This happened to a friend a few years ago and was very hard to find. It was very intermittent and without the suggestion of some experienced camper at a campground he may never have found the problem. Check out this video. I'm pulling mine out of the axle today on the new 5th wheel I just purchased. You can run small plastic conduit or water pipe to the other side rather than use them as manufactured....inside the axle.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21QFaEw3NCE

They've been running brake wires thru the axle since electric trailer brakes were invented.Thanks for the video.

Clicky I wouldn't alter a new unit that is under warranty. I'm sure the manufacturer would use that as a reason to deny any related claims.

gbopp wrote:Clicky I wouldn't alter a new unit that is under warranty. I'm sure the manufacturer would use that as a reason to deny any related claims.I would agree with "gbopp" here but it is something to look at once warranty has expired.Also, I would think that this post would be better placed under "General RVing Issues" as it relates to all trailers. Just a thought.Happy Camping!

That is a common problem, and has been for many years. I had that issue with previous FW. I could not believe how bad the wire inside the axle looked when I replaced it. Since most manufacturers are still using this method, you'd like to think they are using better wire/protected wire. Not likely, it should last through the warranty period without issue.Jerry

I wrapped multiple layers of tape around my wires where they enter/exit the axles shortly after I bought it in 2007. And I check those each year. So far no problems with wear on the wires.

possible danger with wires ran inside axle to other side

19 Replies

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Feb 10, 2017
aruba5er wrote:
Replace wire with hydralic line and be done with it. Then you don't have to worry about a chafed wire. And then you can stop better even.
And you'll be traveling lighter with all that green stuff gone from your wallet. :)
bpounds
Nomad
Feb 10, 2017
That wire is probably safer than it would be outside the axle. I'm not going to run out and rewire my brakes any time soon. And it is about as likely that they scraped that wire pulling it through at the factory, as having worn through.

Good to know that it can happen, although fairly obvious that if you have a short, it could be inside the axle tube.
aruba5er
Explorer
Feb 10, 2017
Replace wire with hydralic line and be done with it. Then you don't have to worry about a chafed wire. And then you can stop better even.
ScottG
Nomad
Feb 10, 2017
Very common and ancient problem. It can take an awfully long time to happen - my 04 still hasn't done it.
BB_TX
Nomad
Feb 10, 2017
I wrapped multiple layers of tape around my wires where they enter/exit the axles shortly after I bought it in 2007. And I check those each year. So far no problems with wear on the wires.
MFL
Nomad II
Feb 10, 2017
That is a common problem, and has been for many years. I had that issue with previous FW. I could not believe how bad the wire inside the axle looked when I replaced it. Since most manufacturers are still using this method, you'd like to think they are using better wire/protected wire. Not likely, it should last through the warranty period without issue.

Jerry
Turn_Key
Explorer
Feb 10, 2017
gbopp wrote:
Clicky

I wouldn't alter a new unit that is under warranty. I'm sure the manufacturer would use that as a reason to deny any related claims.

I would agree with "gbopp" here but it is something to look at once warranty has expired.

Also, I would think that this post would be better placed under "General RVing Issues" as it relates to all trailers. Just a thought.

Happy Camping!
gbopp
Explorer
Feb 10, 2017
Clicky

I wouldn't alter a new unit that is under warranty. I'm sure the manufacturer would use that as a reason to deny any related claims.
1320Fastback
Explorer
Feb 10, 2017
They've been running brake wires thru the axle since electric trailer brakes were invented.

Thanks for the video.

Forum Discussion

possible danger with wires ran inside axle to other side

19 Replies

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