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robstecs's avatar
robstecs
Explorer
Aug 14, 2016

Help with Electric brakes lockup when first connected

Tekonsha P3
3036 P brake control adapter
2016 Ford F-150 2.7 with tow package

When I first connect my travel trailer with electric brakes to my pick up the brakes will lock up every time I even likely touch the brake pedal. This is when I turn the brake controller all the way down to nearly 0 with no boost to be able to use the brakes. However, after a few miles the brakes on the trailer seem to adjust to the lower voltage and I can return to my original settings to have any brakes on the trailer. I've checked all the wiring in the trailer, and all the wire I can check in the truck everything seems to be in order with no grounding issues. The brake controller is properly configured and the settings are 10.8 boost 3 (normally) and the adjusted voltage is 3.8 or lower until the brakes stop locking up with no boost. The controller is mount it below the steering wheel in semi-vertical which rides the curve of the dash up. I noticed that when I apply the brakes the Controller shows a full 12 V to the brake.

Is this a common occurrence with this type of brake controller?
Is there something I am missing or need to adjust?
Any and all help is welcome!

9 Replies

  • robstecs's avatar
    robstecs
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2016
    marcarolle wrote:
    I assume your F-150 does not have the Ford's brake controller (installed at the dealership)?


    You are correct just the tow package and the Tekonsha P3 brake controller connects to the factory harness inside my truck. I have replaced the P3 brake controller already and have the same problem after installing the controller. I also dubbed checked the Tekonsha adapter used to connect the controller to the truck I went to their website and doublecheck the model numbers and it was the correct adapter.
  • marcarolle's avatar
    marcarolle
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2016
    I assume your F-150 does not have the Ford's brake controller (installed at the dealership)?
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Aug 15, 2016
    robstecs wrote:
    dougrainer wrote:
    Need to know if your Trailer is 2016 or 2017 and has the LCI Sway Command optional system on your trailer. I doubt your trailer is the problem unless you have the Sway Command. The Trailer brakes react to 0 to 12 volts and 12 volts lock up the brakes. NOTHING on the trailer would produce 12 volts unless you are having a problem with the Emergency Brake away switch. So, your TRUCK would be responsible for sending the Lock up Voltage to the trailer. Doug


    It's a 2017 Springdale Summerland with no LCI sway system.


    I would get a friends truck and connect and see if you have the same problem. I will bet you do NOT. Or, go back to your RV dealer and ask to connect to another new trailer and see if it happens. Doug
  • robstecs's avatar
    robstecs
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2016
    dougrainer wrote:
    Need to know if your Trailer is 2016 or 2017 and has the LCI Sway Command optional system on your trailer. I doubt your trailer is the problem unless you have the Sway Command. The Trailer brakes react to 0 to 12 volts and 12 volts lock up the brakes. NOTHING on the trailer would produce 12 volts unless you are having a problem with the Emergency Brake away switch. So, your TRUCK would be responsible for sending the Lock up Voltage to the trailer. Doug


    It's a 2017 Springdale Summerland with no LCI sway system.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Aug 14, 2016
    Need to know if your Trailer is 2016 or 2017 and has the LCI Sway Command optional system on your trailer. I doubt your trailer is the problem unless you have the Sway Command. The Trailer brakes react to 0 to 12 volts and 12 volts lock up the brakes. NOTHING on the trailer would produce 12 volts unless you are having a problem with the Emergency Brake away switch. So, your TRUCK would be responsible for sending the Lock up Voltage to the trailer. Doug
  • randallb's avatar
    randallb
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2016
    I never assume that the last brake controller setting is the correct one. Every time I hit the asphalt I lean on the manual lever to check the operation of the trailer brakes and set the controller. This is on every trailer, flatbeds or travel, I own. My empty 6x10 aluminum seems to like a max setting of 3.2V with no boost. Loaded all my trailers seem to like 6.8 to 7.0 volts and boost #1. Never assume that the brakes are clean or that the 6.9 V you used last time is the setting that will work with how your trailer is loaded today. Complacency will get you in trouble when you are towing.
    Randy
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Aug 14, 2016
    This happens to me as well and what I do is use the manual brake lever to stop my truck and trailer at the first stop sign which is still in my neighborhood. This warms up the brakes enough to quit grabbing like they do when they are cold...

    I just always assumed they had collected moisture over night...

    Roy Ken
  • 12th_Man_Fan's avatar
    12th_Man_Fan
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2016
    That is a common problem on all electric drum brakes.

    The drums collect a little rust when they are stored. It takes a few braking events to smooth the drums.

    When you first start out you can activate the brakes with the controller for a few seconds and the problem will be resolved.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Aug 14, 2016
    Your problem may be mechanical rather than electrical. The humidity has been extremely high here in Maryland lately. Rusting inside the brake drum can cause brakes to grab or lock up until the rust wears off. After it's been sitting for a while, you might pull a hub and drum to check.

    Rob

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