailer’s wiring system can keep it running smoothly and enhance the driver’s safety. Here are four tips for testing your trailer:
1. Testing Trailer Lights
Testing your trailer’s lights can help you diagnose issues like a corroded or loose grounding connection. Correcting such trailer light problems may reduce the chances of rear-end collisions that result from low visibility. A multimeter or test light can enable you to test your trailer lights conveniently and accurately. Before using these trailer testers, check if the trailer light bulbs are functioning properly. The bulbs shouldn’t be loosely attached to sockets or burned out.
A multimeter reading can help determine if the trailer battery has adequate voltage to support lighting. If you want to perform a multimeter continuity test, attach its probes to the trailer light sockets. After this, attach connector pins with the trailer’s jumper wires and check if the lightbulb brightens. When using a test light, place the bulb probes at the wiring connector holes and pins and check if it lights up.
2. Diagnosing Trailer Batteries
A multimeter can help you troubleshoot your trailer’s battery and determine its capacity by checking its amps and voltage. This trailer tester can also help determine if the battery has internal resistance. Internal resistance can result when your trailer batteries have rusted or loose terminals or cables.
Remove any surface charge before using a multimeter tester to prevent an inaccurate voltage reading. Turn on the trailer’s headlights and start the engine to activate the battery. Attach the multimeter’s probes to the battery’s terminals and read the voltage. Replace the battery if the multimeter readings indicate a low voltage. A refractometer test can help determine if the sulfuric acid in your trailer’s battery has a proper concentration.
3. Testing the Trailer Brakes
Trailer brake testing can help troubleshoot issues like low brake magnet amperage, broken or rusted brake wires, and low brake voltage. Testing and fixing your faulty trailer’s brake wiring can enable easier speed control, reducing the risks of accidents. If you decide to test voltage or brake magnet amperage, find a functional wire attached to the trailer’s brakes. Connect a multimeter’s probes to the wire and check the readings. Failure of the multimeter to show any reading or extremely low reading can signify proper brake magnet amperage.
A compass test can also help determine if your trailer brake wire connectors are functional. The compass should turn after you press your trailer brakes, signifying a functional brake wiring. Test your trailer brakes after noticing leaking brake fluids, grinding brake sounds, or excess brake drum wear.
4. Diagnosing the Trailer’s Starter
Inadequate battery voltage, damage to the alternator, or poor ground connection can damage your trailer’s starter. Failure of the trailer to start, engine smoke, or clicking noises when the engine starts can signify a faulty starter. Before testing your trailer’s starter, disconnect the wiring circuit and remove it from the engine to avoid electrocution. A multimeter can help you diagnose the trailer’s starter solenoid, pinion, or ignition.
When testing the starter, you may need the trailer’s battery, jumper cables, and alligator clips. The battery and jumper cables can enable easier voltage flow to the starter before testing. Connect the multimeter probes to respective jumper cables using alligator clips and read the results. A high-voltage multimeter reading will signify that your trailer starter is in good condition and vice versa.
Tips for Choosing a Trailer Tester
Before purchasing a tester for your trailer, determine if you want an analog or digital tester. An analogmultimeter can be the best option if you don’t have enough money to purchase a digital multimeter. A digital multimeter can be more responsive and accurate for your trailer testing. The precision and ease of getting a digital multimeter’s readings make it more convenient.
A reliable multimeter should test all your trailer’s wiring or electrical components. Your tester should have a strong and durable material composition like iron or magnet. These materials can withstand impact from accidental falls or electrical shocks during trailer testing.
Test Your Trailer Today
Testing your trailer can help you diagnose and correct any lights, starter, alternator gauge, or battery issues. When buying a trailer tester, check if it’sanalog or digital and its material composition. Start testing your trailer today to enjoy safe and comfortable travels.
