Forum Discussion

remdog_1's avatar
remdog_1
Explorer
Sep 29, 2013

Electric Brake Problem

Just returned from trip, stopped over last night and left truck hooked up to fiver. I also left 7 pin plugged in and then hooked up to campground electric. When I left this morning, the electric brakes were locked up. Did leaving it plugged in to truck cause a problem? I attempted to back off on juice to brake controller but it did not seem to help, had to stop every 5 miles or so to let brakes on camper cool off, if I continued it would cause smoke coming off brakes. I was able to get home OK, but any suggestions what to check first. Camper is Brookstone 345SA, using Tekonsha Primus brake controller. Ford F-250 Super Duty
  • Water-Bug's avatar
    Water-Bug
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    Are the brakes locked up when the 7 pin is unplugged? If so, it is the breakaway brake switch. If only driving a short distance home, I would have taped off the brake pin on the 7 pin, leaving lights enabled but not brakes.

    EDIT. If it is the breakaway switch, taping off the brake pin on the 7 pin would do nothing. In that case, you'd have to dissconnect the trailer battery and the 12 VDC pin on the 7 pin.
  • remdog_1's avatar
    remdog_1
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    I thought about un-plugging, did not think about the tape. This forum is great, I just went and checked my breakaway and it was loose. This dummy didn't think about the breakaway. I plugged it all the way back in and I heard the magnet release. Thanks very much for the information
  • remdog_1's avatar
    remdog_1
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    While I am at it, is leaving 7 pin plugged in OK while hooked up to electric at campground?
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2013
    Glad to hear the solution was that simple.:B Leaving the 7 pin hooked up won't hurt a thing.
  • remdog_1's avatar
    remdog_1
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    Thanks very much Romore, I will remember this for awhile, had a brain fart.. I think before next trip I will still check brake linings and adjustments.
  • Vulcaneer's avatar
    Vulcaneer
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    remdog*1 wrote:
    had to stop every 5 miles or so to let brakes on camper cool off, if I continued it would cause smoke coming off brakes.


    You may have worn your brakes out. Driving with brakes dragging hard, but wheels turning, can cause big problems. If not worn, then glazed. Drums warped, etc. And if your magnets were getting 12V for a long period of time, could have damaged the magnets.

    Before I towed it again, I would have the brake system checked very closely.
  • raygreg's avatar
    raygreg
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    Depending on the truck: Leaving the 7 pin plugged in and hooking up to 120 volt campground power can send the 14.2 or so voltage that your converter is putting out to your tow vehicles battery. Most likely will not damage it, but I try to remember to disconnect it just in case.
  • Swamp_Man's avatar
    Swamp_Man
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    I would have not only the brakes checked, but the wheels and wheel bearings. The heat build up goes to the bearings and the wheels/tires. I am surprised that since you saw smoke at one point that the tires are not damaged. You are lucky indeed.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    I suspect you trashed your brakes. I would have them thoroughly checked.
    Leaving the 7-pin in while the RV is hooked to shore power is fine. In fact, if you have a GM truck or other vehicle where the 7 pin is hot all the time it will help to keep the tow vehicle battery charged up while sitting in camp for days and days.

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