Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Controller Locking Up Trailer Brakes When Brake Pedal Is Pressed

Question

Question:

I recently bought a truck that had a aftermarket free controller in it and I hauled my camper for the first time and as soon as I stepped on the brakes they would lock up immediately I’m not sure what is going on

asked by: Patrick S

0

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help!

There are a few simple things to check first, starting with that the braking power of the controller is not turned all the way up. On trailer brake controllers you want the power setting set so that you get the most braking power without locking up the wheels. To test this take your trailer to an empty parking lot and at around 25 MPH apply the brakes. If the brakes lock up then turn down the braking power, and if you do not feel the brakes are firm enough then turn up the power.

If you can tell me the specific model number and brand of your controller I would be happy to go over the exact process on how to adjust the power, but there is typically a wheel or arrows that says power/gain. It is usually pretty straight forward.

I included a link to a help article that goes over the different kinds of controllers and has quite a bit of helpful information .

expert reply by: Samuel C

0

Answer 1

Since the trailer is brand new most likely the issue is that the brake assemblies aren't adjusted properly as this is the most common cause for weak brakes on a new trailer. If the assemblies are self-adjusting they will get tighter with…

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Answer 2

The first thing you will want to check is the output voltage on the brake controller. If it is set too low, it will not send enough power back to engage the trailer brakes. For testing purposes, it is easiest to set it to full power. Using a meter…

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Answer 3

Since you have a Chevy factory integrated controller you can use a circuit tester like #PTW2993 to test the brake circuit pin on your 7-way. The linked photo shows the functions on each pin on a standard 7-way installation and the arrows indicate…

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Answer 4

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 5

Adding a trailer hitch to a vehicle like the 2021 Tesla Model 3 you were looking at at your local Tesla dealer will not void the vehicle warranty. This is due to you being protected by the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, passed by Congress in…

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Answer 6

Hey there Jeff, thanks for the question and I can definitely get you all the parts needed to flat tow your 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 behind your motorhome. I'll go ahead and list everything out for you to make it easy to order. - Base Plate Kit:…

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Answer 7

It could be a tow package fuse on the vehicle. Use the owners manual to find the locations of fuses/relays related to the tow package wiring to check them and replace as needed. If the issue is not a fuse or relay then you can test the vehicle side…

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Answer 8

Your brake lights and turn signals for each side are on one circuit. The left side turn signal and brake light is generally the yellow wire going into your trailer connector. The first thing to do is check the fuses on your tow vehicle. Next, inspect…

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Answer 9

The 4-way on your trailer is what's known as a wishbone connector like part #A35W42B. Two of the wires are the running light circuit which is a little easier to install since you can run one down each side of the trailer. This way you don't…

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Answer 10

I would be happy to! To flat tow your 2024 GMC Canyon Denali you will need the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights item #RM-676 Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit…

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Answer 11

Since you are not getting the 12V power when your truck is running, you most likely don't have a fuse issue as you stated their isn't a specified fuse or relay in the owners manual. The issue is that your truck is computerized even at the…

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Answer 12

It sounds like you may have a loose wiring connection or a corrosion problem on the 7-way pin for the right turn/brake lights. This pin is the one at the 3-o-clock position as you're looking at the vehicle's 7-way; please refer to the linked…

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Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Controller Locking Up Trailer Brakes When Brake Pedal Is Pressed

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