Electric Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Trailer is Plugged in to Tow Vehicle

Question

Question:

Hi, my 10x2.25 electric brakes will not release when the 7 way plug is plunged into my truck.My trucks pulls my friends trailer with out problems so I am guessing that the problem is in the trailer.Also the break away is bypassed so that is not it.My controller is a voyager model if that helps.I really appreciate any help or suggestions.

asked by: Dale C

0

Expert Reply:

The easiest first step here would be to try the trailer on a different truck, and see if the same problem occurs. If the trailer brakes are free until the trailer is plugged in, I suspect that something is mis wired. I would suggest examine the wiring where the break away system was bypassed and make sure that the 12-volt accessory feed is not connected to the brake wire at some point.

Are you by chance using a 7 to 6-way adapter? If so, there are two accepted ways of wiring a 6-way connector. One method uses the center pin as the brake output circuit, the other uses the center pin as the 12-volt accessory circuit. If the trailer is wired one way and the adapter the other, the brakes will receive 12-volts as soon as the trailer is plugged in. We offer a universal 7 to 6-way adapter, part # 47549 that can be wired either way which would solve that problem for you.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Adrienne

4/28/2024

I have this problem. Can the plug be re wired at home? Would love to talk to you about this. Please call 509-432-4572.

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Mike L.

4/30/2024

@Adrienne If you're using the Hopkins # 47549, it can easily be disassembled and the wires swapped. If you're using a different brand adapter, You'll need to disassemble it by removing the screws on the side of the adapter. Once you get it open, check to see how the wires connect to the terminals. If they're soldered, you CAN swap them, but it's pretty difficult to do so and you'd likely be better off going with the # 47549. If they're attached with screws, swapping the wires will be simple. Please let us know if you have further questions!

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Gary H.

4/22/2020

I am having the same issue with my dump trailer. I have had this trailer for several years. I am still using the same tow vehicle. As soon as I plug in to my vehicle the brakes lock up. I tried plugging it into another vehicle and the same thing happens.

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Chris R.

4/24/2020

So we know the problem is on the trailer and it's also not a standard mis-wire, since it's a new issue on an old trailer. What's likely happening is that the brake output wire is shorting out to the frame or a neighboring wire somewhere down the line. I recommend starting at the trailer side connector and visually inspecting it for any corrosion that might be bridging a couple pins together - cleaning out as needed. From there it's really just a matter of trying to trace the brake output wire back to the brake assemblies, looking for any frayed/exposed sections that need to be replaced.

Reply

Gary H.

4/25/2020

I couldn’t find anything wrong with the wiring. I replaced the battery in the trailer and the problem went away.

Reply

Chris R.

4/27/2020

That is odd, but at least the issue is fixed! Please let me know if anything like that pops up again.

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See All (4) Replies to Gary H. ∨

Answer 1

I have a suspicion about what might be causing the problem you mention. Do your trucks have 6-way trailer connectors? Or, do the trucks have 7-way connectors, but you are using a 6-way to 7-way adapters because the trailers use 6-way connectors?…

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Answer 2

I am almost certain that the issue is that the connector on your 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 and the one on the trailer are pinned out differently. I have included a picture that shows how a vehicle and trailer side 7-Way are wired (ignore the colors…

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Answer 3

Unless something is putting voltage on the brake output circuit of the trailer wiring the brakes of the trailer wouldn't be activated. So if your trailer wasn't plugged into a tow vehicle the trailer's brakes should not be…

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Answer 4

Trailer axles typically have the bow you mentioned in them to help compensate for the vertical load they bear and still have proper wheel camber. This way when the load is put on them the axle will flatten out and the wheels will be aligned…

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Answer 5

One wheel locking up on your trailers brakes could be for a few reason. Most likely it's due to a brake assembly that is out of adjustment. You want to adjust the assemblies so there is only a light drag on them when they are turned by…

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Answer 6

Your trailer might be possessed! If the trailer has a battery on it with a breakaway system then that is likely where the power was coming from. Even if there wasn't a breakaway system, if there is a battery on the trailer then it is…

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Answer 7

There are a few things that can cause the brakes to lock up on a trailer. First, disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. Then use a circuit tester like #PTW2979 if needed to test the connector on the vehicle. Have someone sit in the truck and run…

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Answer 8

No you should not have constant power on the brake output pin, the blue wire should only have power with the brake pedal depressed in the vehicle or the brake controller manual override is activated. If the blue wire has a constant 12V then it is an…

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Answer 9

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

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Answer 10

There are several ways that you can cut off the power to your trailer brakes. The easiest option would be to simply unplug your brake controller. If the brake controller is disconnected, the brakes will not receive power. If your brake controller was…

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Answer 11

To see a couple diagrams that show how the 6-way to 7-way adapter part #47435 is wired up check out the pictures I attached. The 6-way of this adapter has the center pin as the 12 volt circuit. That is the usual circuit that gets moved around on…

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Answer 12

If your trailer's brakes remain engaged when it is plugged in to your vehicle, even when the controller does not indicate that it is generating a brake signal, this most often means that there is a short in the vehicle's or trailer's…

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Electric Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Trailer is Plugged in to Tow Vehicle

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