[Hook'em_Horns!]

kna4977, It’s not really complicated, it may just seem like that. As Timespentsearching said, the most common problem area will be at the plugs, predominately the trailer plug.

Look to see, depending on the type of plug, usually one screw to fasten the cover to the head and 1 or 2 at the base to secure the wires, used as an anchor point to keep from pulling the wires loose from inside the connector. Remove these and slide the cover back to reveal the screw terminals.

Check that each of the stranded wires are all the way in the slots and that the terminal screws are tight. Look closely, as sometimes a strand or two could be left out and touching another terminal. Even when new, these can be loose (and usually are) from the manufacturer. Many times the bundle anchor point is loose, which over time will pull the wires loose from the terminals.

Here are two diagrams for a 6 and 7-way plug to verify the wiring is correct, most likely it is since it has worked correctly in the past. It may be helpful though if some are misplaced while checking them to be secure.





Since you have such a low number of miles on the trailer, you shouldn’t have a wear problem, although there could be a defect in the brake hub hardware, it would be rare.

As to the magnet, a typical electric brake assembly utilizes an electromagnetic activator to apply pressure to the brake shoes.



Here, you see the magnet in the brake assembly where one would see a wheel cylinder with hydraulic brakes on your auto.



The magnet tries to attach to the inside face of the brake drum seen here, which with the wheel spinning will in turn apply the shoes. Add more power output from your controller and it bites harder to apply more brake pressure.



When these wear out, you just replace the whole hub/backing plate assembly as seen here.



Remove the five bolts/nuts in the center, then disconnect your two wires from behind and just slide the old assembly off the spindle. Slide on the new ones, bolt ‘er up, connect the wires and you’re on your way, after adjusting the star wheel from behind, just like hydraulic brakes.

Each backing plate assembly runs $50-$80 depending on the size needed.

Your problem is most likely connection related, but I thought I would throw in this additional info to give you a better idea of how it all works together.