Trailer Brakes on 2017 Flying Cloud 23D Do Not Release Until it is Unplugged from Truck

Question:

With the trailer is plugged in to our truck we have to apply great accelerator power to move the trailer. We cant reverse at all. Once electrical connections are unplugged between truck and trailer, we are able to move it easily. Is it a symptom of electric brakes not releasing properly? Our airstream is new (2017 Flying Cloud 23D) and this is only 3rd time we are using it. Is it safe to run it on roads without electricity plugged in from our truck?

asked by: Pamela

Expert Reply:

You really need to be using the brakes whenever they are present on a trailer but the brakes being on constantly is not good either.There are a couple of different things that we can check to see what is going on.

The first thing that you will want to do is check the connectors on both your truck and your trailer. Make sure that they are clean and free of debris. Any white or green-ish looking parts are a good indication of corrosion. If you see this you will need to clean or replace your connector. Using Dielectric Grease # 11755 will help prevent this from happening in the future.

If those both look good then the next thing you will want to do is test both connectors to see which end the problem is on. For your truck you will want to use a Circuit Tester # PTW2992 to test each pin for the correct function while a buddy uses each function inside the truck. For your trailer you will want to use an alternate 12V power source, like the battery from your truck, and test each pin and have your buddy verify that each function is working correctly. You will especially want to pay attention to the pins for the 12V power and the Brake Controller Output (see attached photo). The pin for the brake controller will get brighter as the manual override is used on the brake controller.

Now that we have the problem isolated you will want to take the one causing the issues and inspect the grounds and the wiring. Make sure the grounds are secure and clean and look for any wiring that might be damaged, bent, exposed, or corroded. Fix and replace any wiring as needed. If it is your 12V power or Brake Controller wiring that needs to be replaced you can use 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 and Butt Connectors # DW05745-5.

The wiring could very well have been done incorrectly and your 12V power is synced up with your trailer brakes and that is why they are locked up on you. If you are getting constant power on the brake controller pin on your truck the brake controller could be connected to the wrong side of the stop light switch as well. You will only want signal when the brake pedal in the truck is pressed.

If after all of the troubleshooting everything looks good but you are still having problems you will want to take your setup in to a qualified mechanic who can physically inspect everything.