Brakes not working, Help troubleshooting

[packpe89]

I picked up our 2004 Fleetwood pioneer this weekend (30' bunkhouse). Did the usual check, bearings, water, hot water, air pressure, lights, etc. So I then started home to clean it up and get ready for camping. I noticed I was not sure if the brakes were working. Get home and do some checking and I don't think the trailer brakes were working at all. (I live in a flat area, so 2500HD brakes stop well) Trying to trouble shoot where the problem might be. I disconnected the emergency brake cable and the trailer still rolled freely. I know in the past, this had locked the brakes. So I'm guessing it is not on the truck and controller, but instead, the problem is on the camper. Any suggestions before I take it somewhere?
Thanks
Joe

[opnspaces]

packpe89 wrote:
How do I check, Never really done any brake work?

Your brake problem is most likely a 12 volt electrical problem. Do you by chance have a multimeter that you can use to check for power?

If so check your battery for voltage, write it down or remember the reading. Next check the emergency breakaway switch for the same battery voltage. Then crawl under the trailer and check for battery voltage at the wiring coming out of the axle tube and into the back of the brakes. You should get the same voltage at all checks you make.

[Helmsey]

packpe89 wrote:
Mine is very basic, came with the truck. It usually lit when connected, but is not lighting now.

I fought brake issues on our last 5er and it turned out to be a wiring\ground issue. I ended up taking an afternoon and wiring them with fresh wire and connectors and had great results after that.

[RedRocket204]

packpe89 wrote:
Mine is very basic, came with the truck. It usually lit when connected, but is not lighting now.

Brake controller will not be the source of the problem as you described.

The tell would be that you do have a charged house battery and with the emergency brake pin pulled and with no brakes, the problem is with wiring somewhere from the battery to emergency brake box to the brakes themselves. Now, that doesn't mean there aren't other issues, but fix that wiring problem first and then troubleshoot any remaining issues.

[packpe89]

Mine is very basic, came with the truck. It usually lit when connected, but is not lighting now.

[Helmsey]

What kind of brake controller are you using? In the past I have used a Prodigy P3 and it had some diagnostic abilities, it could tell me amps drawn from the brakes and the output from the truck to the brakes.

[packpe89]

Thanks, I will check this afternoon. And yes, battery is showing 3/4 charged and adjusted trailer brakes as well as pushed the slider and no effect.

[donn0128]

A,you should be able to hear the brake magnets make noise when activated.
B, is there a house battery installed?
C, have you adjusted the trailers brakes?

[dbbls]

Usually you can hear the magnets hum if they are getting current. Check the wiring connections under the trailer near the wheels. You will probably have to remove the electrical tape from the connection first. The wiring will go to one front brake first, then in another wire that goes through the axle, out the other side then into the brake. Another wire will go to the rear wheel, then through the axle like the front one did. A common problem is the wire inside the axle. It can become worn and short out the brake. I just run a wire on the outside of the axle instead of replacing it inside the axle. Secure it to the axle with wire ties. You will have to remove the hubs to check the wiring on the magnets. Many times this wire will break off the magnet. This will require new magnets to fix this. After removing the hub you can pull the break away cable and place a wrench against the magnet to see if it is working.

[packpe89]

How do I check, Never really done any brake work?

[Helimech]

Are you getting power AT the magnets?