Troubleshooting Intermittent Connection Issues on 2020 Ford F-250 with Jayco 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I purchased a new 2020 F250 and a new Jayco 5th wheel travel trailer. I installed an additional 7 pin wiring harness in the bed and have repeatedly checked that the wiring is correct and seems to be. However, when I start down the road on-board info screen indicates the trailer is connected and within a few seconds indicates it’s disconnected and RV brakes don’t function. Lights, brake and turn signal all seem to be working normally. Thoughts as to why this would be?

asked by: Mark P

Expert Reply:

Since you've recently installed the Bargman 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness for Aluminum Truck Bed - 7 Way RV - 7' Long # 54701-007-010, let's start by checking everything on the trailer-starting with the trailer's 7 way. Make sure that the 7 way connector on your trailer is clean from dirt, debris and corrosion; it's possible that this is the reason for the connection issues; you'll also want to take the time to make sure that the ground wire on your trailer is firmly connected.

If those all check out, you'll want to go back to the truck and try to locate the ground wire of your factory harness and make sure that this is firmly connected. In most cases these issues are caused by faulty ground wires. I would also test the brake output wire on your truck connector to make sure that is getting power when the manual override is engaged. I've linked articles on brake controller troubleshooting and 7 way wiring that you'll find helpful for this, but this could also be the culprit.

If you can check those and the trailer wiring harness to make sure that everything on that is connected, that's a good start. Please let me know what you find there and I can continue to troubleshoot this issue with you.

expert reply by: Erik B