Troubleshooting Electric Brakes Locking Up on Trailer

Question

Question:

I have 2018 big tex dual axle trailer . the front axles are locking up periodically . I have replaced the brake controller in the truck . I disconnected the plug from the truck and of course they didnt lock . I then hooked up to my other truck and everything works great . so i eliminated that scenario that something was wrong with the trailer brakes . so i do know it is something with the other truck wiring/plug ? Keep in mind this is something that has just surfaced it has been fine before . Where do i start and what do i test now ? your knowledge would be much appreciated as this is driving me nuts

asked by: Bob B

0

Expert Reply:

Since you seemed to have narrowed the possible cause down to the vehicle side of your setup, I recommend starting with the 7-Way connector at the rear of your tow vehicle. Check for any corrosion or debris build-up inside the connector that might be causing a short and clean as needed.

If the connector looks fine, use a multimeter like # PT89ZR to test for voltage at the brake circuit on the connector when you have the brakes applies using a low setting. With this setting, you should see a number well under 12 volts, as 12 volts is the maximum output of a brake controller. If you are seeing 12 volts, then there is an issue somewhere along the wiring going up to the controller or possibly with the brake controller itself.

First check for any obvious causes of a short, such as damaged or frayed wiring, simply fixing as needed. If everything looks okay, move to the trailer brake controller inside the vehicle and sever the brake output wire, which should be blue, from the back of the controller. Repeat the same steps performed above with a multimeter to see if you get the same 12 volts with the controller set at a low setting. If this is the case, then the issue is with the brake controller itself and it will need to be replaced.

If you see a lower voltage when testing there, then there is an issue somewhere on the wiring between the trailer connector and brake controller. Inspect the wiring again and fix any issues as needed.

If you are still unable to find or resolve the issue, please let me know and we can continue to troubleshoot.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Answer 2

If your break away switch looks like #HM20010 then you should just have to push the pin back in. This will break the circuit and release the trailer brakes. If this does not work then there is some other wiring issue going on. You will need to…

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Answer 3

If your breakaway battery is dead, your brakes should operate while connected to your vehicle's 7-way trailer connector. If your brakes are not operating, then it sounds like you might have a short in the brake wiring of the trailer. Battery…

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Answer 4

Your trailer's brakes will not lock up from the battery in a breakaway kit, like the Hopkins Brake Master #HM20001 being dead. If the breakaway battery is dead there won't be any power supplied from the system and it wouldn't have any…

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Answer 5

I have attached a helpful article that explains 4 methods for testing your electric brake magnets. You will need a multimeter like part #PT89ZR to check the amperage when testing the magnets. The article explains how to test the magnets while the…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 10

The two sizes you mentioned are pretty similar and fit many of the same 15 inch wheels. The 205/75-15 fits rim widths of 5 inch to 6-1/2 inch whereas the 225/75-15 fits widths that are 5 inch to 6 inch. The 205 is 27.1 inches tall and the 225 is 28.4…

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Answer 11

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Troubleshooting Electric Brakes Locking Up on Trailer

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