Trailer Disconnected Error Message

Updated 05/29/2018 | Published 05/25/2018

Question:

I have a 2018 Gulf Stream Friendship 238RK and a 2017 Ford F250 with tow package and integrated trailer brake. When I try to adjust the gain or squeeze the brake manually I get an error message trailer disconnected. All the lights/blinkers are working though. I went to a friends and hooked up to his older Coleman camper and the truck is recognizing his camper. I get trailer connected message and a lit up gauge to adjust gain. His truck is also not recognizing my camper. He has a 2017 GMC Seirra with factory trailer brake.All lights/blinkers work as well. We traced the wires and connections all the way back to the brakes and everything appears to be fine. What could my issue be?!

asked by: D. B

Expert Reply:

The most common cause for a trailer brake controller to display the 'no trailer connected' error message is a damaged or corroded connector on the trailer. Corrosion can occur inside a connector too so you'll want to re-inspect both the external contacts and the back/inside of the connectors if possible for signs of any corrosion.

Even slight greenish or whitish discoloration can indicate a corrosion issue, and certainly it can also happen that there can be severe corrosive build-up inside the connectors. Use a product like Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors # 11755 to help prevent corrosion.

Other common causes for this error message are a bad connection at the electric brake assemblies or a short on one of the magnets. There could also be damage or a short on the wire that carries the brake circuit. I recommend re-checking the trailer.

A troubleshooting article is linked for you.

There is a chance that your trailer connector could be wired differently than your truck since the trailer is new. You can test the trailer by keeping it disconnected from the truck and applying 12V power directly to the brake circuit contact. On a trailer plug this will be the pin indicated by the arrow shown in the linked photo. If the brake circuit activates then it is wired correctly.

expert reply by: Timothy G