Troubleshooting Brakes not Working on Very Long Trailer

Question:

I have a 54’ gooseneck boat trailer and when I apply the brake foot pedal no brakes and when I apply by using the brake controller no brakes. I can pull the breakaway cable and the brakes lock up. Also the running lights are on all the time when the plug is plugged in. How can I fix this long and tall order. Thanks

asked by: Tim C

Expert Reply:

Thanks for the photo; that's quite the trailer you have there and that must be one huge boat!

In regards to your trailer brakes not working along with your running lights staying on all the time it sounds very much to me like your connector is dirty or corroded so you should start by checking our connector to see if there is green or white corrosion or dirt that is hampering its functionality. You can try and clean it out or you may need to replace it with 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Plug # 50-97-410 for a 2014 Ram 3500.

If that isn't the case you will have to go about the admittedly tedious process of checking your wires to your brakes to see if there are any that are broken, crimped or damaged and repair as needed or replace with 10 gauge wire # 10-1-1; also be sure your grounds are attached to bare metal surfaces and free of any paint, dirt or corrosion.

Finally, you'll want to visually inspect the brake magnets; if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets will need to be replaced. To test the magnets use Multimeter # PT89ZR and follow the help article I have linked to guide you.

expert reply by: Kyle S