Well we have started our trip to the west coast from Florida and it has been an adventure. Left Jax, go to Marianna fl had a bearing go out then another in Slidell, La. Had all bearings repacked in Marianna, Fl but stuff happens. Pulling 39ft 2007 Keystone Raptor Mod RP3712 with 2007 Duramax GMC 3500 HD Long wheel base 4x4. Now just south of Amarillo Tx and I am getting a code on the dash of truck that says Service Trailer Brake System. Also shows Trailer gain setting of 5.0 and then Output ------. Output should show a number? and if not shows pickup does not recognize trailer brakes? The display on truck now shows the ABS warning lite. Not sure what to make of all this, was wondering if others have had similar messages and how you handled. We are heading into Amarillo, TX to Hawkins Trailer repair for them to look at. Not sure if they can address truck ABS lite issue. We are headed to Chico, Ca to see kids and grandbabies. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Inspect, replace, service bearings and tires while at home. Go through every wire on the rig and clean, solder, seal all connectors while at home. Replace or tweek the terminal tension on all the connectors in the 7 way. The chain is only as strong as the weakest link.

Took hauler in before trip for inspection and stuff. Service folks said all that was needed was add grease, which they did and off we went. Took truck to GMC dealer for service before we left. So far tires have been good. Amen on pre flight check. Not sure what I could have done except remove drums myself and inspect which I at this point should have done. Thanks

The trailer brake issue has nothing to do with the bearings. More likely than not, the wire that crosses through the inside of the axle has rubbed through and is intermittently shorting.BTW, the service people are idiots. Adding grease is not servicing the bearings. I would never go back there.

I agree on brake and grease deal. Like I said should have took drums off myself and looked. Amen on never going back. Thanks for the response.

Trailer brake issues | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

azrving
Explorer
Oct 27, 2017
I would sure suspect the trailer wiring before the truck controller but who knows until a competent tech troubleshoots it. If nothing else have some install an aftermarket controller if they cant figure it out. Sorry to hear of more trouble but you are dealing with idiots. It is VERY common to find very half azz RV wiring to the brake system.
Stude55Dog
Explorer
Oct 27, 2017
joebedford I am in at the start of the high elevations headed west. The more I deal with this brake issue the more I find these modern electronic systems frustrating. I am headed to the local chevy dealer in am as the trailer service place in Amarillo cannot go farther as it is now a truck electronic issue? I will mention the sensor to the chevy repair folks tomorrow. I just spent 7 hrs and 1400 dollars and still not a safe truck/trailer to drive headed west. If chevy dealer cannot give positive answer on how to fix, I am considering returing home as this issue seems elusive to all. Don't want to get in mountains and not have a dependable rig. Thanks
joebedford
Nomad II
Oct 26, 2017
I got that message on my Chev. It was a failed pressure sensor on the master cylinder that determines how hard you're pressing on the brake pedal and therefore how much voltage to send to the trailer.

Brilliant design - for 'safety' when this failure is detected GM disables the trailer brake system. No manual override - nothing! Just hope you're not in the mountains when it happens. 2nd worst design of a system in that truck ('nav' is the worst).
lincster
Explorer
Oct 26, 2017
I don't let anyone do my trailer bearings/brakes.
They don't do a good job.
You have a broken/bad wire somewhere.
time2roll
Nomad
Oct 26, 2017
Put 12 volts on the brake feed and you should get very close to 3 amps per wheel.
Less or zero and you have an open, loose, dirty, broken connection to locate.
More and you have a short to ground or frame somewhere to find.

Need a clamp-on DC ammeter to make the test.
Stude55Dog
Explorer
Oct 26, 2017
I agree on brake and grease deal. Like I said should have took drums off myself and looked. Amen on never going back. Thanks for the response.
ScottG
Nomad
Oct 26, 2017
The trailer brake issue has nothing to do with the bearings.
More likely than not, the wire that crosses through the inside of the axle has rubbed through and is intermittently shorting.

BTW, the service people are idiots. Adding grease is not servicing the bearings.
I would never go back there.
Stude55Dog
Explorer
Oct 26, 2017
Took hauler in before trip for inspection and stuff. Service folks said all that was needed was add grease, which they did and off we went. Took truck to GMC dealer for service before we left. So far tires have been good. Amen on pre flight check. Not sure what I could have done except remove drums myself and inspect which I at this point should have done. Thanks
azrving
Explorer
Oct 26, 2017
Inspect, replace, service bearings and tires while at home. Go through every wire on the rig and clean, solder, seal all connectors while at home. Replace or tweek the terminal tension on all the connectors in the 7 way. The chain is only as strong as the weakest link.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Oct 26, 2017
Sorry for these issues.

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Trailer brake issues

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