Troubleshooting Intermittent Brake Controller Short While Travelling
Question:
I have a brand new 32foot gooseneck flatbed car hauler, and the brakes have an intermittent short circuit. My toe vehicle is a Dodge Ram with factory brake controller. Sometimes the short comes in and out with bumps/ vibration and sometimes on smooth surfaces. I have 3 other trailers that dont do this so it doesnt seem like my truck wiring. What would be a good starting point on troubleshooting this? Thank you.
asked by: Matt V
Helpful Expert Reply:
Intermittent shorts can be sometimes hard to find, but typically are due to a exposed wire on the shorting circuit that is in an area that allows some movement. Start at the connector for your trailer and work your way back to the assemblies looking for any cut or exposed wire and fix as needed.
Where the wire goes from the frame of the trailer to the axle will be a good place to check as well as there is some movement there to allow the suspension to work.
I attached a help article on trailer wiring for you to check out as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Replacement Magnet Kit for 12" Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- 5200 - 7000 lbs
- Brake Magnets
- 12 Inch
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Low Output Voltage from Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Q&A: How to Keep From Damaging Electrical Connection Between Lance Truck Bed Camper and 2019 Ford F-350
- Shop: 7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Connector - Trailer Side
- Shop: EZ Connector Magnetic 14-Pin Trailer Connector with Watertight Seal and Splice Kit - Vehicle End
- Shop: Trailer Connector Adapter - EZ Connector to 7-Way RV - Vehicle End
- Shop: EZ Connector Magnetic 7-Way Trailer Connector with 8' Long Cable - Watertight Seal - Trailer End
- Shop: Hopkins Endurance Quick-Install 7-Way Trailer Connector with Universal Pigtail Harness - Vehicle End
- Q&A: Replacement 5 Leaf Slipper Spring for a Tandem Axle Dump Trailer with Two 6K Axles
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Search Results: 25580
- Q&A: Recommended Lithium Battery Compatible Power Converter For Parallax 7355
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Replacement for Demco Master Cylinder 05680-C for Drum Brakes
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: 68149
- Q&A: 05680-C Master Cylinder Replacement for Trailer Recommendation
- Video: Thule Carbon Bike Frame Protector Review
- Search Results: dust cap
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Video: Titan Trailer Brakes T2385200 Review