Replacement 7-Way and Junction Box for 5th Wheel Trailer with Non-Functioning Brakes
Question:
We have run out of ideas how to get our trailer brakes to work when hauling it. I believe it’s it the fifth wheel plug since I hooked up to a friends pickup and the brakes on the trailer didn’t work. Our brakes used to work, then they worked off and on now they don’t work at all. When we try them with a manual override on the controller we get nothing. We ordered the tow package when we bought the truck. We are pulling a 2014 Cedar Creek fifth wheel trailer with a 2014 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel. Thank you! Ps the brakes on the trailer are new
asked by: Ron H
Expert Reply:
Since you have confirmed that your 5th wheel's brakes do not work even when connected to a different tow vehicle you will want to focus on the trailer for your troubleshooting. There are simple troubleshooting steps you can take to isolate the problem on the trailer.
First, I suggest checking the condition of the 7-way plug. Sometimes corrosion can develop INSIDE the plug housing where it is all but impossible to detect. Normal exposure to the elements can cause this. Since your brake issue went from an occasional problem to a permanent one, the corrosion possibility is definitely worth checking.
We offer replacement 7-way plugs like # H20046 (8-foot) and # H20044 (6-foot) but we also have a handy 7-way pre-wired to a junction box with cable, part # HS381-9000, that makes it easy to replace the whole plug and connect the trailer's wiring to the box with ring terminals # 44-5310A.
You can test your brakes independent of the 7-way plug by directly applying 12V power from your vehicle battery. Locate the main trailer ground wire and the wire for the brake circuit and connect these to the battery (you can use a set of jumper cables to make this easier). If you can hear the electric drum brakes humming that is a good sign. With this full power applied the brakes should show plenty of resistance or lock up completely.
If this test does not activate the brakes then I would suspect a wiring issue on either the main trailer ground wire or the brake circuit wire. Make sure the primary ground is firmly attached to a clean bare metal surface on the trailer. Rust, grease or other contaminants can be cleaned/sanded off to expose clean bare metal that is essential for a good ground. That restored grounding point can be protected by applying dielectric grease # 11755. If the main brake wire has cracked or worn insulation it could be shorting to the frame.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Dielectric Grease
- LubriMatic
more information >
Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Ring Terminals
- 3/16 Inch Diameter
- 12-10 Gauge
- Flint Hill Goods
more information >
7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector, 6' Long
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 6 - 10 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Wiring
- Hydrastar
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long - RV Standard
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 6 - 10 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Dometic 310 Part-Timer RV Toilet - Standard Height - Round Bowl - Slow Close Lid - White Ceramic
- Shop: Lippert Flow Max Full-Timer RV Toilet - Standard Height - Elongated Seat - White Ceramic
- Shop: Dometic 300 Weekender RV Toilet - Standard Height - Round Bowl - White Polypropylene
- Video: Review of Dometic RV Bathroom - Toilets and Parts - DOM57FR
- Shop: Lippert Never Fail Whisper Disk Lube Plate for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 11-1/2" Diameter
- Shop: Flint Hill Goods Wheel Chock w/ Handle - Solid Rubber
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Hopkins Wiring - Trailer Connectors - H20046 Review
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation
- Search Results: hughes autoformers
- Shop: Furrion RV Refrigerator w/ Freezer and Wine Cooler - 4 Doors - 14 cu ft - 110V - Stainless Steel
- Shop: Hardwired Mounting Kit for Hughes Autoformers 50 Amp Voltage Booster
- Video: Review of Hughes Autoformers - Hardwired Autoformer Installation Kit - HU34FR
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Search Results: tongue weight scale
- Q&A: Should there be Power on a Brake Controller Blue Wire with the Brake Pedal and No Trailer Attached
- Q&A: Does the Power Wire for a Brake Controller Need to Be Ran Directly to the Battery
- Article: 4-Step Guide to Installing RV Solar Power
- Article: Does Solar Panel Type Really Matter?
- Search Results: 4~leaf spring
- Video: Spectro Trailer Wiring Junction Box Installation
- Video: Hopkins Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- Shop: RV Power Cord
- Shop: RV Electrical
- Q&A: Correct In-Bed Trailer Plug and Harness for 5th Wheel On 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500/3500
- Q&A: If Trailer Leaf Spring Breaks Should All of them Be Replaced
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Trailer Running Lights Do Not Work but Brake Lights and Turn Signals Do Work
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
on Trailer Wiring
