Electric Trailer Brakes Lock Up Even with No Power Getting to Them

Question

Question:

I have a single axle trailer with brakes that we generally do not have wired up to anything. Recently the brakes started to lock up. We disconnected the wiring harness and they unlocked briefly but they locked up again. With no power to them. We ended up cutting the wires to the brake drum and they are still locked. What would cause this as there is no power.

asked by: Barry G

0

Expert Reply:

Your trailer might be possessed! If the trailer has a battery on it with a breakaway system then that is likely where the power was coming from. Even if there wasn't a breakaway system, if there is a battery on the trailer then it is possible that corrosion on or in the trailer connector could be causing a short from the 12 volt circuit to the brake circuit.

Cutting the power to the magnets should cause the brakes to release. But in this case that didn't work. Since you mentioned that you usually don't use the brakes I theorize that some corrosion or road gunk has caused the brakes to get stuck in the position they are in. Once you physically and manually release them the problem should not happen again with no power wires going to the magnets.

If you want to replace the brakes I have included a link to the electric brakes that we carry.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

If there's no power being delivered to the trailer's brakes, with the trailer unplugged from the tow vehicle and the breakaway system battery removed, you're looking at a mechanical problem, not an electrical problem. Give the brake…

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Answer 2

There are a few things that can cause the brakes to lock up on a trailer. First, disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. Then use a circuit tester like #PTW2979 if needed to test the connector on the vehicle. Have someone sit in the truck and run…

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Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 6

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 7

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 10

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 11

The Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator part #DM72VR should be a direct replacement for the Atwood 61101 Brake Actuator that you have now. This newest updated it rated at 7K instead of 6K. This is a bolt on option that mounts on 3" centers.…

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Answer 12

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Electric Trailer Brakes Lock Up Even with No Power Getting to Them

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