Troubleshooting Travel Trailer Jerking Issue on 2018 Ford F150 with Hensley Arrow System & New Axle

Question

Question:

So I’ve been on here before. I’ve gone through 3 wd hitches thinking it was a sway issue. It’s been back to the dealer 5 times for multiple issues including what I thought was sway until my 4th hitch which is now a Hensley arrow. Shortly after I bought the unit brand new on the way home the brakes went out and back on also when on they were very light very low gain even though I was up to 10 on my factory controller. Along with other issues when the dealer took wheeled off the hubs fell apart. Dexter Torino axle. Rockwood and dexter sent out a new set said my old was on recall. Ever since then I felt like I had random sway at 45 plus even with no wind or trucks around. Now with the Hensley it feels and looks like jerking one side or the other. Like a brake is randomly engaging and letting go. The dash does not show brake is engaged and it doesn’t lock up. Just feels like that type of pulling motion. Didn’t have this issues prior to axle swap. Any idea what it could be. A better description is I’m going straight and camper randomly jerks right or left.

asked by: Sean D

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Expert Reply:

With your travel trailer jerking right or left at random, I can only tell you what to look for but can't diagnose your issue. I am not at all physically familiar with the Hensley system but from what research I have done it seems like the system could be the issue. The description of the unit in their videos show that the impact on the trailer for wind is directly transferred to the tow vehicle to help absorb the sway. The theory for this is good, but if you have a shorter wheel base or a lighter tow vehicle that transfer would absolutely be felt like a jerking motion.

The other possibility is that you have a power jump from another pin on your trailer connection to your brake controller output wire or your factory controller isn't working properly. With a surge of power, your trailer brakes would activate, but they wouldn't be isolated to one side versus the other unless the power jump is further downline. I recommend cleaning your trailer connection with some sand paper on each side an then adding dielectric grease # 11755. Then trace your wiring inspecting for any breaks or cracks. Finally, test your brakes using a multimeter like # PT89ZR. You can run through each function of your 7-way when disconnected and then again with your trailer connected to test your trailer functions. If you are getting a reading on your brakes when the manual override is not activated on a proportional brake controller, then you know you have a power surge. If you are getting a reading on your brake magnets when you don't have the manual override or the brake pedal activated on a time delayed brake controller, then you know you have a surge. If a surge is found, I recommend running new wires for the brakes using # 10-1-1 and new wires for the connected function using # 16-1-1.

You may also want to check your breakaway battery to make sure you aren't getting any power from it while the pin is still in place.

I've attached a couple articles to assist.

Finally, I recommend replacing your factory brake controller as they are notorious for issues. I recommend instead using the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR along with the custom harness # 331-TPH-007. This will eliminate any braking issues that could be brake controller related and will give you a better than factory option with a factory appearance. This is the best brake controller on the market and will give you adjustability that isn't available in your factory controller. I've attached a video to assist. Some models of F-150 don't have the power run to the brake controller port. If this is the case, then use the Power Wire Kit for Electric Trailer Brake Controllers - 12 Gauge # BRK-ELECKIT. I've attached a video to assist with this as well.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

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Answer 1

Since the running lights on your boat trailer are not working when plugged in to your 2010 Ford F-150, but you know the issue is on the truck then I recommend checking Fuse 31 in the engine bay fuse box. This is a 20 amp fuse so if it is missing or…

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Answer 2

The issue with your running lights is indeed caused by the trailer and the lack of a solid ground. That said, this is an easy fix as all you will need to do is run a ground jumper wire from each running light to the main trailer connector ground…

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Answer 3

I am not sure why your kayak trailer came with a female 4-way connector. In the trailer industry, the tow vehicle uses a female style trailer connector and the trailer uses a male style connector. This is the general rule. I have not heard of a…

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Answer 4

I would be happy to help! It sounds like you got marker lights that have a turn signal function as well. What you will need to do is ground the light to the frame of your trailer and touch the black wire to the positive terminal of a 12v battery and…

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Answer 5

If your brake and turn signal lights are not working on your tow car, then start by checking the fuses in your RV to see if everything checks out. You will also want to check your connectors to see if there is any type of corrosion which may be…

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Answer 6

From what I could find it looks like your 122R (red) and 122Y (amber) lights measure 3.75" x 1.70" x .81". We don't have any replacement lense directly for the GLO-BRITE lights but we do have some similar lights that you could use…

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Answer 7

The correct replacement master cylinder kit we have for your Demco setup is the part #DM5918 which comes with the lock out replacement.

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Answer 8

I would be happy to help you set up your 2022 Toyota Highlander to haul your new travel trailer. The wiring harness you currently have controls your trailer's lighting functions only. You do not need to rewire your Toyota you just need another…

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Answer 9

The Tekonsha OEM Vehicle Wiring Harness #22121 that you referenced includes all the wiring and parts necessary to install a fully functional 7-Way connector and trailer brake controller. The included brake controller harness is compatible with and…

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Answer 10

My contact at Yates Rubber advises that a nominal 8-inch keel roller does not measure exactly 8 inches; typically they are slightly smaller than the specified size, much the way a piece of 2 x 4 lumber is not exactly 2-inches by 4-inches. I took…

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Answer 11

I have added a photo detailing the wiring connections for the Pollack Heavy-Duty, 7-Pole, Round Pin conncetor, #PK11700, see link. This is a SAE J560 compliant connector. The wiring diagram for the vehicle side connector, #PK11720, is pictured also.…

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Answer 12

We do offer the Trailer Connector Adapter, #HM47425, which converts a 7-pole round connector to a 7-pole flat connector. This adapter works for tow vehicles with combined taillight wiring, meaning that the turn signals and brake lights run on the…

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Troubleshooting Travel Trailer Jerking Issue on 2018 Ford F150 with Hensley Arrow System & New Axle

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