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Old 07-28-2016, 07:26 PM   #1
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Trailer Brake Issues

Yesterday my F250 gave an error message stating a wiring fault on trailer. My F250 has the integrated trailer brake controller. At that time, the trailer brakes did not work. Nothing like towing 12,000 +#'s with no brakes.
I bought some electrical contact cleaner and used it on the connector cord. Try as I might, no brakes. I also used a file to ensure good electrical contact. No help.
After reading about the error message in the truck manual there was a comment about the safety break away switch. Today, I pulled the safety break away pin and the brakes locked up tight as they should. I replaced the break away pin and now the brakes operate normally.
What???
Any ideas anyone?


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Old 07-29-2016, 08:38 AM   #2
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Sounds like a poor contact inside break away switch which you corrected be operating the switch. You may want to cycle a few more times to be sure a good contact is made. Glad you posted this because I'm having weak braking issues on my 26RR. Tow vehicle is 2012 F150 factory brake controller. That's one thing I didn't do yet that's next on the list.
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Old 08-16-2016, 08:44 PM   #3
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These 7 pin connectors leak. The water shorts/corrodes inside the back of the connector. Fix is less than $100 if you DIY! I


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Old 08-16-2016, 09:17 PM   #4
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Your story sounds quite a bit like the one in this thread that's ongoing, although it's for a Chevy.

He has it at the dealer now (7th time, I believe) so we don't yet know if he has a fix, but reading all the responses, it kind of sounds like his emergency brake may have gotten turned on and fed voltage backwards into the brake controller, which doesn't like it.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ry-115412.html
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Old 08-17-2016, 06:46 AM   #5
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I will not leave Goshen until it is fixed. Lippert and Wildcat are pointing fingers at each other. I will get both of them together and tell them to just get it fixed, and don't put me in the middle.


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Old 08-17-2016, 07:04 AM   #6
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If possible you should try plugging your truck into another trailer and your trailer into another truck. Might help narrow down where the problem lies.
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Old 08-17-2016, 07:30 AM   #7
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Issue is in the trailer. 100% sure of that. Axels are Dexter, not slippery. On my way to ring their bell.


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Old 08-17-2016, 08:23 AM   #8
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Do you still have the molded on 7-way connector on the umbilical? If so, I recommend changing it to an aftermarket plug.

If you haven't opened up the junction box that the umbilical goes into, I suggest doing that as well and remaking all the connections. Or getting the mfg. to do it.
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Old 08-17-2016, 11:14 AM   #9
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Just had a face to face discussion the Dexter service guy. He will have his technicians here to do an electrical test on the system. I suspect an intermittent ground is the issue. Finding it may be difficult but that is their job. He has assured me the problem will be resolved by Friday.


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Old 08-18-2016, 10:34 AM   #10
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Dexter is replacing all the brakes and power lines to them. They found a worn wire that was coming in contact with the axel and grounding out the power to the brakes. Click image for larger version

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Old 08-18-2016, 12:23 PM   #11
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Very common problem. The rubber grommet often wears out (disintegrates) and then allows wire insulation to chaff against the metal axle.

I typically require all of my brakes on every camper I own with thicker gauge wire and route wiring out of any axles.

Another area to check out is many electric drum brakes use metal clips to route wires to the electromagnet. The clip often wears away the insulation causing a nice short which wipes out all of your traielr's brakes.
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Old 08-18-2016, 12:44 PM   #12
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You should post your fix to the guy in the thread I referenced in post #4.
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