Forum Discussion

neoteric's avatar
neoteric
Explorer
Aug 04, 2016

Trailer making my SUV lock up.

I have a Jeep Cherokee SUV with towing package, and am pulling a Coleman travel trailer. I have a weight distribution bar.
It has electric brakes.

Without the trailer attached, I can go any speed I like.
Today, with the trailer attached, when I get up to about 50 MPH +, my SUV back brakes start locking up and smoking.

Things to know. I towed the vehicle with no problems for two summers, and earlier this summer with no problems..
I recently redid my back brakes on the suv, and have not towed the trailer until today.
I also added a sway bar to the trailer hitch between the last time I pulled the trailer, and this time.
When the brakes lock up, I think the ABS on the SUV is activating as well.

I would appreciate any opinions on this issue. I intend to travel across 3 states next week, and obviously cannot do so with this issue.

I searched these forums and the web about 3 hours before I posted this.
Thanks in advance.
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2016
    Wow, I've never heard of that and I have been here a long time. Do keep us posted as to the cause and I trust someone here can help you.
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2016
    I agree, very strange behavior. I'm going to subscribe, as I'm very interested in any ideas.
  • ChooChooMan74's avatar
    ChooChooMan74
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2016
    Tell us more about your Jeep Cherokee? XJ (84-01) or a KL (14-present). My guesses, it is an older Jeep, since you replaced the rear brakes. I am going to guess you are using the brakes harder, and the calipers are sticking. Just a guess I pulled out of my head.
  • neoteric's avatar
    neoteric
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2016
    Hope this answers your question, and thanks for trying to help!

    2003 Jeep Cherokee with plug for electronic brake control under the steering wheel.
    When I bought the camper, added a Tekonsha - Primus brake control.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2016
    Do the Jeep brakes lock up totally on their own, or do they just lock up when you use them in any way?

    Do they lock up when you are not towing?

    My first thought is that the added load of the trailer is causing the brakes to work harder, get hotter, and the calipers (if they are disk) or pads (if not disks) are sticking. Your old brakes were probably worn enough to not stick.
  • neoteric's avatar
    neoteric
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2016
    They are locking on their own, I THINK. I am a brake rider, but I believe they locked up on their own as I hit above 50.

    (I did this 3 times today before I just came home with the trailer)

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