Trailer Brakes are Locking Up With 2018 Ram

Question:

i have a 2018 Dodge Ram towing a 2019 Grey Wolf 23dbh with dual axles. The trailer brakes lock up only when being towed by my vehicle. I rent the trailer and no one has had the issue when towing. I used 3 different Curt Echo brake controls, and now have Tekonsha brake controller. The brakes lock up regardless of how low the settings are on any of the brake controllers used. Ive had the brakes on the trailer inspected by the dealership I bought from. An odd occurrence is the first 3 times I towed the trailer from buying it new last year, the lock up did not happen. Then started. First time I towed it this year from storage, lock up did not happen. Then started. Any suggestions?

asked by: Alex C

Expert Reply:

I do have suggestions, and since you mentioned the brakes were inspected, and they lock up no matter what power setting the brake controller is on; the only reason I can see for why this is happening is the 7-way on your 2018 Ram has corrosion or is damaged; or the wiring on your truck has a short that is causing the issue.

You will want to check the 7-way plug for corrosion, which can be green or white in color, and try to clean it. Otherwise, you can replace it with the T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C55774 or the 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket # HM40975.

If this isn't the case, you very likely have a short somewhere in your Ram's wiring. That can be very difficult to find by tracing the wires for nicked or damage, so you may have to take it into your Ram dealer or a local mechanic with experience to try and find it.

expert reply by: Kyle S