Forum Discussion

dirtrlr's avatar
dirtrlr
Explorer
Jul 22, 2017

Brakes on single axle trailer

This may sound like a 'newbie' question, but hear me out... I've been pulling large trailers (dual axles with brakes) for 20+ years, never pulling a small trailer. I picked up a small HTT (18 foot, single axle) for a friend yesterday, pulling it behind my F350. When I inspected the trailer I saw it clearly has brakes, and a break-away switch, so I was surprised when I connected the trailer to my truck that my brake controller didn't see any brakes. The previous owner said the trailer brakes were only for the break-away (he called it an emergency brake) and that they didn't provide any braking while underway. That's doesn't make sense to me, but since my rig wouldn't have any problem towing/stopping such a small trailer, I went ahead and towed it to my friend's location.

The trailer is a 2007 Starcraft XP (18RB). Does anyone have experience with this type of setup? Is there really such a thing as "emergency brakes only," or do I need to have the wiring inspected?
  • dirtrlr's avatar
    dirtrlr
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2017
    Thanks everyone. I cleaned the connectors on the umbilical cord (emery cloth and contact cleaner), then re-positioned the blades to make sure they were seating properly, then applied dielectric grease, and viola, controller sees the brakes! I appreciate your confirming feedback that the brakes must indeed be working (are are supposed to slow the vehicle), giving me the impetus to track things down further. Nice to know I wasn't crazy (well, at least regarding this). Happy trailering!
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jul 23, 2017
    dirtrlr wrote:
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    ...If trailer brakes didn't work when connected to truck then they are not going to work in an 'emergency' when pin is pulled...same wiring/braking system.


    Thanks, Old-Biscuit. However, regarding the above quote, the break-away switch works and the brakes lock up when the pin is pulled, so the brakes do indeed work and are getting power, just not through the controller from the truck. I do believe there's something wrong with the wiring from the 7-pin back to the trailer, as the brake controller in my truck sees the brakes on my other trailers (so I don't believe it's the controller), just not this one. Weird.


    Then the problem S/B easier to locate..trailer plug/umbilical cord

    Emergency brake switch wiring ties in afterwards
  • dirtrlr's avatar
    dirtrlr
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2017
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    ...If trailer brakes didn't work when connected to truck then they are not going to work in an 'emergency' when pin is pulled...same wiring/braking system.


    Thanks, Old-Biscuit. However, regarding the above quote, the break-away switch works and the brakes lock up when the pin is pulled, so the brakes do indeed work and are getting power, just not through the controller from the truck. I do believe there's something wrong with the wiring from the 7-pin back to the trailer, as the brake controller in my truck sees the brakes on my other trailers (so I don't believe it's the controller), just not this one. Weird.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jul 22, 2017
    That Starcraft XP 18RB has a GVWR 3500# and has 10" electric brakes so therefore the brakes are for stopping the trailer and S?B functional when connected to tow vehicle via 7 pin umbilical cord.

    Emergency braking would be in addition to normal braking function.
    Emergency braking when pin gets pulled ....trailer battery then supplies DC Voltage to trailer brakes otherwise with pin inserted DC Voltage for trailer brakes would be supplied via tow vehicle brake controller

    If trailer brakes didn't work when connected to truck then they are not going to work in an 'emergency' when pin is pulled...same wiring/braking system


    Trailer brakes could be way out of adjustment, worn-out, broken wiring, bad magnets etc
    But your brake controller should have acknowledged trailer brakes....something is wrong
  • dirtrlr's avatar
    dirtrlr
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2017
    Thanks for all the quick responses. Yes, it's a 7-pin connector. I haven't pulled the break-away to test that yet, but will today. Regardless, I'm really just wondering whether anyone's ever heard of the brakes only being used for break-away and not for regular stopping power.
  • corvettekent's avatar
    corvettekent
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2017
    Does it have a seven pin plug?
    Is it over 1500 lbs?
    I would think if it has brakes that they would be used for both stopping and emergency brakes.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jul 22, 2017
    If it had a 7 pin plug I can see no reason not to have the brakes connected to it. But I suppose for that small of a trailer they could have only connected the emergency breakaway circuit.

    You could try to check the plug wiring to see if pin 2 is wired to anything.
  • diazr2's avatar
    diazr2
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2017
    You should be able to hear the magnets if it's like most trailers. They give off a little buzz when connected. Hard to explain the sound but if you plug in the seven way to the truck go back and listen at the wheels you will hear them. Also pull the break away switch if they lock up you know that part is working at any rate. If they don't lock something is amiss.

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