Troubleshooting Locked Brakes on 2013 Forest River Salem Travel Trailer
Question:
My breaks are locked on my 2013 Salem camper cannot go back or forward. Help me unlock them.
asked by: Donald H
Expert Reply:
If the electric drum brakes on your Forest River Salem travel trailer are locked up then the first thing you can check is the breakaway switch and battery which provide emergency braking in the event of a vehicle/trailer disconnect. it is possible that your breakaway switch has been tripped/damaged or that there is a wiring issue in that system that is sending power to the brakes.
First, disconnect the trailer plug from the tow vehicle socket to prevent any chance of your vehicle's brake controller delivering power to the brakes (just in case there is a problem within in the controller).
If the brakes remain locked up then you should move on to the breakaway system. Disconnect one breakaway battery cable to eliminate any chance of it sending power to the brakes. If this allows the brakes to disengage then you'll want to replace your breakaway system with a new one like # 34-285 or # 50-85-313, both of which have built-in chargers. The linked articles on breakaway systems will be helpful.
The other potential cause for the trailer brakes to lock up when the wiring plug is connected to the vehicle is foreign material or corrosion inside either the vehicle socket or the trailer plug. These could cause the 12V auxiliary power circuit to send power to the brakes. You can inspect both connectors for signs of either problem and clean or replace the socket/plug as needed with items like # PK11893 and # HS381-9000.
If all of the wheels are locked up it is more likely that you have an electrical issue than a mechanical one.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger - Top Load
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Kit with Charger
- Top Load
- Single-axle
- Tandem-axle
- Dexter
more information >
Tekonsha Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger - Top Load
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Kit with Charger
- Top Load
- Single-axle
- Tandem-axle
- Triple-axle
- LED Tester
- Tekonsha
more information >
Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Wiring
- Hydrastar
more information >
Pollak Replacement 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- Plug Only
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Trailer Light Wiring Diagram for 7-Way on a 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500
- Q&A: 7-Way, Vehicle End, Trailer Connector Wiring Diagram
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger - Top Load
- Shop: Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 5,200-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Trailer Suspension Hanger Kit for Slipper Springs and 38 inch Wheelbase
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Q&A: Seal With Dimensions to Replace 171255UC
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2011 Toyota Yaris
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Search Results: 25580
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: How to Power Trailer Dome Light When Not Connected to Tow Vehicle
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Search Results: dust cap
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Brake Controller
on Accessories and Parts
