Forum Discussion

Miles_Away's avatar
Miles_Away
Explorer
Jun 09, 2014

Trailer Brakes working part time.

I have a 2008 Keystone Everest and a 2008 GMC 3500 with factory brake controller. When I plug in my Everest I have no trailer brakes. If I turn off the ignition key and turn it back on, the trailer brakes activate. I have tried plugging into three other trailers and have no issues, so it leads me to believe the problem is my Everest. I replaced the trailer plug with a new one, but same issue. I am open to any and all ideas.
  • Miles_Away's avatar
    Miles_Away
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2014
    I think I found the problem. I pulled the wheels to service each brake & wheel bearing individually and noticed the electric brake line was crushed and partially abraded. It apparently got caught between the leaf spring and frame. After running the rest of the brake lines and finding no other issues, I cut out the bad spot, spliced it and the issue has gone away.

    Thanks to those of you who offered advise.
  • Miles_Away's avatar
    Miles_Away
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2014
    Traveler II wrote:
    On our 2008 Chevy we had a bad factory brake controller, that would do the same thing. If we turned it off and let it set for a bit it would work, than stop.


    So, what was the solution???
  • Traveler_II's avatar
    Traveler_II
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2014
    On our 2008 Chevy we had a bad factory brake controller, that would do the same thing. If we turned it off and let it set for a bit it would work, than stop.
  • dbbls's avatar
    dbbls
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2014
    Any time I had intermittent brakes on my trailer I did away with the wire that runs inside the axle. It is notorious for shorting out. I ran the wire outside the axle and secured it with zip ties.
  • remdog_1's avatar
    remdog_1
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2014
    I had same issue with F250 Ford, it was the factory brake controller, go to trailer shop and have 7 pin tested. My factory controller was not putting out enough 12v
  • Miles_Away's avatar
    Miles_Away
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2014
    No codes. The connections are wire nuts and appear to be OK, but I plan to treat them with dielectric. I will check the wires on the axles next. THANKS
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 09, 2014
    Do you get any kind of codes?
    The only thing I can think of is a bad connection at the end opposite of the 7 pin connector (often just a wire nut) or the brake wire that passes from one side to the other through the axle has worn through inside the tube and is shorting to ground.

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