Dump Trailer Brakes Work with Chevy but Not 2014 Ram Truck

Updated 05/11/2016 | Published 05/10/2016

Question:

Why is my 2014 Dodge Ram have trailer brakes on certain trailers but not on others I have a flatbed that the trailer brakes work I have a dump trailer that the trailer brakes wont work on my Dodge Ram but it works fine on my Chevy

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

If the brakes on the dump trailer are electric over hydraulic then that could be why they are not working with the 2014 Ram. Some brake controllers are compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes and some are not. Some factory integrated brake controllers have an electric over hydraulic mode that would need to be used.

If you have regular electric brakes on both trailers then it could be that the ground connection on the dump trailer is being interrupted. This can happen sometimes on dump trailers and you would need to ground the brake magnets with the main trailer connector ground. Every tow package is different so the Chevy might be able to overcome a bad ground connection.

It could also be dirty or corroded trailer connectors. Make sure that the truck and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside, where the wires attach, and outside on the pins themselves.

Since the brakes work fine with the Chevy truck I believe the issue to be related to a ground problem or bad connection in a connector due to corrosion.

expert reply by: Michael H