Trailer Brake issues

Had a similar problem with my Springdale several years ago. I even had it to a repair shop 3 times to fix the problem. First we thought it was the 7 pin on the truck. Changed that out. Worked OK for a short while and then brakes started failing again.

Next, changed out the pig tail on the trailer. This worked again for a short while and then brakes started failing again, controler whacking out, everything weird.

Finally, on the 3rd attempt, found out the wires going to the trailer brakes were rubbing and had a bare spot on them (both sides), and when everything was just right, the would short out, touch the rubbed spot against the trailer metal. Dealer repair shop fixed the wires, gave them a bit more length, and I never had problems again.

Check the camper, around the brakes, for wires that might have rubbed bare. Just guessing, but a close inspection will not cost anything.

Good luck!

perigaut wrote:
A few months ago, I had to slam on the breaks while towing a trailer (2016 Jayco Jayflight 27BHS) to avoid an accident. While everything checked out okay, my tow vehicle (2011 Dodge Ram 5.7L) now says that the trailer brakes are not connected when the 7-pin harness is in. The console says to check the wiring on the trailer. To make sure it wasn’t a problem with the tow vehicle, I hooked up to another trailer and had no problems. I checked wiring (simple layman physical inspection) and replaced the fuse; however, that only partially fixed the problem. Now when I initially hook up, it says trailer brake connected, but as soon as I drive off, my trailer brakes go on and off every minute while I drive. Other than being annoying, it seems that it would be dangerous to take a 50% chance the trailer brakes don’t work when I need them.
Any advice or thoughts?

Thanks.

Phil

The Emergency brake away switch is closed, and the trailer battery is nearly dead. reset the switch and you'll be OK. When you are connected your truck is charging the trailer battery, then the brakes come on. as soon as they come on they discharge the trailer battery again.
cycling like that is not good.

What fuse did you replace? AFAIK there is not supposed to be a fuse on the blue brake wire going to the brake wires in the trailer.

"Any advice or thoughts?"

Donn is probably right but a pro needs to fix this.

The first thing I would do is get your Multi Meter out and check the output of each pin on your truck connector. There should be markings on the cover that tell you what pin does what.

Be sure you have someone operate the brakes of the truck when you test that pin.

If you get no power when you should have it at any pin go to your owners manual and look for the fuse, usually under the hood on the Dodge, that controls that function.

Make sure that the connector is plugged in properly you can get those connectors in at an odd angle even though they are keyed and they wont fully engage.

Check your wiring under the trailer there may be an inline fuse somewhere that is blown.

I would inspect the pin and switch on the emergency breakaway system. You may have dislodged it from it's usual position or the switch may have been damaged in the emergency event.

What fuse did you replace and how did that effect the problem?

Also, clarify if your trailer brakes are actually engaging or is the connection indicator light for the brake controller erratic?

Bad ground, bad plug, brakes need adjusting.