obie66
Jun 19, 2013Explorer
Trailer brakes lock when I brake from the truck
My pop-up trailer - 2006 Starcraft is locking the brakes when I step on the brake from the truck. The wheels lock and the trailer skids, then rolls, then skids. Touching my brakes is like slamming the truck its so powerful, so its a full lock of the wheels. I've read many similar posts to this which gives me some ideas, but am still unclear which is likely my issue. Here's the full breakdown:
Pulled the trailer 3-4 times this year with no issues. Took it camping this weekend. I think the emergency brake cord pulled when I unhooked and I put it back in at the time. When we left the campground, as soon as we were on the campground pavement the trailer brakes locked. I kept going and with every step of my brake, it locked the trailer. I pulled over, unplugged my trailer plug (round 7 way), disconnected the emergency plug and re-inserted. The problem was gone. We drove 120 miles home, no issues. Then, I hooked up last night and the whole thing happened again. I tried unhooking the emergency plug and the 7 way and reinserting again - but this time the problem didn't go away. I tried lowering the output to the brakes to zero, it didn't help. So the problem just started. I may have pulled the emergency plug when I unhooked the trailer, I can't remember for sure. But it was in when I pulled out from the campground.
I have also tried lowering my output down to the lowest possible (zero) in my truck (09 Ford F150). It doesn't help. When I step on my brakes, the trailer brakes completely lock, then release (I can go a ways again), lock then release.
I just replaced the fuses on my battery a couple weeks ago because they shorted out in the rain (I think). One of the wires has a quick disconnect (the green one, which I understand goes to the converter in the trailer). I am still not clear if the disconnect should be connected or unconnected when driving. And I'm not clear how the battery situation might cause this problem. Clearly the brakes get power. And it isn't just a bit of to much power, it feels like the emergency brake engages as soon as I tap my brake. If I had a short somewhere, which locations should I check?
I am a newbie, and just figuring out the wiring in general of the camper and battery and still don't fully get the system. Thanks so much for any help!
Jeff
Pulled the trailer 3-4 times this year with no issues. Took it camping this weekend. I think the emergency brake cord pulled when I unhooked and I put it back in at the time. When we left the campground, as soon as we were on the campground pavement the trailer brakes locked. I kept going and with every step of my brake, it locked the trailer. I pulled over, unplugged my trailer plug (round 7 way), disconnected the emergency plug and re-inserted. The problem was gone. We drove 120 miles home, no issues. Then, I hooked up last night and the whole thing happened again. I tried unhooking the emergency plug and the 7 way and reinserting again - but this time the problem didn't go away. I tried lowering the output to the brakes to zero, it didn't help. So the problem just started. I may have pulled the emergency plug when I unhooked the trailer, I can't remember for sure. But it was in when I pulled out from the campground.
I have also tried lowering my output down to the lowest possible (zero) in my truck (09 Ford F150). It doesn't help. When I step on my brakes, the trailer brakes completely lock, then release (I can go a ways again), lock then release.
I just replaced the fuses on my battery a couple weeks ago because they shorted out in the rain (I think). One of the wires has a quick disconnect (the green one, which I understand goes to the converter in the trailer). I am still not clear if the disconnect should be connected or unconnected when driving. And I'm not clear how the battery situation might cause this problem. Clearly the brakes get power. And it isn't just a bit of to much power, it feels like the emergency brake engages as soon as I tap my brake. If I had a short somewhere, which locations should I check?
I am a newbie, and just figuring out the wiring in general of the camper and battery and still don't fully get the system. Thanks so much for any help!
Jeff